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A little, they say, can make a difference. I was in Lagos, I think it was last week, just to pick a date for an appointment. This wasn’t a trip made for leisure; it was something that required time, patience, and a bit of Lagos hustle. I travelled all the way from Ijebu-Ode to Ajah, then from Ajah to Obalende.
As is the way Lagosians call out bus stops, “Yaba! Yaba! Yaba dey!”, it sounded so funny to me. Eventually, I entered a bus heading to Yaba. Inside, I met a man who looked like a weightlifter, yet dressed like an herbalist. He was massive, muscular, and had a stern look. What caught my attention even more was the tiny lady beside him. The contrast between them got me thinking: What could this petite young lady be doing with such a hefty man? My mind wandered with curiosity.
Eventually, I arrived at Yaba for my appointment and was given a future date. I felt happy, it was progress, after all. On my way back home, I was mesmerized by the beauty of Lagos, especially the towering skyscrapers. The Oriental Hotel stood tall and elegant, alongside many other stunning buildings that made me admire the city’s growth and energy.
When I got home, I met my family and narrated everything. They listened with laughter and amazement. Finally, the day of the appointment came. I left home very early to beat the traffic, but Lagos had other plans for me. Despite my efforts, I faced the usual heavy traffic, an unavoidable part of the Lagos experience.
But that’s Lagos for you: unpredictable, vibrant, and always full of stories.
When I eventually got to the place, I was shocked to discover that my name had been removed from the list. The manager wasn’t even concerned. That man sent the security on me, as in, I faced hell! I wasn't used to the bribery system, so I asked politely for the next available appointment date. They told me it would be a month later, and worse, the appointment would be closed by then.
I begged to differ. I tried to explain. But they wouldn’t listen. In the end, they practically forced me to bribe them just to be heard. It was disheartening. That day taught me that in some corners of our systems, honesty alone isn’t enough. You have to navigate the hidden rules, the unspoken Lagos ways.
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