Lagos City Photo Blog

The Women of #OccupyNigeria

2012-01-10T14:55:00.000+01:00

Waka music singer Salawa Abeni joined voices with the people at the Gani Fawehinmi Park on Tuesday. Beside her is Joe-Okei Odumakin, a fiery civil society leader who in her own right has become a rallying point for the masses.

The OccupyNigeria protests have continued into the second day and my attention has been drawn to the role of women in the demonstrations. They have played big roles as much as men in the struggle against tyranny against the Nigerian people by their government. Here are a few of the women I captured during these protests.

Journalist Lolade Sowoolu tweets on her mobile phone during protests at the Gani Fawehinmi Park

Star actress Bimbo Akintola showed up at the OccupyNigeria protests in Ojota to denounce the government

Activist Chioma Ogwuegbu displays her Nigeria colours at the OccupyNigeria protests in Ojota

This young lady joined the protests against fuel subsidy removal at Ojodu.

With a smile, this young lady asks the government to rescind its decision.

#OccupyNigeria: The birth of a neighbourhood protest

2012-01-09T13:04:00.000+01:00

Dayo Fadugba leads a handful of young men at the start of the protest in Ojodu

I was privileged to be part of the beginning of a protest in my neigbourhood as the #OccupyNigeria protests against the removal of government subsidy on petroleum commenced today. Dayo Fadugba, former publicity officer of the Obafemi Awolowo University students union, called a group of young men together on Sunday night to sensitise them about the issues on ground. I got wind of it and attended. The stage was set for protests on Monday morning and I was duly woken up by Fadugba's phone call at 7:16am informing me that they were about to commence.

Without as much as a shower, I jumped out onto the streets, camera in hand, to meet about seven young men, Fadugba inclusive, as they sang around the Ishaga Ojodu-Abiodun area denouncing the government position. We moved from house to house, street to street urging parents to release their young people to join in the protests that affects one and all.

Fadugba said: "You provide water for yourselves, you subsidise your own electricity, you send your children to private schools, they graduate but cannot get jobs and the government wants you to keep quiet, what has the government done for you? If you fight you may win but if you don’t fight you have definitely lost".

From a handful of people, the crowd grew into almost a thousand signifying the anger of many Nigerians at their government's anti-human policies. We moved towards the Ojodu-Abiodun Police Post where Emeka Nwonyi, the divisional police officer, asked the young men and women to protest peacefully even as he acknowledged the fact that policemen also feel the pinch of the policy.

The procession then moved to the Berger Roundabout where it occupied before moving on towards Omole and onwards to Ojota where the larger #OccupyNigeria party was being held.

From seven people to more than a thousand, there is power in the peoples' anger.

A banner says: We no fit shout

Writing the signs

Protesting for his future

Bring an end to corruption

No to fuel subsidy removal

Fadugba addresses Emeka Nwonyi, divisional police officer of the Ojodu-Abiodun Police post

Young people are angry at their government

Emeka Nwonyi, DPO Ojodu-Abiodun Police post addresses the protesting crowd

Nothing that goes up ever comes down in Nigeria

From a small beginning, the crowd grows into a mammoth and moves to Berger Roundabout

Clapping against government tyranny

Fuel price hike portends hell for many Nigerians

The Angel of Dustbin Estate

2011-12-23T14:36:00.000+01:00

Tolulope Sangosanya with children of Dustbin Estate at her resource centre

Tolulope Sangosanya founded the Love On The Streets (LOTS) Charity Foundation to cater for the less privileged children living around Pako in Ajegunle, Lagos. The neighbourhood is better known by its other name, Dustbin Estate.

Having experienced a life of challenges herself, Tolu has found her calling in taking care of the needs of educational needs of the children in the area. Growing up Tolu could not read. After overcoming her disability, her family got a prophecy that she was going to die before her 25th birthday.

"I used to tell myself that I am special but couldn't read and write," Tolu told me. "How can I get to this stage when I thought all was well and then they say that I shall die?"

And so came the desire to leave a legacy behind. It was the reason behind LOTS Charity. Not only did she not die, her charity has survived and is giving succour to more than a hundred kids at the rented apartment where she operates a resource and literacy centre in the Ajegunle neighbourhood. "I can relate and empathize with them because I had a late start in life. All they need is love."

In 2010, Tolu was awarded the prize for the best use of advocacy at The Future Awards. She continues to give her time and attention to the children of Dustbin Estate where she is assisted by Priye and Emmanuel Bayoko, two siblings who grew up in the neighbourhood.

"I'm doing it for the future of the kids," said Emmanuel. "I believe in Nigeria's future."

(Please see link to help Tolulope Sangosanya's work with the children of Dustbin Estate)

The slum where the kids and their families live

Tolu with her assistants Priye and Emmanuel Bayoko

Ikeja City Mall Opens

2011-12-14T15:55:00.001+01:00

The Ikeja City Mall was commissioned today by Lagos governor Babatunde Fashola. A long line of customers queued up outside to receive freebies from the major retailers that include Shoprite, Twice As Nice, Silverbird Cinemas, Mr Price, NIKE, etc.

Mr Fashola said the mall "restores Ikeja back to its rightful place as the retail hub ofLagos. This development provides an inspiring vision of what can beachieved through collaboration between the development partners, regulators,government officials and tenants. Ikeja City Mall brings world-classretail and leisure facilities to Lagos. I am excited to see my fellow citizensin the mall today, relaxing and having fun.”

Well, I can tell you, this will become a veritable playground for Mainlanders during this Christmas.

Shopping time

Governor Fashola

*Photos courtesy of Adewale Adelola

Falomo Roundabout

2011-12-13T20:35:00.000+01:00

The Falomo Roundabout seen from the sixth floor of Union Marble House. In the distance across the water is Victoria Island.

Professor Akin Oyebode's Inaugural Lecture

2011-12-08T11:22:00.001+01:00

Professor Akin Oyebode

Law teacher, public analyst, and author Akin Oyebode delivered his inaugural lecture at the University of Lagos on Wednesday, 20 years after he became a professor. Better late than never, it is a debt every erudite scholar owes the university system. In "Of Norms, Values and Attitudes: The Cogency of International Law", Oyebode challenges the Nigerian political elite to "jettison its obsurantism and anti-intellectual attitude" concerning "policy formulation and implementation on international matters by encouraging informed input from academics and experts."

Unilag top dons

Ojodu sunset

2011-12-06T20:39:00.001+01:00

This photo is from about a year ago and I only found it in my archives. It just feels like one could pluck the sun from its perch as it slowly set over Ojodu.

