7 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE MOVING TO THE UK

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

You finally got that visa...yayyy so now you're ready to bolt down to the UK. I was just like you three years ago, flipping through the pages of my passport as I left the embassy. Still looking for the visa page, you needed to have seen the wide grin on my face when I saw the visa on the last page *dancing alanta*. All my antenna was raised as I earnestly prepared my Naija foods, warm clothes, my study documents cos I was going for my post-graduate degree and made sure my passport was safe till my departure date. I was so intrigued with the joy of leaving that I did not equip myself with the knowledge of my intended destination; I did not ask how the UK economy was or their way of live. I only focused on the education and believed that when I get there, everything will fall into place... and yeah they did eventually but looking back at three years ago, I wish I knew then what I know now. I am not where I would have wanted to be but I am happy for how far I have come despite my ignorance of my environment at that time. 

So if you have plans of coming to the UK -whether for studies or for work and you intend to stay for a long time; these are few of the things you need to know before making your trip. 

1) Prepare your mind: The most important thing is to first prepare your mindset for the new environment and decide to embrace it with enthusiasm. Forget any negative stories you've heard and decide to create your own beautiful story. Focus on your goal, your ability to fix your eyes on the reason you came will help you not get distracted or influenced.

2) UK's culture of individualism - Individualism as defined in the dictionary is a belief in the primary importance of the individual and in the virtues of self-reliance and personal independence. Unlike Nigeria, (collectivist country) it is believed that you are O.Y.O (on your own) and 90% of the time you must learn to D.I.Y (do it yourself). In Nigeria, we practice collectivism which stresses the importance of cohesion in groups eg family ties - uncles & aunties who were not born by your grand parents but still part of the family. We love being in groups and create bonds that are not easily broken, so don't expect too much from anyone cos they expect you to be independent. However, God will always place the right people in your path to help you but you need to be aware of the culture. 

3) Working in the UK: As soon as you come in - first thing is to get your National Insurance (NI) number and begin your search. You're at a better advantage if you have a previous UK experience prior to your job search. If you don't... God dey, you can start by taking professional courses to improve yourself. It is also wise to do a volunteer job or internship for few months and then hit the job market. As a student, your school will always have  a career department; they'll be very helpful. Also, register free with Sponsors for Educational Opportunity http://www.seo-london.com/ to help maximize your opportunity for career success. Apply for summer/spring internships to boost your CV and give you that UK experience; before you graduate you'll get job offers from big multinationals and kick-start your dream career. Visit SEO and read testimonials for more inspiration. #wishiknewaboutSEOin2011

4) Accommodation: Students you may not have any problem with this if your accommodation has been provided by the school. If you're not, or if you're here to work - I'll advise you go for a house that is "bills inclusive". So that if anything goes wrong e.g. slow internet, no heating (during winter), no water, electricity goes off; all you need to do is call your landlord and he/she fixes it. If your accommodation is without bills, more work for you cos you have to do the duties yourself. You shall become electrician by force (D.I.Y thingz). It's best to make things easier for you when you're still fresh in the system and when you get used to the environment you can take responsibility of topping up. 

5) Stop the currency conversion: I see most people who come for vacation and convert the price of every item before they buy it. PLS STOP IT if you're here to stay for a long time cos you'll just vex and not buy anything. If you used to be extravagant, learn to be prudent and not buy everything you see. The economy here is different and you cannot expect it to reflect what you were used to back home. Just re-adjust and gradually get used to it. Yes, things are expensive (especially if you live in London) but this is why you should learn to buy the things you need not impulsive buying. If not, your N1,000,000.00 that you thought was big money when you came will vanish in 30 days. 

6) Networking: Some people have been in UK for over 9 years and the only friends they have are Nigerians. Haba... why na? Networking helps in many ways especially if you're thinking of going very far here so mix up and make friends with people from all backgrounds, race, colour, religion. Employers need to know that you have a good interpersonal skills. 

