If you didn’t grow up in Lagos and are a 'Johny Just Come' (JJC),
adjusting to the hustling and bustling life of the city may be difficult for
you even if you are just to spend few days, especially if you grew up in a calm
city like Agbor
town or Akure.
People who are visiting Lagos for the first time or have
never visited usually have different conceptions based on the stories they have
garnered from various Lagosians they have met back at home, many have concluded
they cannot settle in Lagos – “it is too noisy”, “it is overcrowded”, “I can’t
cope with the stress of the traffic” they do say.
You will agree that sometimes, circumstances beyond your
control will make you become a resident of Lagos or a visitor – newjob, marriage
or attending an event of a loved one.Putting aside the stories you have heard, everyone
can cope in Lagos, you just need to open your mind to it and adhere to some dos
and don’ts like these ones below.
The 5 Dos
· Keep Calm and be Respectful
You may probably see new things around -landmarks, structures,
and more, it’s okay to look, but staring for too long or touching may just make
you look awkward with people around wondering what planet you dropped from. Learn
to say sorry if you bump into someone, don’t attack with words like “are you
blind?” or any other offensive word - try as much as possible to stay out of
arguments.
·
Don’t look Intimidated or Frightened
Depending on the area, there may be lots of noise from
traffic orpeople yelling at each other, don’t let that frighten you, simply go
about your business or steer clear from the area and move as fast as you can because
you may never tell when a fight will break out from thosearguments. Don’t be
sloppy or move around like a wanderer, act smart rather than intimidated by the
environment.
·
Blend
Relax, not everyone in Lagos is out to snatch your
belongings like you may have probably heard from those stories.Contribute
sensibly to discussions;be warm and friendly– when you need to.Yes, about your
dressing, if you do not want to draw stares or fall a prey to robbery, do away
with excessive jewelries and beads.
The 5 Don’ts
·
Don’t Trust Easily
Just like the popular saying, you do not judge a book by its
cover – just because he or she wears a suit or looks goods doesn’t mean they
can be trusted, be wise.
·
Don’t Move at Night
Except you are really familiar with the area or you have a
very good memory when it comes to roads, then you should stick with the day, at
times even places you think you know so well looks different at night.Also
avoid dark and lonely areas.
·
Don’t be Greedy
So someone walks up to you and starts telling you about this
really cool deal you should invest in or try out – “make 100,00 naira with just
10,000 naira in 3 days”, truth is, there’s a 99.9 percent chance it’s scam
- he or she is just trying to eat your
money.
·
Don’t show yourself
Even if you are your village champion, no one in Lagos
really cares; bragging and shouting may get you attention but land you in
trouble, be wise.
·
Don’t take Unlabeled Buses
To be on a safer side, commercial buses painted yellow or
BRT buses are better options, though they are couple of private cars and buses
that pick up passengers at bus stops, patiently wait for a commercial one to
take you to your destination.
Hope you find these tips useful when you make your next trip
to Lagos.
No comments:
Post a Comment