The Obafemi Awolowo Memorials

2011-12-02T08:30:00.000+01:00

The Obafemi Awolowo Mueum

On a visit to Ikenne, Ogun State last weekend, I stopped by at the Obafemi Awolowo country home where I made these photos of the memorials of the late politician and sage. We weren't allowed to enter the museum because it is required that we should have written ahead of time to request permission to enter. So one could only take photos of the exteriors and not see the mementoes of the great leader of the Yoruba people.

Obafemi Awolowo's resting place

The car that Obafemi Awolowo rode for his presidential campaigns in 1979 and 1983

Open roof, open happiness

2011-12-01T16:29:00.001+01:00

Hatch-back car driving along the Ikorodu Expressway at Ojota.

Emufest 2011

2011-11-21T19:45:00.001+01:00

Dancing time

This year's event began in Lagos with a show on Sunday evening at the Blue Roof of the Eko FM.

Afrolife Beats dancers

Omileyan

Backstage: Orlando Julius, Latoya Aduke, Yinka Davies, Lagbaja, Pa Chris Ajilo, Omileyan and other performers

85 year-old Pa Chris Ajilo still plays the saxophone and dances with vigour

Edaoto

Ruth Michael

Beautiful Nubia

Crown Troupe of Africa

Chinese in Africa

2011-11-18T09:00:00.000+01:00

More and more Chinese companies now send workers to Africa. I recently encountered these men doing construction on a site in Kogi state. They are building a third conveyor line for Dangote Cement's Obajana plant, touted as the biggest factory in Africa. They were very eager to pose for photos and I hope that they are able to take home with them interesting experiences from my country.

Rear view: Traffic

2011-11-17T20:53:00.001+01:00

Young man selling in thick traffic at Gbagada

Shot this image while driving through Gbagada Expressway traffic towards the Anthony bye-pass during the week. It was made as I stared at the "world through my rear view".

First Nation Airlines: First flight

2011-11-07T15:43:00.000+01:00

Wings

Last week I flew First Nation Airlines from Abuja to Lagos and was impressed by the new company's outlook. It was the first week that they were deploying their Airbus A320 aircraft and it looked really neat. The best part of the flight was when they served lunch. It was a full compliment of rice and chicken, unlike the dry snack that's served on most local flights. Plus they put a can of Pepsi/7Up/Teem, not just a cup!

Well, I know it was just a marketing appetizer and they would soon revert to status quo, but I wish they'd continue with what they've started. Airline passengers deserve the best.

(Photos taken with a Google Nexus One camera phone)

Refueling

Inside the cabin

Friendly crew

Street football

2011-10-22T15:24:00.000+01:00

Young men take to the empty streets to play football during this weekend's elections into Lagos State's local governments and local council development areas. This photo was made at Ojodu where youngsters made use of open roads to play football due to the ban on vehicular movement during elections.

Felabration 2011: Fela's Children

2011-10-17T12:47:00.000+01:00

A young man raises a clenched fist in honour of Fela at the end of an Afrobeat performance at the Afrika Shrine during Felabration 2011

Friday night is usually the biggest of all the performances during the annual weeklong Felabration. Extremely long queues of people trying to get into the Afrika Shrine can be seen all over as the crowd press into each other. However, order is maintained by the aptly named green-shirted Shrine Police that keep everyone in check with their whips and clubs and sometimes a machete or two. It's not as rowdy as it may sound.

So struggling to get inside with my media pass, I tried to document the crowd and their loyalty to the genre created by the genius that Fela Kuti was. I have decided to call this post Fela's Children because no matter how long that it seems the legend has been dead, he still possesses a huge following of young men and women (some who were toddlers when he died and many not even born). Such is the power of Afrobeat that it will grow continuously for a long time.

Felabration 2011 has come and gone. Like Gabriel Okara wrote in his poem The Fisherman's Invocation, "the celebration is now ended, the drums lay quiet, silent, waiting" for another year.

Faces of young men in crowd during Felabration 2011

Cross section of the audience at the Afrika Shrine during Felabration 2011

Security guards frisk a man on the long queue to enter the Afrika Shrine during Felabration 2011

Bar Beach: WatchTower

2011-10-14T11:23:00.000+01:00

This watch tower stands on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean at the Bar Beach in Victoria Island.

Obafemi Awolowo

2011-10-14T07:00:00.000+01:00

One of the three famous statues of the founder of modern Yoruba politics and economy, Obafemi Awolowo stands immortalised at the Allen Avenue Roundabout in Ikeja. The two other statues like this one are located in Ibadan and Ile Ife (inside the university named after him).

Felabration 2011: Buy Africa

2011-10-12T14:54:00.003+01:00

The Executives perform a dance sketch

It's Fela Kuti's birthday again and this year's theme of Felabration is "Buy Africa". A formal opening was done with speeches delivered by public intellectuals on Monday at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.

The New Afrika Shrine has been playing host to nightly performances by new acts and big name music stars since. The Executives Dance Club opened last night's performance with a sketch that featured a cameo role by a Fela look-alike.

This year the duo of Femi and Seun Kuti, sons of Fela, will not be performing as they are on tour at the moment. Here are some images from Tuesday night at Felabration.

Two men have a go at the Ayo board game inside the New Afrika Shrine

Travel paper Waka-About carries Fela on its cover page

A patron lights up a joint at the New Afrika Shrine

The crowd at the New Afrika Shrine for Felabration 2011

Lagos Photo Festival 2011

2011-10-10T19:35:00.000+01:00

The 2nd Lagos Photo Festival opened on October 8 at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. Bigger and better than last year's, this edition parades 44 photographers from Nigeria, Ghana, Italy, India, South Africa, France, Holland, etc. It is the biggest photo exhibition on the west coast of Africa and the quality of images and stories on display are impressive. Follow the official exhibition blog here.

Bar Beach: Girl on a Swing

2011-10-06T13:26:00.001+01:00

A girl sits on an old swing looking into the distance at the Bar Beach resort in Victoria Island. The beach is a popular destination for fun seekers in Lagos after its reclamation from the surging ocean waves in recent times.

Happy Independence Day Nigeria: 419 Reasons to Like Nigeria

2011-10-01T00:47:00.000+01:00

For toolong, Nigeria and Nigerians have been readily associated with the online scams,financial crime and impersonation - termed ‘419’.However, beyond the unfortunate stereotyping, there are several positive characteristicsand cogent intriguing traits of the country, Nigeria and its people, some ofwhich are highlighted below as part of the ‘419 Reasons to Like Nigeria’ campaign which enlisted 100 volunteersand bloggers to share reasons why they like Nigeria. These reasons echo thevoices of Nigerians, with resonating similar themes. The campaign is beingfacilitated in partnership with ‘The 419Positive Project’.

