Life In Lagos

“You are paramount to this family”. It was her father’s mantra ever since arrangements were made for her to leave for school.  “You are the first and only girl of this family, so I want you to be careful while out there…very careful”.  Careful of friends. Careful of boys.  She knew what he meant. “Dad, Thanks! But you know this is a digital era. Nothing is going to happen to me. Besides I’m a big girl”, teasing him. “I’ll be fine”. It thrilled her so much that she would be moving out soon to see the world she had yearned long to see. She was well trained and mannered. Her parents were proud of her.   Her mom was never left out in offering her own piece or rather chunk of advices. It was inexhaustible. She cooked up strange scenarios and instances of how things went bad for students in school.  Mary left for school a week later. She was free. She met with different persons and her room mates were something else. They scarcely attended classes. They neve...

    It felt like 'hell' trekking through the street of Nnebisi to my house.Though my black-alpha-shaped sun glasses seemed to save my sight, but my skin took the beat. Initially, i thought the sun would continue to shimmer. But now, it was terribly scotching than i have long felt. It felt like a vampire exposed to light and i couldn't take it no longer as my skin protested in perspiration and burn.    I ran into the shade of a provision store, less concerned about a few persons who were there. I was only saving myself until i found a better way home - a tricycle possibly. I faintly noticed a woman was staring at me with intent and a little disdain. To second check my guess, she was indeed. Before i turned my face away, she said almost yelling; ”Ahh! Why you dey run comot for sun? Abi you no know say sun good for body”? I thought it was a joke initially until i noticed that intent and disdain still registered on her face. To answer her in a polite manner - fo...