7) PUSH: You must learn to push your way through. Surprisingly, there are still some parts of the UK where racism is still high; you need to stand firm and not sulk at every unkind word spoken to you cos of your skin colour. Never see yourself as disadvantaged or limited; just keep pushing your way through. 

Lastly SHINE YA EYES... There are lot's of opportunities if you keep yourself informed at all times. Ask as many questions as you can; there will be people willing to answer you. If not Google is your best friend, ask google. 

PS: There is no "owambe" here, where you get invited for a party to chop free rice, chicken, pomo, shaki etc; so if you're invited for a party or any outing, better carry your money cos you're in an individualistic country so ain't nobody paying for your food. O.Y.O #oyolowa

Hope this was helpful...

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YOU NEED MY HELP .... WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME???

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

The call lasted for about 30 minutes but at the end of the conversation, he asked "so what's in it for you?" I acted like I didn't understand and asked him to please explain. He said, you've been so nice to me from the first day, you're offering to help me get stronger and you've spoken encouraging words, I just want to know what you'll benefit from it. I laughed... I just remembered our first encounter.

..........................................................

From afar, I had sighted him walking down, pressing some buttons on his phone and also looking really tired but I was determined to speak to him. It took few minutes before he got closer, I smiled at him and started a conversation. It seemed like he was in a hurry to get to his destination but he did not mind the interruption. I didn't conclude my message to Cassy cos I knew he needed to get home, so we exchanged contacts. That night, I sent an inspirational message to him and called the next day. Somehow, he opened up to me about what was bothering him - his 10 years relationship just ended and he has two daughters with his ex; he was going through emotional challenges and it was really weighing him down. I encouraged him to be strong and cast it all on God. Now back to the question..what was in it for me? I tried to understand why he would ask that question, and suddenly it hit me that it was I who initiated the conversation, the one calling and the one always checking up on him. He obviously thought I was being nice for a reason. My answer to his question was "my joy is to know that somehow, I am helping someone get back on their feet again; I am encouraging someone not to give up no matter how bad the situation may be and that's what's in it for me". I did not blame Brian for asking the question, it's the norm in our societies today to want something in return for any good deed. A typical example common in Nigeria is helping a driver who's car just broke down on the highway...you'll hear some guys saying "Oga, anything for the boys?" His car just broke down on the highway, you don't know if he even has any money on him at the moment. We have so embraced the society that we find ourselves in and we take everything the way we see it, something has to give - but that shouldn't be so. Ask yourself how many times you've actually done something nice for someone without expecting anything back. 

It is difficult sometimes to invest your energy, time and resources in someone and not

expect something in return. In Uni, there were two guys I actually took as projects. I told God that I want to be the answer to the cry of the needy and I want to spend my life mending broken people so I was ready for the task ahead. They had both been written off by family members and tagged as "black sheep of the family" but I saw a light in them that they couldn't even see in themselves. It cost me a lot, one of them had sickle cell anemia and smoked marijuana...he had no regard for his life. Anytime he was in the hospital, I would spend money visiting and buying stuff. His mum had gotten tired of crying and begging him to change so she stopped sending him money. He actually stole my phone sometime and sold it...but I forgave him and never gave up on him. It took months, but I kept at it, slowly but gradually his life started changing for the better. His mother actually wanted to meet me...she thought I was his girlfriend. Some of my friends thought I was crazy (loll) but I had a mission and 4 years after we graduated from uni, he called to thank me for helping him get through those days. His dissertation had my name in the acknowledgement page. The joy you get from such experience alone, is enough to keep being good to people even when there's nothing in it for you. The second guy finally became a youth coordinator in his church many years later. 

Never do good to people cos you're expecting something in return; do it because you want to help, do it to add a smile to someone's face, do it for the love of God. You may be the only one who can help that person move from point A - B, don't ignore him/her cos you're expecting something. Your reward may not come in a measure that can be weighed in monetary values but your good deeds will make ways for you where there may be no way.

Keep up the good work, live a life of purpose, think of ways to help and do it with a cheerful heart and expect nothing in return. 