The full list of ‘419 Reasons to Like Nigeria’ is available here (www.419Positive.org)

The list of contributors to ‘419 Reasons to Like Nigeria’ isavailable here

If you would like to say something positive aboutNigerians and Nigeria, please do so here.

NIGERIA - THE LAND OF POTENTIAL ANDOPPORTUNITY

v I like Nigeria because it is a land of endlessopportunities and possibilities. Nigeria is one country I believe the world isyet to experience it true potentials. I believe Nigerians are sharp, brilliantand accommodating people. Giving the right enabling environment the world willmarvel at what Nigeria will become.

v Nigeria is the most populous black nation - and abuying one at that. From a capitalist point of view, this makes for a greatinvestment opportunities.

v The fact that Nigeria currently lags behind so much -in infrastructure and developmental terms - hints at the size of the potentialfor innovation and transformation, and at the huge number of vacancies thatexist for 'transformers'. What I think this means is that the world will behearing a lot about Nigeria and high-achieving Nigerians (in the public andprivate sectors) in the near future.

NIGERIA - THE COUNTRY

v The Nigerian Green and White flag is a notablenational symbol. The green color symbolises agriculture, seeing that thecountry is endowed with masses of arable land, while the white colour signifiesunity and peace. Other national symbols include the Nigerian Coat of Arms,which depicts an eagle on a black shield, tri-sected by two wavy silver bands,and supported on either side by two chargers. The national motto underlies thecoat-of -arms: "Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress." Her nationalsymbols convey great meaning to its people.

v The Nigerian accent is currently ranked by CNN GlobalExperiences as the 5th sexiest accent in the world.

v Nigeria is home to Nollywood, one of the world'sbiggest film industries.

NIGERIA - THE CULTURE, THE FOOD, THE WAYOF LIFE

v Something great to like about Nigeria is our culturaldiversity. A strong affinity exists, despite our differences. Learning aboutother ethnic cultures in my country really helped me personally relate to othercultures when abroad.

v I think the food is tastier in Nigeria than that Ihave found in other countries.

v Nigerians live a communal life style. The extended family is part of the immediatefamily in a Nigerian home.

NIGERIA - THE MUSIC, THE MOVIES, THEDANCE, THE ART

v Nigeria has produced many world class musicians. Anotable mention in this regard is Fela Anikulapo Kuti. A Broadway show titled ‘FELA!’was produced in 2009 depicting the life and times of the Afrobeat musician.

v Nigeria’s movie industry, Nollywood, is reputedly the3rd largest film industry after Hollywood and Bollywood, and has growngradually into a $250 million industry in more than 10 years.

v Nigerian indigenous musical instruments are unique,soulful and rhythmic. They comprise the popular Talking Drum, producingproverbial and storytelling sounds, the Shaker (shekere), the Udu drum, theLute, the leg and arm Rattle, the Omele, the Ogene (Gong originating in EasternNigeria), the Ekwe drum and the Kakaki (A 4m metal trumpet popular in NorthernNigeria). Many of these instruments have been incorporated in South Americanmusic over the years

NIGERIA - GEOGRAPHY and NATURALRESOURCES

v Nigeria is a nation blessed with rich human andnatural resources. As the 8th largest exporter of Oil in the world, with the 10^thlargest proven reserves, our blessings cannot be overemphasised. Noearthquakes, no tsunamis, no droughts, an evergreen land. The rest of the worldshould live here.

v The beauty of the Nigerian state cannot but leave onein awe. Blessed with captivating physical features and abundant wild life. Fromthe rolling hills to the vast plains in the North Central Nigeria and theforests in the South, the beautiful scenery of the country is more thanbreathtaking and with the wildlife spread all over the country; Nigeria issurely a beauty to behold and a tourist's delight all year round.

v Nigeria is blessed with tremendous agriculturalresources. Cotton in the North, Cocoa & Oil palm in the south amongst manyothers. The flag is green for a reason

NIGERIA - WEST AFRICA, AFRICA and THEWORLD

v Nigeria has the largest population of any country inAfrica. Approximately 1 out of every 2 West Africans, 1 out of every 4Africans, and 1 out of every 5 persons of African origin is a Nigerian.

v Nigeria is the largest contributor of troops to theECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) and by extension, is the largest force forpeace and stability in West Africa.

v A Nigerian will stand out anywhere you find him/her, fromLibya to London, Tokyo to Timbuktu. Well known examples include Hakeem Olajuwon(Houston Rockets, USA), Olumide Oyedeji (Seattle Sonics), Tunde Baiyewu(Lighthouse Family), Sunday Adelaja (Ukraine), Chris Aire (US), etc.

NIGERIA - INDUSTRIOUS, INNOVATIVE and ENTERPRISING,with ACHIEVEMENTS

v Nigerians are intelligent, brilliant minds who have proventheir mettle in various fields - Wole Soyinka was the first African to win themuch coveted Nobel Prize for literature in 1986. Chinua Achebe’s classic novel‘Things Fall Apart’ was ranked as number 14 in a list of top 100 books in theworld by Newsdesk in 2009. Others include Cyprian Ekwensi, Mabel Segun, ChimamandaAdichie and Helon Habila whose literary works have won both international andlocal awards at various times.

v We have budding fashion designers. Yes! It's a lineevery Bunmi, Amaka and Amina has decided to tow but to disregard the effort andoriginality of our Fashion Designers would be disrespectful. Tiffany Amber,Lanre Da Silva and Deola Sagoe are building world renowned brands, not tomention the legacy developed by the likes of Abba Folawiyo, Maureen Onigbanjo,Remi Lagos and Zizzi Cardow.

v Nigerians have excelled in the fields of economics andfinance, managing well established global bodies. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, thecurrent Minister of Finance, was until recently a Managing Director at TheWorld Bank. Obiageli Ezekwisili iscurrently the Vice President for Africa at The World Bank. Mr Adebayo Ogunlesiis a first class graduate of Oxford, and Managing Partner of Globalinfrastructure Partner (GIP), a concessionaire of London’s GatwickInternational Airport.

v We take technology and expand it in ways those whocreated it could not have imagined. For instance, take the BlackBerry Messenger(BBM) which allows you to send broadcast messages to all addresses on yourcontacts list; Nigerians recently found a unique way of advertising thedifferent businesses they do. Someone started a message highlighting the factthat many people in Nigeria are entrepreneurs or provide a service and includedhis BB PIN in the message and sent to all his contacts with the charge thatthey state the service they provide, include their PIN and send on to all theircontacts too. This seemingly small campaign has gone “viral” with whole listsof entrepreneurs and their BB PINs being passed from phone to phone. This is aclear sign of the ingenuity of Nigerians!

