A Lagos of generators

Failure of the country's power generation capacity due to years of neglect has resulted in most people purchasing small power generating sets like these ones to light up their homes and businesses. It is not uncommon to see mini sets like these lined up side by side at homes and business offices, shops and markets. People generally generate power for themselves.

The government has promised to do something about it but it only seems to be toying with the power industry as business investors have a field day importing generating sets into the country. There's a conspiracy theory that holds that vested interests are involved in the breakdown of public utilities like power so that they can make more money from importation.

Lagos skyline

This is part of the Lagos skyline at Marina. The building on the right is the NET House which is the tallest structure in Nigeria.

Chick'n feedin'

Saw this cockrel at the park feeding on grass and could not resist taking a shot of it. I bet it would make a great delicacy on Chicken Republic's menu.

Stop for a minute

These signs say stop. Take a minute to reflect about life.

Rooting for Obama

There is a large following of the American presidential politics here in Lagos. Some gentlemen created the Obama Nigeria Initiative at the Lagos Parliament to sensitise people about the candidate's ideals. I interviewed the legislator behind the project, Hon. Adelabu Onibiyo, sometime ago and was surprised by his unflinching support for Obama even though he and his people will not be able to vote during the elections. Very funny.

A lot of motorists in Lagos like to flaunt their support for Obama through car stickers.

Public park

This is one of the new emerging public parks in Lagos. It is located opposite the Lagos State House Of Assembly. The government is beginning to put more emphasis on a green environment as it is erecting more green zones around the metropolis.

No social activities like parties are allowed in this one but one can get away with anti-social acts like sleeping.

Traffic control: LASTMA

This traffic officer under the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA scheme, graciously allows me to take a shot of him even though he turns away from my view. They have since come to epitomise sanity on Lagos roads as we like to say here; the fear of LASTMA is the beginning of wisdom.

Kudirat Abiola Memorial

Faces of the struggle

This is the Kudirat Abiola Memorial Cenotaph located at the 7UP Junction in Ikeja. Kudirat Abiola was a democracy activist who was murdered in 1996 during the shady past of Nigeria's military rule. She was married to MKO Abiola, the man who was denied the right of becoming Nigeria's president after winning what many consider to be the freest and fairest election ever conducted in Nigeria. The monument was commissioned in 2000 by the Lagos government.

Chicken Republic "super hero"

This fast food joint is on Opebi Road. The model in he picture is going to turn into what? Maybe super chicken!

Eko Hospital

This is one of the oldest privately run hospitals in Lagos. It was founded by three gentle men Kuku, Eneli and Obiora. It is located at Ikeja.

Common Sense Limited

I bet this is an un-common sign unique to Lagos.

Lone pedestrian on Opebi Link Bridge

I caught this lady carrying shopping bags along the Opebi Link Bridge to Ikeja. Interestingly, I was on the back of a motorbike (okada) when I took the picture but didn't really think much about the image until I saw it again on the computer and it reminded me of William Wordsworth's The Solitary Reaper. "BEHOLD her, single in the field,
Yon solitary Highland Lass!"

Another image that runs through my mind is that of Will Smith in the movie I am legend. The image seems apocalyptic because of the smoke that rises in the background into the dark clouds above.

Or am I just imagining things?

Muson Centre

This is the Muson Centre, acronym stands for the Musical Society of Nigeria, Muson. It has three big halls that play host to musical concerts, art exhibitions, political launches, live theatre, wedding receptions, etc.

It is located on the Lagos Island.

Chakademus & Pliers in Warri

I've been away from Lagos in the last couple of days as I went into the hinterlands to Warri, in Nigeria's Niger Delta to attend the marking of the retirement of Jay Jay Okocha, Nigeria's most talented footballer. On hand at the stadium to perform was the duo of Chakademus and Pliers, popular Jamaican dancehall singers.Here they perform one of their more popular tracks "She don't let nobody".

Fuel in your boot

There's been an increase in the price of fuel in the world market over the last three months mainly as a result of disturbances in Nigeria's Niger Delta. We usually enjoy availability here except when there is an impending increase in pump prices and suddenly there'd be very long queues because the marketers want to hoard at low prices then sell at higher cost.

Junior church

This is the Children class of my church. With the way the children are enjoying the teacher's lesson, it makes me remember my time as a kid. It sure is fun being a youngster!

Great advice

For those wanting to give it all up and leave their spouses, this message on this building says it all, don't do it. Don't divorce!

Civic Centre

The Civic Centre is located in Victoria Island, the highbrow commercial nerve of Lagos. It is one of the new monuments that dot the Lagos landscape.

Give us our due!

I saw these group of workers of the John Holt company protesting near my office yesterday. I learnt that the shipping division of the company was closed down and the staff laid off so the national union decided to picket the organisation's premises in order to press home their demands for reinstatement of their colleagues. I hope they get their wishes.

Today is June 12, a public holiday in Lagos to commemorate the freest and fairest elections ever held in Nigeria, June 12 1993, which was unfortunately annulled by the military junta then. Nigeria has since returned to civilian rule but there's still much left to be desired in the way our leaders rule.

Sunrise

Saw this sunrise on my way to work yesterday. It is beautiful.