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JENNIFER OKOLO of "HOUSE OF SILK" Presents: From Epic to Chic - The African Fashion Revolution

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Jennifer Adighije-Okolo of Couture Line House of Silk is not a new name to the Nigerian and African Fashion Industry, deriving from a fabric retail company. House of Silk has featured in events such as Lagos Fashion and Design Week where the couture line was the 1st runner-up for this year’s young talent designer of the year. The well-known quarterly fashion lifestyle event Fusion, Runway Abuja 3, and Arise Fashion week has seen the brand flourish from strength to strength.

Because the line derived from a fabric house, their exquisite designs are created from a variety of fabrics and textures; incorporating African prints ensuring the design doesn't lose its ethnic origin but encompasses fashion influences from around the world, with a store in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria. House of Silk is a well sought after label catching the eyes of various stockists, celebrities and public figures; maintaining their reputation of delivering exquisite bespoke pieces.

Bringing the collection across the shores, she is hosting a personal shopping experience called “From Epic to Chic”. For 2 days at the London Marriott Hotel in Maida Vale, you’ll be able to shop the exclusive collection while nibbling on light refreshments and drinks provided by the host herself, plus they will be a free gift for every purchasing customer.

To get your exclusive pieces from the Jennifer Okolo–African Fashion Revolution come to:

Venue: The Marriot Hotel, Plaza Parade, Maida Vale, London NW6 5RP (Mezzaine Floor)

Date: Saturday 27^th July to Sunday 28^th July 2013

Time: 12pm – 7pm

 These are some of Jennifer's eclectic designs

Spread the news to friends and family, if you live in London...you'll definitely wanna be at the Marriot Hotel, London NW6 5RP on 27th and 28th July. The online store will be going live of the 1^st July. All collections can be purchased at www.jenniferokolo.com 

Follow Jennifer on twitter and instagram for pictures and updates on her new collections Twitter: @houseofsilkjen

Instagram: JenniferOkolo

Email: jenny.234@live.com

Visit their facebook page www.facebook.com/JenniferOkolo 

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TAKE A CHILL PILL AND ENJOY LIFE...

Thursday, June 6, 2013

My bus ride to work takes approximately 20 mins; some people wonder why I take the bus instead of the train cos the train is faster and takes less time. One good reason is because it's kinda cheaper to go by bus, I save more and still get to work before most people who take the train. The second reason is because when you're in the bus, you get to enjoy the view of the city. I've been in London approximately 3 years but it seems like I know most streets and shortcuts around the city; especially central London. My university was in Central London. and all the places I've worked are also in Central London. London gets so busy that when you get into the train, it's swamped and packed like sardines with people looking tired, weary and angry (lol) riding in dark train tunnels while I enjoy the view of the city on my bus ride. Likewise, we get caught up in the nitty-gritty of life with all the hustling and bustling, working 9am to 5pm (or like Lagosians working 7am to 10pm) and forget that in the journey of life you need to take a "chill-pill" and ENJOY YOUR LIFE. While I was studying, my journey was from Stratford station to Baker street station; once I go underground at Stratford, the next sight of the blue sky will be at Baker street station. I was on the speed lane, I never even knew Madame Tussauds was right opposite me. I never saw the beauty of the city till I started taking the bus. Some of us are in life's speed lane, we are too busy to notice the beautiful things & people that God has placed in our path for us to live a happy life. You see a busy couple who seldom notice each other cos they're always in a hurry to leave the house to work & come back too tired to bond...slowly they loose track of each other and we wonder why some marriages end even before they started. We miss out on happy moments cos we're too focused on the speed lane....pls SLOW DOWN A LIL' BIT. 

