CHRONICLES OF A NORTHERN JJC IN LAGOS 1

Welcome to the first episode of my chronicles as a Northerner fresh, in Lagos.

Left Kano by road en route Lagos for an interview on a Monday evening after a long day with a client and Thank God Mercy forced me to eat lunch. It was a long 16-hour trip of about 1,136km. Chatters of 'Oshodi, Oshodi' by bus conductors welcomed me to Lagos. I didn't get to see the most talked-about ‘WELCOME TO LAGOS…shine your eyes’ billboard *sad face*. I've always looked forward to seeing that billboard because of the Shine your eyes part and all the stories I've heard about Lagos being the only State you're welcomed to with Shine your eyes.

While prepping for Lagos, my best friend Itohan, told me, "babe, be careful o. You know all the stories we keep hearing about the city that never sleeps. Be alert always. Especially your phone, you that like pressing phone 24/7".

Getting to Ojota that morning, I was greeted by Lagos morning traffic. I couldn't just wait to get done with my interview and go back to base. My phone rings, K was calling (K is my friend and would be hosting me)

K: Where are you now?

Me: The driver said we're at Ojota. How do I get home?

K: Get a BRT heading to Oshodi, alight at the bus stop. Take a bus heading towards Gbagada. Get down at Charley Boy Bus stop. Call me when you're there.

Me: Can I just take a bike? I can't deal with all this bus here and there.

K: This is Lagos. Bikes don't move on the highway like the north. Except for the registered transport rides like ORide, Gokada and the rest.

Me: Ok then. I'll just use a taxi. I can see a few around here. I'd be calling you at intervals, please keep your phone handy, I don't want to miss my way ejor.

(Ends Call)

Phew 😞 This was the beginning of how cabmen and conductors started cheating me in the City of Lagos.

Fast forward, I got home safely and was asked how I got in without much calls for directions and I explained that I boarded a Taxi. Not Uber or Taxify o, Lagos Taxi. I was supposed to spend N400 to get home from Ojota. Your favorite Northern girl spent N1800 with abeg. I could not just cry and I didn't lay a curse on the cabman o🤣 I only blamed myself for being a JJC in the city of Lagos 😢

(JJC - abbreviated form for Jonny Just Come, this means a new visitor to a place who has absolutely no idea how things are run in that place)

Until next week, I'd bring you more gist about my chronicles in Lagos. Stay blessed.