By Nkem Ndem
Lagos is, without a doubt, the most popular city in Nigeria and possibly Africa. Not only is it cosmopolitan and all-encompassing, it offers countless opportunities to its inhabitants as well as visitors. The city literally adopts thousands of new residents each year and so it has become a daunting task identifying who the real Lagosians are.
Let’s face it, while you may need to have spent a reasonable time living in Lagos, you do not have to be an indigene of the state to be considered a proper Lagosian. There are certain signs that generally suggest that you have shed your “newbie” status and you are officially a true “son of the soil”. Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking portal lists five of these signs.
- You do not refer to the state as “Lagos”
Real Lagosians do not refer to the city as ‘Lagos’, a majority use the term “Eko” while the young and trendy use the term “Lasgidi”. If you hear any real Lagosian make reference to “Lagos”, they are most likely talking about the Victoria Island part of the state.
- You are always vigilant and in a hurry
Real Lagosians understand the need to always stay sharp and move fast, and it has become second nature to them. You will never catch a true Lagosian keeping his or her things carelessly in public places or walking sluggishly on the streets, especially crowded streets.
- The term “owambe” brings you joy
Lagosians love to party and so they find opportunities to make merry. Weekends are basically set aside for owambes…even if Friday nights are spent in one of the many nightclubs and lounges around the city.
- You can walk, eat, talk on the phone and hop on a bus, all at the same time
This happens all the time in Lagos. Every true Lagosian operates with the mantra ‘time waits for no man’, so they have learnt tricks and ways to juggle different activities at the same time.
- Ndem Nkem, Travel/Tech Writer, Jovago Nigeria
Skype: live:nkemndemv, Twitter: @ndemv, Instagram: @kem_dem