As at 11:27pm, KB was just leaving his office in Victoria Island to go home on the mainland. KB is a dedicated auditor who works with one of the Big 4 multinational companies in Nigeria. As wonderful as my dear friend is, he is one of such employees you give a task to do and be sure it will be done 101%. Some weekends, he is also at work...he travels round the country to audit at client sites and has less time for himself. Oh, did I mention he is also studying for a professional exam together with his tight schedule at work. In his words, "the result for a good job in my company is more work". He gets home some minutes before or after midnight, sleeps late and wakes up before 6am to beat the morning traffic so he doesn't get to work late (as per "employee of the year"). As much as we want to achieve set goals and make all the money in the world; it would make no sense if you achieve all of these and not able to enjoy it. We get too busy that we sometimes become a shadow of ourselves, we skip meals, less rest, less prayer times, less family times and more work time with more headaches & body aches. To function effectively for the company, you need to take proper care of yourself if not you'll break down one day and it won't take the company much time to find a replacement for you cos life goes on. ENJOY YOUR LIFE...don't get overwhelmed by life that you forget to live it to the fullest. John 10:10 says "...I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)". I bet you never thought the word "enjoy" was in the bible but hey...God wants you to enjoy life, not just small enjoyment but to the full till it OVERFLOWS. hehehee

This is not just for workaholics but for people who constantly beat themselves up because you have not achieved a set goal. You are 30 going on 31 and still single; you wanted to work in a very big company but you're still stuck in the small one; you graduated 3 years ago and haven't found a job yet; you've been in the same level at work and didn't get the promotion you wanted. I had the same feeling with you few weeks ago cos I really

wanted to achieve a goal I set but it didn't quite happen the way I expected, but hey...take a good look around you, count how many good things that have happened to you since January. Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his/her stature or change the situation? Don't let it get to you...look yourself in the mirror, call your name and say it is time you enjoyed your life.So I can't wait for Saturday, me and ma friend from who's coming from Scotland are gonna have madddd fun!!!! As in, I've decided to bring out ma summer florals and shorts, it's time to have fun. I'm looking forward to a vacation as well, Paris or Atlanta...errmm I'll make up my mind soon cos I have to live up to the reason Jesus died for me. I can't be sulking about one thing when I can be happy and enjoy life knowing he is working out everything for my good. Think about it, He never sleeps nor slumbers so why should I not sleep (that means two of us will be doing the work..nahh, He's more than able). So in life, there is no button for REWIND, PAUSE or FAST-FORWARD...as the journey goes on, just take a chill-pill and learn how to enjoy your life cos you only live once. Don't let life pass you by, live it and enjoy it till it overflows.

DISCLAIMER: This article is not for you to be lazy @ work. Be efficient & hardworking but don't kill yourself while trying to do so.

Have a Fantastic weekend

Luv y'all

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THE “WOW-FACTOR”

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

I was going to title this post X-Factor (Xtra factor) but I changed my mind cos when I thought about this article, the first thing I said was…WOW!

I was not a fan of Lagos, not at all. My friends who were born and bred in Lagos spoke about the fun city like it was a second paradise but somehow, I still did not share same thoughts with them as the Lagos bug had not bitten me yet. No doubt, the city was lively and fun but the traffic killed my buzz. I lived in Abuja and had only been to Lagos twice so the thought of being in Lagos for 5 weeks crept life out of me. I missed my flight from Abuja to Lagos, that’s how bad it was but I finally boarded the last flight and got into Lagos for the 5-week training. I was not so excited about staying 5 weeks in Lagos but it took a WOW-experience to change that.

The training school always saved the best part for the last; so on the last day of training, our final facilitator, Dr. Noel Akpata walked into the class. I was already getting my things together so that I could leave immediately he was through but the reverse was the case. When he started talking; I was like….who is this? My antennas sprang up and my ears wanted to hear some more. He spoke with such enthusiasm and charisma; the kind of words that will make you want to run out of your comfort zone, so much ginger and motivation. It was a boom-sha-sha experience and after the lecture I was like..WOW!!! Lagos was worth it afterall. I was not so keen on leaving immediately because I had to tap into some of this “wow-factor” and trust me….I sure did.

