olaoluwatomi

Why does every Lagos driver (every single one) carry on a one sided conversation that involves other drivers? The conversation is usually violent, extreme, rude,  and certainly hilarious to watch especially if you occupy the passenger seat like me! 'Get out of my way', 'I will not allow you to come in front of me',  'O de jo, e je kin bosiwaju e'- Please, let me come in front of you, 'See that mad man', 'If you brush my car, I am warning you o'. 'Oloriburuku'- 'Idiot' 'Okada, don't jam my car o' 'I will show you, you can't get away with that' 'Schiooo its even a man, I thought it was a woman' 'O je kuro lona'- 'You better move out of my way' I look in amazement when people I know as usually docile and meek transform into violent, neck vein bursting tyrants when they get behind the wheel. The transformation is certainly more amazing than that of the incredible hulk. Mee...

*Fear really makes you do crazy things and when you fuel the fire with an active imagination, it makes you seem crazy. I wrote this piece following an episode where fear had gripped my heart and was unwilling to let go:) I think I did a fair share of holding unto fear myself! I have spent the whole day laughing at myself. It's amazing what fear can do, what on earth am I talking about you may wonder? Okay, ill tell you. But an explanation of our living conditions is necessary. My first night in the village was spent in a tukul with grass walls and a grass roof. One night in the tukul was more than enough for my overactive imagination fired by the story of an expat who had promptly packed his bags and gone back home after a snake dropped from the roof of his tukul onto him in the middle of the night. My next nights were spent under the stars and I slept fairly well. With the onset of the rains and the pre-rain wind storms sleeping outside was abandoned and we move...

Spent a few days in Abuja and Nassarawa State! Pictures from my time there! Enjoy Wuse Aso Rock! The Central mosque Auta Balefi, Nassarawa! Sheraton Abuja Inside FMC Keffi! My first attempt at knotting a tie:) On the way to the International Airport Abuja Plaque near the gates to Abuja Araba's Victoria Island Lagos! They have lovely snacks and wonderful cakes:) Driveway to the airport! The bar beach is in the background- VI, Lagos Candlelight- Abuja!  

Dear Siblings, This is just to let you know that I love you very much and would never exchange you for anyone (as if I could).   I know I hardly mention my love for you but you do know this even if I never say it. I hope I try to show it in the many things I do and the way I relate to you! You are both extremely awesome   and know that nothing will ever come between our love for each other. I know we have different lives, different dreams and different paths to tread but its in our moving away (both geographically and in the spheres we each traverse) that we need each other more. Not to smother but to encourage. Thank you for believing in me, for encouraging and helping me. Thank you for your smiles, your eagerness to help and your love. I know I am not perfect, but it warms my dear heart that you choose to correct me in love and smother me with your love when I am at my least likable. I know I have gone all mushy on you but I can’t help it. I might look back to...

  I spent a day in Ibadan last week and it was really nice to see the changes that had occurred since I left University. The University of Ibadan was a delight to behold, everywhere looked so much better than when I was a student. Unfortunately I did not have my camera with me when I visited the University so I could not take any pictures. Most of the pictures below are of the University College Hospital which also had many new additions- a ramp for easier access of the floors, new car parks, a whole new set of building opposite the college, so UCH is on both sides of the recently expanded and refurbished Queen Elizabeth Road. I was really impressed! I was also amazed at the prompt service I got at both the University and the College, It took me only a few hours to get all the documents I needed in contrast to the weeks cited by some people! At the end of the day I was happy at the change which I know has come to stay:)       University College Hospita...

Dear Lagos, Traffic on the Island! I am not sure I really love you but I do like you as   somehow my life has been entwined with you from my very early years. I grew up in Anthony Village and most of what I knew about you was within the four walls of the compound where I grew up and the four walls of elementary school.   Then I grew up and then my walls expanded to include Opebi, Allen avenue, Ketu, Yaba, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Ikeja, Surulere and many other places. I remember walking from place to place and getting to know you better though not necessarily liking you! Almost all of my childhood memories have been within your borders so that at least gives you a pass on my scale of cities to live in! I remember the queues of the WAI brigade, I remember the Abiola riots in ’93, the EYO festival celebrations in the heart of Eko. I remember the street parties and the blaring from the DJ’s speakers before street parties where banned! I remember the colorful market places ...