NIGERIA – GREAT PEOPLE

v Nigeria is the 7^th most populous nation inthe world (over 160 million) and most populous in Africa - a gold mine ofenergetic, determined and talented people in each and every field. From Lagosto Aba to Kano, the Nigerian business spirit and desire to succeed is visible.It requires just proper harnessing of these human resources before Nigeriabecomes the super power she was meant to be.

v Nigerians are passionate, friendly, welcoming, hospitable,and well cultured people. The average Nigerian reflects a combination ofvivacity, intelligence, energy, talent, and resolution.

v We are a nation of people that can hardly hide theirexcitement at seeing family and friends. Some misconstrue this thinking we areloud but let's just say we are EXPRESSIVE! If you see us on the streets of NewYork making a big ruckus and hugging? No sweat. We are just happy to see eachother.

NIGERIA – THE RESILIENT SPIRIT

v The Giant of Africa: Not ignoring the currentchallenges, eventually, when we get our acts right, we will reign supreme onthe global scene. We have the potential and as is much touted by the Warripeople - "Naija no dey carrylast"

v The 'survivor-mentality' hard-wired into the DNA ofNigeria's people. The fact that against all the odds (and there are many ofthem), Nigerians continue to live, hustle and seek to triumph. It is not bymistake that Nigeria is regarded as one of the "happiest" countriesin the world, despite its challenging economic and social conditions.

v We are hardy. The average Nigerian does business undercircumstances that are unimaginable to people from other parts. In a placewhere there is no power, no credit, and scant regulation, people do businessand do very well for themselves too. If you can make it in Nigeria, you canmake it anywhere in the world.

NIGERIA – TOURISM and SPORTS

v Nigeria is an amazing tourist haven and is home to theObudu Cattle Ranch, located in Calabar. It is only 45 miles from the Cameroonborder. The Obudu Plateau is spread over 40 sq. miles and is 5,200 feet abovesea level. The Obudu resort features a Gorilla Camp where tourists may observegorillas in their natural habitat.

v Nigeria has two UNESCO world heritage sites, the OsunOsogbo Sacred Grove and the Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa. UNESCO worldheritage sites are places designated as being of cultural significance.

v Nigeria has produced great footballers like Teslim“Thunder” Balogun (the first Nigerian to play for an English Club – QPR), SegunOdegbami, Muda Lawal, Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini (who scored Nigeria’s firstever goal at the World Cup), Nwankwo Kanu, Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha, John MikelObi, Osaze Odemwingie, to mention but a few.

v Nigeria has excelled in athletics over the years,still holding continental records in the 100m men and women, 4x100m men andwomen, 400m men and women, among others. Over 100 skilled Nigerian professionalfootballers played in First Division leagues in different countries all overEurope in the 2010/2011 season, 9 in England; 8 each in Finland, Norway; 10 inUkraine and 7 in Sweden.

NIGERIA – UNITY in DIVERSITY

v Nigerians, despite our diversity are a united peoplewho always strive to help one another. With 774 local government areas, multireligious and ethnic affiliations, 36 States, and population of over 160million, we still stand undeterred to move forward together.

v Even outside the country, Nigerians remain united.This gives a quiet assurance somewhat that you can get on a plane and go to anycountry of the world and find a Nigerian there who will not only make you feelwelcome but will go out of their way to be of really good help. I haveexperienced this several times on my travels and each time it amazes me how allI need to be is a Nigerian, not Igbo, Yoruba or Hausa and once I run intoanother Nigerian, I will immediately feel at home.

v Our greatest strength lies in our diversity.

The ‘419Reasons to Like Nigeria’ Campaign is in partnership with ‘The419Positive Project’.

Lagos City Hall

2011-09-14T08:58:00.000+01:00

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

2011-09-13T08:10:00.000+01:00

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

2011-09-12T19:12:00.002+01:00

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

2011-09-10T08:00:00.000+01:00

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

Window seat

2011-09-09T17:31:00.000+01:00

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

Girl running

2011-09-07T08:45:00.000+01:00

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

2011-09-06T18:45:00.000+01:00

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

St Paul's Anglican Church, Igbara Oke

2011-08-31T15:57:00.000+01:00

Recently visited Igbara Oke in Ondo state for a project and saw the St Paul's Anglican Church perched on a little hill. Ascending into the church on its well worn staircase felt like a short trip to heaven. Inside I found no one to ask questions about its age so I made a silent retreat.

AP No. 1 Campbell Street

2011-08-19T08:23:00.001+01:00

This very antique-looking African Petroleum (AP) fuel station is on Campbell Street. It's listed as AP No. 1 on the official manifest of the petroleum regulatory company PPPRA which makes me feel it is actually the first ever fuel station in Lagos (which in turn could make it the oldest in Nigeria). The dealer is Chief Isaac Nweke.

Marina Street

2011-08-18T18:18:00.000+01:00

Once the proud home of Nigeria's top banks until Victoria Island lured many of them away, Marina Street is a rich long stretch of skyscraper-filled real estate. It is where the famous Stallion Plaza, the tallest in the country, lies alongside other impressive architecture.

St George's Hall

2011-08-10T19:13:00.000+01:00

This really cool looking building along Broad Street is the St George's Hall, home to the Freemasons Lodge 3065. I found it unusual and knocked on the door hoping to find someone to speak to and perhaps see the insides but was told by the guard that it doesn't open on Saturdays. It was he who later told me it belonged to the Freemasons, "a club of big men," he said.

On closer scrutiny I discovered that the sign on the top is the compass and square of the masonry. This lodge was founded in 1904. There's a website link here.

As I'm presently reading Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol, I have a little insight into the workings of the fraternity depending on how true the fictional tale mirrors reality. According to Brown, "we all fear what we do not understand." How well that is true with the Masons I do not know but I would like to see the insides of that magnificent hall that lends so much olden beauty to Broad Street.

Bishop George Amu @70

2011-08-09T20:54:00.000+01:00

Archbishop George Amu

Having read a lot of his interviews in the media in the past, it was a good opportunity to throw questions at Archbishop-elect George Amu at a press conference today where he announced his 70th birthday as well as his consecration as an archbishop, the celebration of his 43rd wedding anniversary and the consecration of three new bishops in his church, the Goodnews Mission.

A popular school boy in his youth when he captained the football team of St Gregory's College, Obalende, the Bishop still stays awake to watch late night football matches as he never likes to miss a thing. Although he regrets that none of his kids ever took to professional sport, Amu says the secret to his long life is that he holds no grudges with anybody. "Do the best you can, how you can, when you can, nobody knows tomorrow,"he says.

