Opportunities

There’s just something about this city called Lagos. I liken Lagos to New York, and although I have never been to Delhi, everything I have seen on television or heard recalled from the testimony of those I know who visit regularly, tells me that Lagos might very well want to twin with Delhi. Absolute chaos and absolutely electric exuberance all in the same breath.

I have been here 10 odd days now but I came prepared. Expecting little and expecting much at the same time. Expecting little in terms of infrastructural ease and expecting much, much more in terms of all kinds of business and personal opportunities. That is the spirit and the manner of Lagos.

In amongst the chaos, the potholes, the persistent and consistent power cuts, the erratic water supply and the absolutely implausible heavy traffic, every car number plate in Lagos comes with the slogan “Lagos State – the Centre of Excellence.” Unbelievable or what?

But then, on the other side of the coin, you have correspondingly mind boggling business opportunities and business success stories. The first African Forbes listed billionaire is a Nigerian. Then take a look at our sea ports - full of activity to the edge. The airports? Come and watch the jet queues for take off at peak times at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Please, come and watch. BA and many other European carriers fly out of Lagos twice a day, not counting the flights from Abuja. There’s something about Lagos.

But jokes aside, I think the Center of Excellence slogan is a prophecy. A prophecy that celebrates the spirit and the tenacity of Lagosians who, despite all odds, day in and day out survive, prevail, and triumph over and over again in their every days lives. “It’s my house, and I live here,” I hear Lagosians saying. I hear them saying “I choose to see the opportunities, I choose to celebrate our challenges even as I seek to live prosperously within the limits I find myself surrounded by.” There’s got to be something Biblical in that kind of spirit.

Watch this. Eko on ni baje is the political slogan of the new Governor of Lagos State. For my non-Yoruba brothers and sisters that translates into something like ‘Lagos will not go to ruins’ or ‘Lagos will not ruin.’ I say a huge amen to that. Mega city status that Lagos has now, the challenges for making this city work in terms of public services are humongous. But rather than shy away from these challenges the new administration in Lagos is taking the bull by the horn. Check them out on the official website – yes, there is one.

I say a huge big ups to the social, economic and political aspiration of every Lagosian. What are we aspiring to do, what have we achieved? I hear some ask. Go to London, go to Accra, go to Cape Town and see what is being achieved in the midst of order. Come to Lagos and watch the exuberance of many, the many committed to pursue happiness, wealth and opportunities in the midst of much, much less order.