Lagos City Hall

The Lagos City Hall was completely renovated in 2010 after fire gutted it in 1997. It's a modern facility that hosts the Lagos Island local government offices as well as other businesses and socio-cultural organisations like the Goethe Institut.

Karo Akpokiere's Illustrated Letters

Karo Akpokiere strikes a pose

 Graphic artist Karo Akpokiere had his first solo exhibition at the Goethe Institut, Lagos on Saturday September 10. His Illustrated Letters are inspired by "the bold, edgy graffiti aesthetic, character design, the fine black line and expressive text present in comic books."

It was my first exposure to his art but I left with a deep impression. His inspirations come from growing up reading comic books and the way those characters were illustrated. He says that he wants to challenge the notion that design is mainly for passing commercial messages.

His ongoing daily project Draw365 can be followed online here

Audience at the exhibition opening

"What's the secret behind his art," she seems to ask.

Karo and family members with Goethe Institut director Marc-Andre Schmachtel

Brave faces at Maxi Foam fire disaster

This fireman held on bravely until water ran out from his tank

The Maxi foam factory at Ojodu got razed down on Saturday afternoon. I was attending a series of events and exhibitions at Lagos Island and was returning when I saw smoke blazing over Berger. My friend Toyin sent a chilling text message: "Fire at Berger, opposite Tantalizers. I was eating and ran for my life. Left my food."

As I alighted from the bus, I made my way straight to the scene of the incident where a gas explosion had caused the foam making factory to erupt in flames. It burned until there was hardly anything left to make of the once important factory. The building nearby that has a series of shops was also engulfed in the blaze that had spread across the fence. Brand new cars belonging to a dealer shop were burnt as the fire spread down the block.

Citizens came out to help men of the fire service to quell the flames but all actions were to come to nought as the fire devoured everything in its way. A few articles were saved by brave men and women who withstood the flames to help people they didn't know. I went into some of the offices with rescuers who tried to save the most they could before the flames could come near.

It was an afternoon that brought out the best of my country men and I'm proud to say that everyone gave their best. Even though the fire service trucks ran out of water severally with new units coming in to assist, one could see the resolve of the brave men as they fought the fire albeit with out great success.

To my knowledge, no life was lost in the fire.

P.S
In my original post I stated that the factory involved was Mouka Foam, I have since been corrected that it is Maxi Foam. Got a call from the Quadrant Company (Mouka's PR). I apologise for any wrong impressions created.

Tired and out of water, he frustratingly removes his helmet

Fire's out but all's lost

Untrained, these men gave a helping hand to the overwhelmed fire officers

These men passed buckets of water to try and put out the flames

Woman in agony after losing much to the fire that blazed through the factory and nearby shops

This lady played a big part in finding ways to put out the massive blaze 

Men trying to save office equipment in a nearby building before the flames came near

This burly man betrayed his emotions on that afternoon

Witnesses: Mobile phones in hand, these men recorded the incident from ringside

Ambulance services attend to people who were injured in the rescue operations

Fans of the Nigeria national football team create a mock prayer session for the team ahead of a recent game in Lagos.

Window seat

A passenger looks out of the window as a commercial bus makes its way along the expressway at Surulere, Lagos.

Girl running

It's not a common sight to see girls run in Lagos. Saw this young lady run to her mother across the pedestrian bridge in Ikeja.

Photo opp

Two young ladies take photos with a mobile phone in front of the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.