Inside MKO Abiola Home IV

2011-08-06T08:21:00.001+01:00

The Abiola Graves

These spots mark the burial places of MKO Abiola and his wife Kudirat. Kudirat was killed by assassins under the military government of Sani Abacha. They lie in front of the main house in the expansive compound. In keeping with Islamic injunctions, they are not overtly decorated but cannot be missed as one enters the compound.

Sign for the Kudirat Abiola Corner in New York

The signage above is a copy of that placed on New York's 2nd Avenue and 44th Street in front of the Nigerian Consulate. The corner was renamed after Kudirat in 1997 in honour of her life. The Nigerian military government fought hard to stop it (some people say Abacha spent almost a million dollars) but didn't succeed. In retaliation, the military government renamed the road in front of the American Embassy in Lagos after Louis Farrakhan Street, the controversial Nation of Islam leader. The street has since been renamed after Walter Carrington, a former US ambassador who was very outspoken in the fight to return the country to democratic rule.

Inside MKO Abiola home III

2011-08-05T07:11:00.000+01:00

This is the Abiola study just by his room. The books have been rearranged by KIND but I do not know how much of his stuff remains in there.

Here's a letterhead of MKO's where he's addressed as Aare (Aare Onakakanfo), a traditional title that signified him as the war leader of the Oyo Kingdom.

Inside MKO Abiola home II

2011-08-04T08:21:00.009+01:00

At the end of the passageway are portraits of Kudirat Abiola, MKO's wife. She was murdered by the military government's assassins in 1996. I remember hearing the news that she had been shot and was in emergency surgery on the radio as my friends and I were preparing for our school certificate exams. Later on the announcer said she had died due to wounds sustained in the cranium. It was highly uncertain times in Nigeria during the rule of the military. You always turned on the radio awaiting news of who had been shot or arrested. Public dissent was stifled and anyone could be the next to be invited "for discussions" at the office of the State Security Services. We lived in fear.

The Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND) was founded by her daughter Hafsat to keep alive the heroine's ideals.

A biography of Ralph Bunche sits on one of the numerous bookshelves in the Abiola home. Less visible is one of Malcolm X and another report on state-sponsored violence in Nigeria. I believe they are not his as some of the titles were published after his death.

Inside MKO Abiola's home

2011-08-03T18:19:00.000+01:00

MKO Abiola's portrait on the wall was painted by Togolese Segla Yenu in 1992

One of the biggest experiences I've had since I started the Lagos Photo Blog three years ago is the opportunity to photograph the living quarters of the late MKO Abiola, Nigeria's icon of democracy. Abiola died in 1998 in mysterious circumstances during his incarceration by the military ruler Sani Abacha. He had won Nigeria's presidential elections in 1993 but was denied the opportunity to claim his mandate by the military. He was put in jail for treason for declaring himself president by Abacha.

I was welcomed into his expansive home in Ikeja by staff of the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND) who now use it as office to propagate his ideals and his wife Kudirat's. For someone I admire, it was an intense feeling walking around his large room that had been renovated in 1998 in anticipation of his return home. Unfortunately, it was his remains that were brought to be buried in the compound.

I hope it becomes a public monument to his life soon and that people are allowed to come in to see first hand how the business mogul turned political activist lived his life. His taste for the better things of life can be seen in the bathrooms that are filled with golden accessories. His thirst for knowledge are also evident in the enormous amount of books in the house.

Abiola's massive bedroom is now used for an office by KIND

Aquinas College Akure @ 60

2011-08-02T19:33:00.000+01:00

The Bishop Thomas Hughes Tower and administrative building of Aquinas College, Akure

My alma mater Aquinas College, Akure celebrated her 60th anniversary during the weekend. It was my first time back since 2007 and I took time to go round the school reminiscing the good old days (isn't that a cliche?) when I thought the world only revolved around the four corners of the school.

Prof O.S Adegoke

Oluwafeyisola Adegoke, a professor of geology and Nigerian National Merit Award winner (1987) took students, staff and old students down memory lane. In a lecture delivered at the occasion, Adegoke told of how he came to enroll as a student in the 1952 set of the school founded by the Roman Catholic Mission a year earlier on a piece of wild land called Igboliki that was donated by the Deji of Akure, Oba Adesida. Adegoke said the thick forest that had been used by the Akure community for the sacrifice of outcasts and twins became the foundation for him and many other young men (including my humble self, seriously) who have now become important people in society. The eminent geologist encouraged the staff members to continue to put in their best in the training of the young boys passing through the school as they are the leaders of tomorrow.

Old students at the event (I'm in there somewhere)

A dinner and launching was held to raise funds at the Alumni Hall. It was graced by Ondo Catholic Bishop Most Reverend Jude Arogundade as well as by representatives of the Deji of Akure. The old students held a thanksgiving service at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church on Sunday led by their president Engineer J.R Olusoga. A former student Monsignor Sylvester Adekoya of the Ijebu Ode Catholic Diocese blessed the thanksgiving service.

Monsignor Adekoya giving the blessings during thanksgiving

As part of the four-day events that marked the celebrations, inter-school debates were held as well as football matches between different schools. The buildings in the school were renamed after many of the old students and pioneering staff including founding principal Reverend John Keaveney, Francis MacGovern, Peter Kelly, Michael Evan, first Nigerian principal Ade Iluyemi, Enock Dare, Michael Ibikunle and the late Emmanuel Babalola. On Friday night, rising hip hop singer Ojoro, who is an old boy of the school (he was my class captain in third year), performed to the delight of all at the Rev’d O’Shea Library.

The Ten Commandments in Yoruba

2011-07-27T08:35:00.000+01:00

Moses' Ten Commandments scribbled in Yoruba on the wall of the African Church Cathedral Bethel on Broad Street. Even Moses (pictured below receiving the laws on the cathedral's bronze door) wouldn't have guessed how far reaching his revelation in Hebrew would go.

Taiwo Olowo's Monument

2011-07-26T18:34:00.000+01:00

Here lies Chief Daniel Conrad Taiwo, a Lagos immigrant who was famed to have entered the city in 1848 of humble origins but who became a successful businessman that the appellation Olowo (rich one) got added to his name. I met several area boys at the tomb as I only stumbled upon it during one of my recent treks around the Lagos Island on Marina Street (it's amazing what one can experience while not riding in a car). I became friends with the boys and they allowed me to photograph even sharing stories of the island with me. The chief died in 1901 and is buried in the monument above.

Geese!

2011-07-21T20:36:00.000+01:00

Saw these beautiful geese at the Freedom Park last weekend where I had gone to do a pre-wedding photo shoot for my friends. They walked slowly and majestically, not fearing the humans around, to the fountain and sipped through the water for food. Cool stuff.