Do you have a “wow-factor”? What is it about you that attract people to you? (Guys I don’t mean your swag & ladies I don’t mean your face). What is that extra thing that makes people say WOW after an encounter with you? Do they want to keep coming back? (Pls I don’t mean your exes). One “wow” moment from you can be a turning point in someone’s life. You may look at yourself and say, “I don’t have anything to offer anybody”. That is not true because you have not searched within you to discover the virtue that is hidden within. There’s always more than meets the eye if only you’re willing to discover it. You’re not ordinary because God has deposited treasures inside of you which can only be seen when you use it.

Is there something you’re passionate about? Go for it. NIKE will say “Just Do It”. Don’t be the one sitting and watching others, come out of your comfort zone and bring out the “wow-factor” in you.

Today, Dr Noel Akpata has represented Nigeria in national and international conferences. An example is The World Economic Forum on Emerging Markets/Global China Business Meeting 2010.(Dr Noel Akpata representing Africa and Nigeria amongst fortune 500 business leaders and political leaders from around the world).  It all started with one “wow” experience and a combination of many wow experiences is what I call..BOOM-SHA-SHA.

You can do it too.

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STYLE LIKE THIS 2012 TRADE FAIR AND EXHIBITION

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

HAPPY NEW MONTH TO ALL THE BEAUTIFUL FACES THAT READ LYNNVILLE. This month is going to be a perfect one for us all; filled with lots of fun and joy. The first post for this month is on style and fashion with an amazing event - STYLE LIKE THIS. 

At the Style Like This 2012 trade fair and exhibition, vendors will be showcasing style categories from corporate and casual clothing for men and women, jewellery and accessories, amazing male and female shoes, and fabulous bags, ankara print accessories, beautifully branded tees and a host of other exciting items in a totally central location - 1004 ESTATES, VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS. 

This fair will run for 3 days from the Friday, 3rd to Sunday 5th of August 2012.

There will be two sections, one for the general public items and the other for VIP items. Price ranges will vary across all sections.

Entry is FREE!!! Come with friends.

We have samples on our facebook page, check out www.facebook.com/MaisonAmy, there'll be free gifts given out at various intervals during the fair, there'll be a raffle draw to bag amazing wins, there'll be coupons for a percentage off future purchases from us at subsequent fairs and on our pages and sister sites. 

This is an event you would not want to miss; if you are in Lagos you should be there. Check out the kinda stuff you should expect at the exhibition and much more.

DON'T MISS OUT ON THE FUN.

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WHAT IS LIFE??? Dana Air Plane Heading from Abuja to Lagos Crashes in Iju, Lagos

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Yesterday a commercial airliner operated by DANA Air crashed in the Iju area of Lagos. The aircraft was arriving from Abuja on a local flight when it crashed into a powerline in the area and also hit buildings with people living in it. According to the report by Sahara Reporters, the plane had 153 passengers on board and  The NCAA also confirmed that there were no survivors on the plane. Such sad news. This tragic incident reminds me of 911 and the way the plane crashed into the twin towers. Now that was a hijacked plane but in this case this happened because of negligence on the part of the Dana officials as it was reported that this same flight had landing issues at Uyo. 

These passengers had dreams, visions, hope and all of that was cut short within split seconds.  They had loved ones who saw them off at the airport and the ones waiting for their arrival. A whole family was wiped out in that crash, this reminds me also about the Sosoliso and Bellview crash. We need to pray for Nigeria and the laid-back/nonchalant attitude of learning from their mistakes. If that aircraft was serviced or better still not allowed to fly till it was okay, maybe these lives would not have gone in vain.  After this incident and seeing the pictures of beautiful faces that were lost I asked myself a question. WHAT IS LIFE? Why should life be cut short without a hint ? Why should such terrible things happen? But guess what? The Bible has an answer to every question.

James 4:14 (KJV)...[Whereas ye know not what ] shall be[ on the morrow. For what ] is[ your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.] 

