Answer to the question in: ABEOKUTA (Madam's function)

If you're new to this blog, the question was posted at the end of this posting.

Question: What does these two pictures have in common?

Answer: Handbag

Yes....my dear readers, it's handbag.

If you have nice handbag, you flaunt it. You put it on the table. 

Not just at functions, but also at office for instance...dinner, lunch or maybe breakfast with friends at the poshest place you can find in Lagos. Even if it's only a AAA quality Coach from Petaling Street or bought from an anonymous black hooded figure in a back alley in some godforsaken unmentionable area and not ...sigh... Hermes or Chanel's Classic Single Flap Jumbo handbag, you flaunt it. Be proud!

Not making fun of my Nigerian friends, but I guess it's just something that got noticed. It's new to me. Handbags are usually on your lap or on the seat, at the small of the back.  I mean the table will be full with the crockery and now, handbags? Well, I guess it's just how they roll.... 

NIGERIA: Lagos: Best things in Life are either FREE or CHEAP: Ground nuts (Epa)

Remember the post on eating banana with ground nuts? Click here to read ,in case you haven't. 

Anyway, ground nuts or Epa (sound like air-pah) is abundant in Nigeria. One of the largest producers in the world, and account for 30% of ground nuts in Africa alone. 

In Lagos or rather in Nigeria, they are sold in two distinct forms. Either with or without its nutshell...duhhh. The former is sold cheaper along the roadside and in clear plastic worth N200 each or N100 (sorry I forgot). 

Epa in plastic, with 

Meanwhile, the latter are sold widely too. Either by the roadside or in shops and supermarket. Prices varies from maybe around N400 to N1,000 ,maybe. I mean maybe ....because it all depends on the packaging. This is how they sell groundnuts....

...in bottle

The bottle, from the look of it must've been used for some kind of beverage. Recycled and given new lease of life, but this time around with groundnuts as its contents. This one Madam bought at her office. It was N400 (about RM 8.50, Malaysian Ringgit)

the size 

tasty groundnuts

We do have groundnuts back in Malaysia. There's a few companies that've been in the groundnuts business for donkey's years. But it's usually sold in wrapper like those imported potato chips. Yup, like that. Why bottle? Maybe they have access to unlimited amount of bottles here in Nigeria. Or maybe, like Madam's colleague Dolapo mentioned a couple of  times..."that's how we roll". Aheh.....

NIGERIA: Ogun State: Abeokuta (Madam's Function)

Earlier this week, Madam informed that she is going for a day trip to Abeokuta in Ogun state. It was for a mini launch of the latest product of the company she's working with. I asked if I could follow, so I could practise a little bit more with the camera. I can imagine the setting, a small hall...not that brightly lit and the local guests too. It would be a challenge for me to adjust the camera to get the right exposure to take the pictures of the attendees.

Anyway after short stop in Maryland because at the same time the company had brought in some trainers and Madam had to attend too. The plan was to leave around 10am to Abeokuta. Since we are leaving Lagos state, we expect traffic will be at minimal and will arrive around 12plus thereabouts. 

Lagos - Ibadan expressway

NIGERIA: Happy 66th Birthday Abah (Dad)!!!

Me, 1y.o with dad and his 504 Pug

I remembered the question he asked me as if it was only yesterday...

(translated from Bahasa Malaysia)
"I give you 3 ringgit (our currency), and a box of milk is 30sen (cents)..how much can you buy?", my answer was wrong and what happened next was priceless. Oh yes it was...because after 38 years of my life I can still remember it. 

My dad went...ahem...berserk! He hit the steering wheel a few times with his palm and his left hand searching for my leg and give me a pinch. Dad and his 'pop-quiz'...I always dread whenever he does that. 

That was just one of many memories of my childhood about my dad. A strict and very discipline man, which didn't rub off on me...sigh. He is a very nice man... never heard him curse anyone in his life. Never...

The youngest boy from the second family (that's how we describe my dad's side of the family). A total of 48 siblings from 4 mothers! Huge family. Atok or grandpa was a famous religious teacher from Muar, Johore, Malaysia. 

Dad's siblings and spouse

Dad and his sibling, and spouse.
Pak Ngah (Tan Sri Aziz Yassin) 3rd from left is the eldest in family. Mak Ani (Puan Sri Hjh Norainee) and Pak Itam (TSMY, can Google: TSMY Malaysia), 4th and 5th from left. 