Keziah Jones

2011-07-14T14:51:00.001+01:00

Had a recent interview with Blufunk singer Keziah Jones (born Olufemi Sanyaolu) at the Southern Sun Hotel in Ikoyi. We had earlier met at a performance by Duro Ikujenyo and agreed to an interview on his short trip to Lagos. The singer's been soaking up some West African influence for his next album and he took me down the memory lane; the birth of his music, the influence of identity and his hopes for new Nigerian music to break through to the European and American mainstream.

A few weeks ago he was harassed by French police after alighting from a tarin in Paris. I broke that news online after getting it from his Facebook page. I hope his music makes bigger waves at home like it has in the West.

Bud House - One year later

2011-07-12T18:44:00.001+01:00

Last year I was selected to represent Nigeria in the groundbreaking online reality show Bud House sponsored by Budweiser during the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. We were 32 people who had never met but one thing that we had in common was that we were all football fanatics. So we stayed in this place called Shelley Point, three hours outside of Cape Town, throughout the show as the world watched us online. We had opportunities to go to the stadium in Cape Town to see matches live while the eventual final teams had their representatives at the final game in Johannesburg. Spain's Amanda had the honour of presenting the player of the tournament award to Andres Iniesta.

One year onwards, we still feel like a family. It feels like I have family all over the world. It was a beautiful exchange of cultures and we learnt so much from each other. On our last day in the house a reporter from The Sowetan asked about my impression of the show. I told him that for me it was more about cultural exchange than just a celebration of football. What the producers did unwittingly was to bring together 32 people from all over the world to experience each other’s differences in an atmosphere of love and realize that we’re not so different after all.

That is the lesson that even the United Nations has not been able to achieve in 66 years. That an equal distribution of resources in a fair atmosphere where everyone is allowed to be himself or herself is what the world needs to live in harmony. They have it written in their human right declaration. But in practice, it's not working. The reality was what we did in South Africa last year. It's what today makes me know that I have an amazing family in all the five continents. It's what changed my life and the way I view the world now. It happened at last year's football World Cup. I raise a glass of Budweiser to everyone.

The spirit of the show is encapsulated in the following video where I taught my fellow housemates Dov from South Korea and Ezra from South Africa to sing a Yoruba song from Nigeria. It was recorded by Brazilian housemate Adriano. Somos ciudadanos del mundo...we are citizens of the world.

Rains, more rains and...

2011-07-11T19:10:00.000+01:00

Rain floods have taken over many parts of the metropolis and many people went to work this morning having to wade across once tiny streams. Here at Akute-Lambe on the Lagos-Ogun border, I shot images of residents going to work and school on the Lagos side knee deep in flood waters.

Agofure Motors

2011-07-04T19:53:00.000+01:00

During my recent trip from Port Harcourt I rode on G. Agofure Motors, the big transport company out of Warri. Their service was impressive and I'm glad to say that for a Nigerian company. The mini bus from PH had a little fault on the way to Effurun and the driver radioed ahead to have the bus replaced. Pronto it was done as soon as we got to their HQ in Effurun where the new driver held us spellbound with his Waffi jokes all the way to Lagos. With a fleet of over five hundred vehicles, founder Godwin Agofure employs thousands of people in his transport, hotel and filling station chains in the Niger Delta region. This is a kudos to a man of vision.

Having flown the first leg to PH, it was great traveling back by road all through the heart of the Niger Delta where I saw out of the window my old primary school in Benin City. Ivbiotor Primary School has been abandoned because of the incessant flooding that occurs around the Dumez Junction on Sapele Road. Perhaps one day when I go to Benin I should be able to stop by and see it better.

Statue of Oduduwa

2011-06-30T08:00:00.000+01:00

The Statue of Oduduwa at the base of the Oduduwa Hall inside the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. Standing at over fifteen feet, it was carved by master sculptor Lamidi Olonade Fakeye and commissioned in 1987 by the Ooni of Ife His Majesty Oba Okunade Sijuwade.

Oduduwa is the progenitor of the Yoruba race and is the first ruler of the Ife Kingdom. A myth surrounds the chain around his waist and the cockerel at his feet. It is said that Oduduwa descended from heaven in the beginning of creation and finding the earth filled with water poured some sand that was spread around by the cock. He later planted a palm nut which grew into the first tree and from thence began civilisation.

Meet Genevieve Nnaji- "Africa's Julia Roberts"

2011-06-29T07:41:00.007+01:00

A couple of months ago I posted a shot of Nigeria's star actress Genevieve Nnaji in an ad campaign on a BRT bus. So a few weeks back I finally got the opportunity of getting a rare interview with her in an upscale hotel in Lekki, Lagos. She was charming. Oprah Winfrey once described her as the Julia Roberts of Africa in an episode listing the most famous people outside of the US.

At the end of the interview she grabbed my DSLR camera to see how it worked. It was the moment that this image was shot with a mobile phone by her assistant. She's a beautiful soul.

Tale Omole takes office as OAU VC

2011-06-28T08:30:00.000+01:00

New OAU vice chancellor Prof Tale Omole is ceremoniously enrobed by Senator Olu Alabi, governing council chairman as A.O Ogunruku, registrar and Michael Faborode, immediate past VC look on.

The Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife inaugurated its new vice chancellor on June 24 at the Oduduwa Hall of the college. Tale Omole, a professor of International Relations became the 10th administrative head of the institution taking over from agriculture professor Michael Faborode.

University librarian Bukky Asubiojo and governing council member Bukky Ajomo

Happy students of the university hail the new VC with their placard signs

Rain bricks

2011-06-27T20:18:00.000+01:00

People walk over bricks laid along the floor of this pedestrian bridge in Ikosi after the rains poured all night during the weekend. It is a bit of a balancing act as people try to avoid soiling their shoes during the early morning rush. Long queues usually form as pedestrians take turns to make it across the little pond formed on the bridge.

Sun No Dey Sleep - Beautiful Nubia concert

2011-06-21T15:57:00.000+01:00

Beautiful Nubia

On Sunday June 19 (Father's Day), folk singer Beautiful Nubia launched his eighth studio album titled Sun No Dey Sleep (The Sun does not sleep) at the Sparkle Hall in Ikeja. Being a fan, I attended and it was another amazing performance from the artiste. Here's a link to an article I wrote about his music from a socio-political perspective.

Saxophonist George

Afrojazz singer Tutu

BN Fans

BN with fans

BN signing autographs

Christ on a Cross

2011-06-09T20:22:00.000+01:00

Shot this image of a cross in front of an uncompleted church in Igbara Oke, Ondo state.