Life is just like a vapour & vanishes within d twinkling of an eye; it happens in split seconds & you don't get d opportunity to make decisions then. So while you can still breathe, make good use of your time spent on earth cos you never know when it vanishes. Decide to live for God, walk with Him every step of d way, give Him your all & hold nothing back cos it is by His grace & loving kindness that we can still breathe. If He kept you alive till today, it is for a purpose & only in Him can you discover that. If you haven't given your life to Christ, pause now & open up your heart to Him. Invite Him to be your Lord & Saviour cos you never know what tomorrow holds. We only live once, live it rightly, live it to d fullest & d only way to do that is to let God take absolute control. In Him, you've got nothing to loose but everything to gain. 

These are some pictures of the sight and the picture of the family whose lives were lost.

                                                     The beautiful mum and her lovely kids :o(. See the family pix below

The family: Onyeka, Maimuna, Noah, Kamsiyona & Kaiyenotochi Anyene. RIP 

                             Innocent people died while in their homes...death can come anywhere. This is so sad :o(

There are more pictures but the sight of them is very devastating and I can't upload them here. If you're strong enough you can click HERE to view a complete gallery of 3 pages including the reactions of people who lost loved ones in the crash.


May d souls of the Dana Air passengers rest in peace.

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TO MY BELOVED NAIJA…The Tale of A Nigerian in Britain

Friday, April 6, 2012

The tale of a lost and longing soul, the journey that took so long, the story of a sojourner, a traveller and a seeker, a heart that believes in hope, hoping that one day I will return to my motherland. Watching the sun from dusk till dawn, counting the nights and observing the moon from the beginning of its half curve till the full moon comes out. My arrival was a joy but after my mission was accomplished, I longed to feel the warmth of the embrace at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Lagos. All I wanted was to close my eyes in London and wake up the next morning in Lagos.  I have achieved that which I sought for, I was now fully equipped and ready to conquer, my brain and mind was expanded; I was thinking different than I used to, my sense of reasoning escalated to greater heights, I was bold to take on challenges more than ever, I had been enlightened to D.I.Y (do it yourself) for most things that I probably would have called someone to do in Naija and pay the person. Taking risks became part of my daily activity, (why not?) you never know what the outcome may be till you try.

           

Yes, all these I achieved; but the truth is…I MISS NAIJA and I can hear her calling.

On this very day as I blog from work, I decided to bare my heart to my beloved Naija. It is time for lunch here and all I can think of is edikaikong, efo-riro or oha soup because I don’t want to these oyibo foods any more. I went into the kitchenette where other colleagues had their lunch packed in the likes of salad, tacos, burger, chips, pies, pasta, etc. coupled with a cup of coffee (cappuccino, mocha, espresso), hot chocolate or tea. Hhhmm, I looked at the coffee machine again and I just didn’t feel like doing this anymore. I came downstairs and decided to get some fresh air outside but I didn’t realise I was worsening my case; it is supposed to be spring but the weather was so chilly like it was full blown winter. Again, with a sad face, I remembered my dear Naija Land. Now I have to dress like an Eskimo (sometimes in 3 layers) because I’m trying to keep myself warm, while I could wear simple tank tops and sleeveless shirts in Naija.

I'm thriple-layered plus therma wear, (oyi na atum oo)

The truth is so many Nigerians struggle a lot to leave the country, some say they are going in search of “greener pastures”. Then I wonder, what does the green in the map of Nigeria signify? What else could be greener? Nigeria is fruitful and richly endowed. There are no greener pastures anywhere; the grass will always be greener on the other side till you cross over and taste for yourself. I am not saying living outside Naija is bad; of course one can’t deny the value and power of Benjamins (dollars) and Queen Eliza’s head (pounds/quid) but we need to appreciate our own. Greener Pastures is what you make for yourself, you can have it in any location. A lazy man is a lazy man even if you give him 10 million naira,  he will squander it and ask for more. Taking him outside the country doesn’t guarantee greener pastures. Another truth is that you will never appreciate Nigeria until you have lived outside for a while, you truly never know what you have till you loose it. Right now I can’t tell you how much I miss Naija, the weather, the food, the people and the richness of the land. The British empire we see today is over a hundred years and Nigeria is only 50years after independence and look how far we have come ( no vex, I know GEJ no try for fuel subsidy, but check am na). Naija people, we are growing everyday, though slowly but surely steady. I know you can’t see it, but wait a little while…belle no dey show when e still dey 1-3 months, but very soon e go show. Before I left Naija, I was one of those who didn’t like her but now…I’m so much in love cos e don pass like.