The Family Tree published in 2011. A few already passed.
Note Dad and TSMY (second family, Hjh Khadijah),
Shahid and Muhyiddin

I doubt there's no part on me that had never received any of his strict treatment while growing up. Hand, belt, belt buckle, rolled up sarong, towel, cane, bulu ayam or feather duster, feet etc etc...oh ya, a match (but it was one time only)..hahahahah..the list I bet is longer. 

But animosity towards him, none. It's because while 'administering' us using any of the things he can reach...I mean literally anything he can reach, he will tell you what was wrong. It's either a note in red ink by the teacher telling the homework was pass its due or any of my siblings got hurt because of my antics...hahahaha.  

It was many years later, after I become a father myself that he said this to me. 

"Be firm, but fair"

OMG... which part of his discipline was fair? But it's natural for human to remember tragedy instead of celebrating the good ones. I did remembered when he bought me those plastic toy soldiers, spend his weekend sawing wood to make an M-16 rifle and it was painted black to effect, built a small cage for the rabbits, the inflatable pool, ice creams, the ATARI, Sega, computer, laptops, showed us what happens when you light up a mixture of water and right amount of carbide in a close container....and BOOOOMMMMM! played marbles, spinning top and much more... Ahhhhh..it does make sense. "Just like playing kite"...he said that too..one time.

With Ben and Fay, I try my best to just do that. The discipline (tug) and fun time (release), just like kite flying. A balance of both...One comes after the other and both in good measure. Not too much of either...yes, firm but fair.

Anyway, on this auspicious occasion..would like to wish him, again..Happy 66th Birthday! (September 22nd, 1949) May Allah be with you at every step in life, His blessing in this world and hereafter.

Before I end this post...let me regale you with another piece of memory which goes wayyyyyy back to kindergarten years. 

My parents used to ask me.... If I love them. 

"Of course I do!" 

So they would asked me again,

"how much?" (a lot and little, made  sense during those tender years..a lot is good, little is bad)...and I would reply.

"A LOT! Like leaves in the world"..I replied. 

Yes, dad @ abah...Love you lots!!! 

-From all of us in Lagos, Nigeria

Ahehhhh....

Us....family

NIGERIA: Lagos: Best things in Life are either FREE or CHEAP: Banana and Ground Nuts

Madam was on her way to Port Harcourt few weeks ago when she sent me a picture of her colleague posing with banana and nuts. I cannot put it here on the blog as it will give a lot of reaction. It will be the naughty ones, I can tell you. Women and bananas...I see you get the picture. Hmmmmm.. 

Some places here, in Nigeria...you will see that bananas and ground nuts are sold side by side by the same person or by an agreement, both sellers choose to co-exist together and maybe, maybe split up the profit at the end of the day...I don't know... I can only guess.

Anyway, it is "banana and ground nuts" story...ok? Aheh...

So what does these two things have in common or why is it placed together or even, why on earth I am talking about this? 

You eat them TOGETHER....trust me. They do it here. Which one to eat first? up to you...I tried by popping few nuts and then the banana, vice versa...taste the same whichever you put in first. 

Now, go and get some bananas and nuts...try it. Maybe you'll like banana even more so than before.

banana and ground nuts....

Banana is good. Lots of fibre...helps you with your bowel and full of energy and minerals. Like wise with the ground nuts, so much so benefits, energy and minerals etc etc. Whatever it is, practice moderation. Too much of a good thing is not good, right? Aheh!

MALAYSIA: Kuala Lumpur: Travel Photography Workshop by Saiful Nang at Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

2 weeks before going back to Nigeria, I attended a photography workshop at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (Muzium Kesenian Islam Malaysia) which my friend was invited to give a talk on a topic which has gained its popularity in recent years.....travel photography.

The museum

Saiful Nang

Syibli Fakih

NIGERIA: Lagos: Drive to Elegushi

The video shows the type of road leading to the beach from the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

The expressway, since it is the main road is usually asphalt surface (tarred road or jalan bertar in Bahasa Malaysia). The others are usually paved using concrete blocks shaped like bricks...and some were just gravel road or any surface that area happens to be. During dry season, it would be very dusty...or very muddy in rainy season. Potholes are just a part of the problem. 