Barcelona vs Man United: Lagos Style

2011-05-27T13:31:00.000+01:00

Tomorrow is the UEFA Champions League final match between giants Barcelona and Manchester United at the Wembley Stadium in London.These photos I shot on the streets of Lagos in 2009 when the two teams clashed. Above, a board in Ojota advertises the clash while below, a group of Barcelona fans take to the streets before the game. An article on international football site Goal.com published the images today and you can read about African support for the teams here.

If you're wondering where my support is, I am backing Arsenal to win the game, lol. It shows that I really don't mind who wins as long as they both play good football.

TELL Magazine at 20

2011-05-23T07:03:00.000+01:00

This is the corporate headquarters of TELL magazine where I work. We're 20 years old this year. I was about ten when the first edition of the magazine hit the streets in April 1991. The same issues that were treated in 1991 are still in the media today. Sometimes I wonder if journalism changes anything.

Here's an article I wrote about the anniversary last month.

Duro Ikujenyo and the Age of Aquarius

2011-05-22T13:22:00.000+01:00

Fela disciple Duro Ikujenyo (playing the keyboard) and his band the Age of Aquarius perform every month in Ikoyi, a wealthy suburb of Lagos. His performances are a mix of jazz, highlife and Afrobeat. Come, sit down and listen to good quality music away from the hustle and bustle of the city. And you might also run into international recording stars like Keziah Jones in the audience.

Horsemen waiting for fare

2011-05-15T07:47:00.001+01:00

Two horsemen at the Eleko Beach in Lekki talk while they wait for tourists to hire their animals for jolly rides

Osama Bin Laden and the media

2011-05-10T16:28:00.000+01:00

Last week it was the Royal Wedding that made the cover of the magazines I subscribe to, TIME and Newsweek. This week, both magazines and TELL where I work, have all gone the Bin Laden way.

TIME put an X on his face, the fourth time they have done so in their history with some previous recipients being Adolf Hitler and Saddam Hussein.

Newsweek proclaimed, "Mission Accomplished".

TELL delved into the range of al Qaeda-like activity that has been going on in northern Nigeria.

One thing is certain, the world is rid of one more terror monger.

Lagos Carnival 2011

2011-05-02T09:31:00.000+01:00

Beautiful faces, cool costumes, warm weather and what you get is an ecstatic crowd out to watch the floats of the Lagos carnival 2011. A little less elaborate this year and, I dare say boring, most of the costumes were just a rehash of last year's. I guess the prolonged election season caused it. Here are two shots that I really liked from my collection.

Freedom Park Lagos

2011-04-29T09:16:00.002+01:00

The Stage

"A performance stage bestrides the very spot where the prison gallows once stood and performed their macabre ritual," writes Nobelist Wole Soyinka.

Architect Theo Lawson told me that the Broad Street Prisons were constructed at the cost of 16,000 British pounds in 1885 while a miserly sum of 700 pounds was given for the education budget of "the natives" in that year.

Photo of the Gallows on display in the new museum

Freedom Park, Lagos

2011-04-28T20:51:00.000+01:00

The new Freedom Park museum and exhibition hall

The Freedom Park is a new public facility that rose out of the ruins of the old Broad Street Prisons, former home to some of Nigeria's most important politicians like Herbert Macaulay and Obafemi Awolowo. They were both incarcerated by the British government for their agitation for independence. After many years of being in ruins, architect Theo lawson, who I was lucky to meet and get a personal tale, drew up a plan to rehabilitate the prison and turn it into public use. This beautiful new world class park is the outcome.

Photo of the old Broad Street Prisons on display in the museum

Nobel prize winner Wole Soyinka described it thus: ''An arena for the 'abandonment of hope', the Broad Street Prisons, now opens out to embrace the yells of a hopeful generation. Open sales stalls have replaced the dismal prison cells of colonial memory. A performance stage bestrides the very spot where the prison gallows once stood and performed their macabre ritual.''

Holy Cross Cathedral

2011-04-25T07:05:00.002+01:00

This is the Holy Cross Cathedral, the mother church of Catholicism in Nigeria. It is where the Cardinal Anthony Okogie, Archbishop of Nigeria, presides.

Went in during the weekend and was awestruck. Sitting in the pews, I looked up and beheld such splendour that I was moved to confession. The stained windows painted with the vision of the saints, the Ascension and many other Christian art was truly piercing. However, not being Catholic, all I could ask Father Jacob whom I met was permission to take some photos that he granted.

Have a wonderful Easter Monday.

Easter at the Christ Church Cathedral, Lagos

2011-04-24T07:32:00.003+01:00

Inside the 144 year-old Christ Church Cathedral

After my last post on the Christ Church Cathedral, I got the hint about getting photos of the inside (thanks Leif Hagen) so I went in and got permission to make some shots this weekend. And what an interesting spectacle it is. It's a cute little church even with its grand history (the oldest church in Nigeria). It has been local parish to some of the most recognized names in the country; Herbert Macaulay a nationalist leader and father of the nation whose face adorns our One Naira coin; his grandfather Bishop Ajayi Crowther who was the first African clergy of the Anglican church, Ernest Shonekan and Yakubu Gowon both past heads of state and many more famous Nigerians.

The Christ Church Cathedral's 64 stops, 4 Manual Pipe organ built by Oberlinger In Germany

I had the opportunity of meeting the Choirmaster Mr Ojemuyiwa who has been in the choir for 62 years. He told me about the impressive pipe organ that the church had installed two years ago at an impressive cost of 166 million Naira (over a million dollars). It's estimated to be the biggest of its kind on the continent. It can be heard from miles away on Sundays and Mr Ojemuyiwa has invited me over for an Easter evening performance by the choir which I'm sure to attend.

Can't wait to be blown away by the music.

Chicken for Easter

2011-04-23T20:31:00.000+01:00

This biker was on his way home with an Easter chicken cooped up in the sack hanging from his motorcycle. Definitely happy kids this Easter.

Ikeja train station

2011-04-22T18:16:00.000+01:00

The Ikeja terminal station of the Nigeria Railway Corporation. Rail services are expected to return to normal after many years in the doldrums. In March, newly elected President Goodluck Jonathan commissioned a new line to Abeokuta and rode on it for his campaign. Many of my generation who have never been on a train hope that it would bring a safer alternative to the congestion on our many bad roads.

Nigeria at the polls

2011-04-16T16:33:00.000+01:00

Nigerians went to vote for a new president today. Here voters queue up to get accredited for the process early this morning. Things have been peaceful and one hopes they remain so when results are announced tomorrow.

Will their future be better?

2011-04-15T15:49:00.000+01:00

Boys walking to school. Nigeria will vote to elect a new president tomorrow April 16. I wonder if the new government will make the future of these young boys and many others like them a priority. I really hope for better days for young Nigerians, they're the future of our nation.