After fixing your nails, you'll wear gloves, mmsscchheeww

Since today I have been reminiscing on my roots and where I come from, I realised that no matter how far I go, in which country I find myself, I will always be a Nigerian. A very local and village Adanma from the Ibo speaking part of Naija but with sophistication and class (you know every). Looking back to where I come from, I can hear the streams flowing peacefully…I would have loved to have a good swim but here I am sitting down behind a desk and typing; wishing I could teleport back home (if wishes were horses…). I know you’re probably saying why not come back? Bros/sis…all I can say is soon, don’t ask how soon cos I want to take you by surprise; just like a thief in the nightJ, e fit be tomorrow sef.

So, my beloved Naija, I hope to see you soon but while I wait for the right time to pack my bags, here are the things I have missed about you and the things I hope to see when I meet you again.

1.         Yahooza suya…none can compare. Chicken suya just got tastier (licking my lips, chai) No matter how dem form barbecue for oyibo land it can never be like naija…u know say our own na d best.

2.         Fresh green vegetables with minerals cos the ones supplied here are all dried up and void of the rich nutrients. The weather is not conducive for “ugu” or “oha”to grow.

compare the fresh green leavs to the packaged & dried leaves

3.         Boli and fish…Port-Harcourt boys will understand. I'm a PortHarcourt pesin oo

4.         The sweet rays of the sun: I used to complain about the sun in Okada (Igbinedion University) and Abuja but right now you can’t imagine how much I long for them.  I’ve learnt to thank God for little favours cos now I know better. I’ll prefer to use “oye” to cool off when the heat gets too much.

5.         Happy & friendly citizens: Even with al the things thrown at the citizens from the government, we still remained happy people. The pictures on BB and FB during the subsidy protests shows that Naija people are happy people and will always be happy. A land where neighbours know each other and greet each other in the mornings…Here with their individualistic culture, na O.Y.O oo, (on your own). Every man for himself, my London people una go fit relate with what I’m saying.  A place where you invite friends for a birthday party and they have to buy their drinks. Guys, una know say for naija if you dey call ur friends, na you get the day so your guys go enjoy and drink on your head (not literally) and vice-versa.

6.         Point and kill…Abuja’s cubana, I hear there are better ones in Lagos and I hope to devour some. These are the ones I can remember for now cos the list is long. I’ll tell you more as I remember.

7.         Sharwarma…I have so missed sharwarma and no amount of kebab can suffice cos if e no be panadol, e no fit be like panadol.

 Finally, my beloved Naija I just have one major request which is the only regret I will have by the time I see Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport and that is electricity. Abeg help me to beg PHCN even though we still dey call am NEPA, I just can’t imagine living in darkness for a second (L), I know there’s generator but it makes a lot of noise. My Naija, because I love you and can’t wait to see you soon, I’ll have to manage while waiting for a change which I know will come soon. I can’t believe the length of this post…it was supposed to be short but, ok I’ll stop now.

Hope to see you soon,

One love

Lynda Adanma Omerekpe

Reporting LIVE from Whitfield Street, off Tottenham Court Road, Central London, United Kingdom




My sweet readers, please enjoy these sights of Lagos State, have we not improved? 

Helicopter view of Falomo Bridge

An estate in Lekki

Marina

Marina

Ajose Adeogun Street

Third mainland bridge                                                                      Ajose Adeogun Street, VI.

HAPPY EASTER DEARIES :) J

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