There’s a vibrant spirit to Lagos, a feeling that is infectious. It has been hailed as the land where dreams are made, and daily people flock in from all parts of the country and beyond. What is it that makes Lagos tick? What’s the attraction? ASIAN NKUTT reports.
David (not real name) graduated from the University of Calabar where he read Computer Science. He spent two years unsuccessfully looking for employment in his home state because he didn’t want to move away from his family. After his friend who graduated a year after him moved to Lagos and secured a job in a tech start up after four short months, David decided it was time to move as well and see what goodies Lagos had to offer him.
His story is similar to so many other young people. Every year, young people troop into Lagos to seek jobs or realize their entrepreneurial dreams. What is it about Lagos that makes everyone seek greener pastures there?
Lagos is the commercial center of Nigeria and like New York, it is said to be a place where dreams are made. When you come into Lagos, the sign does not say ‘Welcome to Lagos’ as it does in all other states in Nigeria, rather it says, ‘This is Lagos’, alerting you to the fact that this state is something different from the others. There seems to be something for everyone here.
Lagos is loosely hailed as ‘no man’s land’ as most believe there are no real indigenes of Lagos, but people who come in from the neighbouring states. In Nollywood movies, you see Lagos being referred to as ‘the city’ and everyone who moves there expects their fortunes to change. What makes Lagos really tick? What makes it the land so well known that its popularity extends to our home movies? What makes it the dream land it is being hailed for?
Let’s talk about the Entertainment industry. If you are into music, movies and all that comes in that industry, Lagos is the place you need to be. As an actor, for your talents to get recognized you need to properly position yourself in Lagos. All the top producers and directors won’t hold casting calls in other states. That rarely happens. Lagos is where 90% of aspiring actors go to get seen.
The Music industry also thrives in Lagos. To get aligned to a label, most of them are based here and that’s where an artiste wants to be. Shows are held in Lagos more than any other city! Getting exposures like this is what any aspiring artiste needs. With such a vibrant entertainment pull, it is no coincidence that the Lagos nightlife and its entertainment scene reflects this as well.
If you’re into the world of technology, most tech start ups are also based here. Being in Lagos will not only leave you inspired but you will find the support and exposure you need here. With the Computer Village in Ikeja being one of the biggest of its kind in West Africa, Lagos understands technology and the fact that it is fast overtaking the world.
You’re not in the top echelon of the society and are just wanting to hustle? Lagos is also the place to do that. From the men and women who carry loads in Idumota market, to those who wash people’s feet in Mile 12 market, there is an abundance of such of work to be found. Walking along the streets one can get a meal of Agege bread and beans to keep body and soul together for less than N100. Bukas abound where filling meals at very cheap prices are available to all and sundry.
Lagos is the only state in Nigeria where a naturalized non-citizen can contest for a public office. This alone can be an added incentive for aspiring politicians who feel they can rise to public office in a land they have come to call their own.
The Next Edition spoke to some people on what their Lagos experience has been like and this is what they had to say.
Anita Silas said, “ I moved here last year when I got married and I can say I see what the hype was really about. I’m in food industry and I noticed when I got here the products sold themselves. Because of health constraints, I wasn’t really pushing the business but the couple of contacts I had spoken to kept calling for me to supply. That didn’t happen anywhere else for me and I’ve been in Abuja and Uyo. I think it’s because of the population and the kind of people here. You can sell literally anything. The market target is there.”
Ace Philips who currently works as an Engineer said about his big move. “After my NYSC I got an interview, that’s why I came here. I didn’t get that job though but, I thought about it that since there are more opportunities here there was no use going back. That’s how I stayed here and kept on looking for jobs till I got one four months after the failed one. Then I relocated. I stayed there for just one month and then moved in June 2015 .”
He cited the lack of opportunities back home as what made him think of Lagos when he started his job search.
Eky Abraham who had a successful fashion business selling ready to wear pieces made the move to Lagos at the beginning of the year and this is her account of how it has been so far.
“I don’t even know where to start answering from. Well, I must say Lagos is a huge and intimidating city, I’m still finding my balance while adjusting to the rowdy nature of Lagos but I’m ultimately hopeful that it’ll get better. The urge for wider thinking, gaining new knowledge and experiencing life outside my comfort zone triggered my move to Lagos.”
There’s truly a vibrant spirit to Lagos, a vibe if you may. There are so many who swore they would never live in Lagos and yet when they get here, they don’t want to leave.
Hard core Lagosians swear they can never live anywhere else. That’s why no matter how much people complain about the stress and traffic, no one still leaves!
Lagos is really the land where dreams can be built and where hard work gets rewarded. This is Lagos. The land we all know and love.