Genevieve on BRT

2011-03-24T19:54:00.000+01:00

Nigerian film star Genevieve Nnaji adorns the back of the Bus Rapid Transit in an ad campaign for Luna Milk. The new BRT buses are an ongoing replacement for the old yellow Danfo mini-buses on Lagos roads.

Mending Mirrors

2011-03-21T07:26:00.002+01:00

A bus driver mends his vehicle's broken side mirror with a cello-tape at the Ojodu-Berger bus park. Many of Lagos' privately-run yellow danfo mini buses are decrepit.

Cathedral Church of Christ

2011-03-20T07:14:00.001+01:00

Founded in 1867, the Cathedral Church of Christ adorns the Marina in Lagos like a beautiful bride. I have a previous post from 2008.

Gani Fawehinmi Park

2011-03-19T13:10:00.000+01:00

Human rights lawyer and activist Gani Fawehinmi was honoured by the Lagos government by redesigning and naming this park at Ojota after him.

Ram Club VII

2011-03-09T16:52:00.001+01:00

Two men arrive the arena with their fighting rams

Ram Club VI

2011-03-07T09:12:00.000+01:00

A portrait of another of the fighting rams with his handler.

Ram Club V

2011-03-06T08:07:00.000+01:00

Category B champion prize-fighting ram Bawala (No Problem) with minder Rasheed

Ram Club IV

2011-03-05T08:59:00.000+01:00

Prize-fighting ram General in a portrait with his minders

Ram Club III

2011-03-04T07:25:00.002+01:00

Fighting ram named Captain and his handler pose for a portrait

Ram Club II

2011-03-03T10:23:00.000+01:00

A young lad leads his fighting rams to the club

Ram Club I

2011-03-02T14:58:00.000+01:00

Was at the Ram Owners Association, Oshodi finals at the weekend where I made these images of fighting rams being led to the challenge.

Working Lagos XVII

2011-02-26T08:20:00.000+01:00

Biker man on his way to pick passengers at the makeshift Ojota bike station

Working Lagos XVI

2011-02-25T11:50:00.001+01:00

A mass of people commuting along the Ojota pedestrian bridge

Working Lagos XV

2011-02-24T07:25:00.002+01:00

A man carries his power generating set on his way to work. Nigeria suffers power outages and many people are forced to generate their own electricity using small sets like these.

Working Lagos XIV

2011-02-23T07:17:00.000+01:00

Street sweeper along Kudirat Abiola Way on Monday morning. Ms. Bola (as she told me her name) has to sweep about a kilometre of road every morning and is sometimes shortchanged by her employers who are contractors to the lagos government.

Working Lagos XIII

2011-02-22T12:17:00.000+01:00

This lady tried to avoid my shot as she made her way to work on Monday morning at Ojota. I found it interesting that she was smiling even as she tried to evade the camera.

Working Lagos XII

2011-02-10T13:21:00.000+01:00

Commuters form a long queue at Ojodu-Berger Bustop in wait of public transport during early morning Lagos rush.

Sam Okwaraji - A Nigerian Hero

2011-02-09T15:22:00.003+01:00

Sam Okwaraji's bust in front of the National Stadium, Lagos

The bust of Sam Okwaraji, a football player who died while playing for the Super Eagles of Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier against Angola in 1989, stands in front of the National Stadium, Lagos where he breathed his last.

Sam Okwaraji, a true Nigerian hero

Working Lagos XI

2011-02-08T08:02:00.001+01:00

A young woman carries a heavy bag on her head in the early morning Lagos rush at Ojota.

Working Lagos X

2011-02-07T07:30:00.000+01:00

A young man makes his way around pressing bodies on the way to work in the Lagos rush hour at Ojota.

Working Lagos IX

2011-02-05T20:36:00.000+01:00

Doris Benson

22 year-old Doris Benson registers to vote for the first time at Ikosi, Lagos during Nigeria's voter registration process. Like Nkiru Igboedu in the bottom photo, many young Nigerians who have attained voting age will be queuing up to select their leaders in April. Many young people are disenchanted with the situation in the country and desire a change.

Nkiru Igboedu

Working Lagos VIII

2011-02-04T12:58:00.000+01:00

A young man wearing earphones on his way to work in Lagos

Working Lagos V

2011-02-02T13:02:00.000+01:00

A man pushing a wheel cart down the Obafemi Awolowo Road, Ikoyi

Working Lagos VII

2011-02-01T07:56:00.000+01:00

A bus conductor hails for passengers along Ikorodu Road.

Working Lagos VI

2011-01-31T07:10:00.002+01:00

Smartly dressed young men on their way to work at the 7UP junction, Ikosi, Lagos.

Working Lagos IV

2011-01-29T07:56:00.001+01:00

Factory workers on their way to work along the Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikoyi

Working Lagos III

2011-01-28T07:10:00.001+01:00

Pedestrians walking on the foot bridge at Ikosi, Lagos on their way to work.

Working Lagos II

2011-01-27T07:18:00.000+01:00

A newspaper vendor hosts "free-readers" in the morning work rush in Lagos at the Anthony Bus stop, Ikorodu Road.

Working Lagos

2011-01-26T07:06:00.001+01:00

One of the conceptual work I'm trying to do these days is to photograph Lagosians going to work on Monday mornings when I'm usually able to find time to do so. So I have started with this shot of pedestrians hurrying to work over the Anthony Bus stop foot bridge.

I am Nigeria...

2011-01-25T16:15:00.001+01:00

...or do you doubt it? I laugh and dance whenever I get the opportunity. I belong among the happiest people on the planet. I am Nigerian.

Tastee Fried Chicken Otedola Estate

2011-01-05T15:59:00.003+01:00

Just opened today along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway close to my office, I had lunch at this beautiful TFC joint. However, my first impression was being served cold jollof rice. Had to take it back to the lady at the till to microwave. Wishing them all the best.

System Overload

2010-12-28T11:24:00.001+01:00

I saw this heavily laden truck in Akure a couple of days back.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

Nativity scene

2010-12-26T20:54:00.001+01:00

This nativity scene in front of the government house in Akure has become a big attraction for tourists. I stopped by to take this photo with my phone.

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Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T17:53:00.001+01:00

My family at Christmas.

This is one of the largest Christmas gatherings we've had in my family in years. Almost everyone is around with their kids visiting my parents in the country.

So we decided to pose for this shot which I took with my phone.

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It's Christmas Eve

2010-12-25T07:39:00.001+01:00

I shot this image of a family attending a Christmas carol service wearing the traditional Christmas hat. I love the vibrancy of the red colour.