Tag: So you think you know Lagos

Mazi Emeka October 21, 2017

So you think you know Lagos XI: The Mayor of Lagos and the ‘city with bared fangs’

Blood flowing through open wounds of broken human body parts and a nation, beaten by ethnoreligious violence, forced Toni Kan and his family to flee to Lagos. They sought refuge…

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Mazi Emeka October 21, 2017

So you think you know Lagos X: Badagry – a town of many firsts held prisoner by history

Badagry sits on one end of Lagos like an ignored elderly woman, whose hands raised nations but time and circumstances have snatched vitality from her. She is seen but often…

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Mazi Emeka October 21, 2017

So you think you know Lagos IX: Oshodi, Festac, Okota, and the undertones of ethnic tensions

It is nearly noon on a bright Saturday and Alhaja (Mrs.) Gilani looks like her day is in slow motion. She is resting on a table where crates of eggs,…

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Mazi Emeka October 21, 2017

So you think you know Lagos VIII: Confronting Nigeria’s disappearing history in Yaba with faith from Makoko

Nearly 6:30pm and Sogunro, Makoko, is alive with human activity; a cool evening breeze bouncing off the water canals and bathing the people in coolness. The noise of children playing…

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Mazi Emeka October 20, 2017

So you think you know Lagos VII: New Lekki repeats the mistakes of old Lekki?

The sun is at its highest point, beating down with an intense ferocity that was merciless and unyielding. The tarred roads here absorb the heat and throw it back up…

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Mazi Emeka October 20, 2017

So you think you know Lagos VI: Fetish sacrifices in Ikorodu and the real hustlers of Mile 12

"See that one" he said, nudging me with his elbow. He was using his eyes, to avoid drawing attention as he discreetly pointed at two brown earthenware bowls sitting next…

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Mazi Emeka October 20, 2017

So you think you know Lagos V: Ikoyi through Victoria Island – Where money goes to sleep and Afropolitans find a home

My relationship with money began when I overheard one of my older cousins say that money has a smell and spirit - and both can possess a man to do…

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Mazi Emeka October 20, 2017

So you think you know Lagos IV: Lagos Island, Black Brazilians – The history is there; don’t change the story

The story of Lagos is incomplete without a thoughtful reference to Lagos Island – formerly known as Isale Eko. Walking through its cramped streets feels like stepping through history, hearing its…

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Mazi Emeka October 19, 2017

So you think you know Lagos III: How demolition and eviction by LASG is tearing families apart, disrupting education

It was Philomena Aya's hands that conceived and birthed Daniel. It was the same hands that buried him 25 years later after a bullet pierced his throat, sniffing life out…

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Mazi Emeka October 18, 2017

So you think you know Lagos II: “Any way na way; any hustle na hustle” – The nightlife of Opebi-Allen and Fela Shrine

At 8pm every Friday, Mutari, a tall slim Hausa-Fulani man, arrives at Opebi-Allen roundabout, Ikeja, at the intersection with Toyin Street, directly behind the garden at Allen-Opebi roundabout. He sets…

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Mazi Emeka October 18, 2017

So you think you know Lagos I: The hidden jewels of Isheri, renovated Berger and the faces of Agege

If football and other sporting events unite Nigerians, then Agege bread unites Lagosians regardless of socio-economic class and/or education. On their taste buds, Lagos residents carry an agreement (call it…

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Oludolapo Adelana October 18, 2017

Editor’s Note: YNaija presents Lagos like you’ve never seen it

Today, YNaija begins an 11-part citizenship series on Lagos, popularly dubbed, "the city that doesn't sleep". Known for its welcoming aura and constant vibe, Lagos is home to all. From the…

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