In certain area of Victoria Island, it is waterlogged. One of the solution is to raise the road by a few inches. It is very much evident in Akin Adesola street, they are raising it...according to a friend. On average, Lagos is only 15cm above the sea level according to an article I read in the library. No wonder...

Anyway, just enjoy the video. Next time, it will be about the driver, vehicles and the specialised vehicle registration number.

NIGERIA: Lekki: Elegushi Beach

About twenty minutes drive from the Lekki-Epe Expressway Toll booth, you will arrive at the Elegushi Beach (using Google Map, of course..totally forgot about Waze). But the road suggested was blocked by a housing estate which was still under construction. 

The route in blue from the main road to the beach, in inaccessible. Use the grey coloured route

At the entrance, there will be some people asking for entrance fee. Perperson was N1000 (RM 20.00) and children, half the amount. Negotiate... these touts (I doubt they are employed by the local government) were also mentioned in public sites like Tripadvisor. Troublesome... Then you reach another gate, N200 (RM4.00) for parking fee. Along the beach, there were wooden structures which were pubs and restaurants...and a single (I think it was) amusement park if you can all it. There will be people from all of these establishments crowding your car or call you over...urging you to come to their place...but just refuse politely. 

the beach

NIGERIA: Lagos: Punch newspaper cover story (September 9th, 2015) #justsaying

This was Tuesday's (September, 8th) The PUNCH newspaper front cover which read:

It stated that President Muhammadu Buhari had declared his assets 4 times. The first time when it was during Murtala Muhammad's administration. 

NIGERIA: Abuja: Merdeka Celebration. August 31st, 2015

 A few days before August 31st,  I received an email from the High Commissioner's office in Abuja, Nigeria. The email inviting all Malaysians in Nigeria to attend the Flag Raising Ceremony to celebrate the 58th Anniversary of Malaysia Independence, the National Day or "Hari Merdeka"  as we call it back home. Merdeka means Freedom in Bahasa Malaysia. 

Both Malaysia and Nigeria gained independence from the British and since both nations are members of the Commonwealth, instead of embassy...it is the high commission and instead of ambassador, the high commissioner is the head of the mission.  In general, both of them have the same role (ambassador and high comm) only the term high commissioner is used when one Commonwealth country sends its diplomat to another Commonwealth country. 

MMIA Domestic Terminal

"You Are Welcome" a phrase I find synonym to the Nigerian.
The old gateway into Abuja

Took Arik Air again to Abuja, a 9am flight which got delayed for about 20 minutes. The domestic terminal for Arik Air is well equipped. There were cafes on the mezzanine floor and some shops and stalls selling snacks, fabrics, books, phone accessories etc.. The tannoy (PA system) would call for the passengers to board the aircraft, but since to save time, they would call two flights in one go. Have to be extra careful and not to line up in the wrong lane. From the terminal to the aircraft waiting at tarmac, we board a bus and before boarding..another pat down check by the security officer. 

In Abuja, Anthony a colleague from Madam's company fetched me even after I refused politely. He insisted...oh my...he does. Along the way, we talked about the language and culture which has always been my interest. I joked about the food which is piping hot. We also talked about names, the local ones and why it is important to pronounce it properly. I will write about it, in the next posting. Managed to borrow a book from the library about African names. The journey from airport to the high comm took about 30 minutes, or maybe more. 

But I've been a chatter bug since I landed in Nigeria, (will keep it till the next posting) so the journey seemed short...or maybe Anthony took a short cut so he wouldn't have to answer any of my question. Biggest state? Have you been to Maiduguri? Where were you born? Are you from one of the main tribe? or sub-tribe? How many children you have? How long have you been with the company? etc etc..Luckily for Anthony, we arrived at the high comm....finally...

H.E Datuk Lim Juay Jin,
The High Commissioner of Malaysia
to the Federal Republic of Nigeria

MALAYSIA: Seremban, Negeri Sembilan: (Throwback) Abang Chik's Akad Nikah (solemnization/marriage ceremony)

Another posting which is long overdue...anyway, I'm quite stuck actually. Posting like this jumpstarts the writing process all over again... 

Date: July 25th, 2015

Venue: Masjid Hussain, Seremban 2, Negeri Sembilan

Another opportunity to practise, this time at madam's cousin akad nikah (solemnization) ceremony between Asri  a.k.a Abang Chik (madam's cousin) and Tini....at last!!! 

Masjid Hussain, Seremban 2