This is an impactful first time experience I had when I visited, simply put as My Lagos Story. It was in 2004 when I travelled down for my Industrial Training (IT) while on my 300 Level studying Public Administration at Madonna University Okija, Anambra State. I was 21 years old then.
I had spoken with my uncle who was living in Mende Maryland and working with the Nigeria Breweries Plc Iganmu that he should help me secure a spot in the company for my IT which he did and also approved I live in his house at Maryland for the period, I was 21 years
When it was time, I got ready and my trip was sponsored by my parents all the way from Abia to Lagos State. While on transit, I couldn’t sleep. The excitement affected me so badly that I wanted to see everything as I journey with other passengers. From seeing the Niger bridge in Onitsha to entering Asaba and getting to Benin, Ore, Ondo, Shagamu till I start to see the Redeemed Camp that I used to watch on TV as well as the headquarters of Mountain of Fire and Deeper life church. It was mind blowing for me.
I got to Maryland and my uncle called my parents to inform them of my arrival because I had no phones then as it was luxury to have a line not to talk of phone. It was on a Saturday and soon I settled down and was ready to explore Lagos on Monday morning.
5am Monday morning my uncle woke me up to wash his car after which I got ready for work as we shall leave latest 7am so as to avoid traffic. We drove from Maryland to Ikorodu road and straight down till we got to costain when I saw the National Theatre building I only saw on TV and magazines. Again I was glad to see this edifice for the first time.
Not long as we drove by, I start to view the Nigeria Breweries building, the company that produce drinks that we enjoyed as kids and still do. Drinks like Maltina, Amstel, Star and Gulder. I was just startled and couldn’t imagine I am seeing all these things in my life. I started building loads of stories to tell my sisters and friends.
Soon we drove into the Customer care unit and got inside the well air-conditioned building. I sat down at the visitor’s wing and waited for the next line of action. Few minutes later I was called in and was taken to the Human resources department where I submitted my forms, documented and was posted as a Redemption Clerk at the sales unit. Soon work started immediately under the guidance of my uncle’s secretary. I was given a tour around the breweries and I saw how all these drinks were all brewed. I worked with 12 sales representatives and the sales experience I had with them I still apply in my personal business activities till date.
One month to my stay, I’ve received my monthly allowance and was making some small savings. I started going to work and going home alone as I’ve mastered the roads and made new friends within the company. Before you know it, we started going to Bar Beach which was the biggest beach then. I couldn’t hide my feelings as I’ve never been to one in my life. The beach games, parties and fun were just out of this world for me. Soon I started going to the cinema which was one of the high points for me.
I started attending corporate events and big concerts like Star Mega jam, Rhythm unplugged where I saw some Nollywood and music celebrities for the first time. I saw Mohits crew, Kellyhansome, late Dagrin, 2Baba, Faze, NaetoC, M.I, Sasha, Psquare and more. All these experiences humbled me as I always stay calm at some point during these events to watch as things happen, ponder within myself if am dreaming. I was indeed grateful for the gift of life and the experience.
Everything was just happening so fast for me as I got myself an MTN sim card which I bought N5, 000 then and a Nokia phone of N23, 000. This time I started calling my parents and mostly my friends to share my beautiful experiences with them. I still use the line till date 0803.
I remember a near death experience I had when I went to Federal Palace hotel. The hotel is one big luxury hotel that blew my mind. I and my friend after having some drinks decided to swim. From the normal low depth, we moved to the deeper side. I was swimming and got tired, my legs couldn’t touch the pools floor and I began to sink. I managed to float and started screaming for help as I drank more water. Luckily there was a diver on standby who sprang into action of pushing and dragging me out. I will never forget that day.
I visited the popular Computer village and I remember going to a strip club where I experienced the shock of my life. I’ve never been to such a place before. My heart beat kept beating so fast that day out of anxiety that I told my friend to take me out from there. I don’t know if I was scared or confused because what I saw threw me off balance. Inexperience is indeed a bad thing. LoI.
