NIGERIA: Ogun: Performance Night

Ogun state IMHO is quite amazing. Steep in history and culture and I had the privilege to travel there a few times. First with train...yes, the train and a few times with car. I can see that they're doing their best with the highway between Lagos state and Ogun state. From road riddled with potholes and bumpy ride very so often to newly tarred and smooth surface. 

They're making progress, slow and steady pace. I'm happy to say that 'sitting quite still' is not these both states are doing. They complement each other. Spillover from Lagos (industry and population) goes to Ogun and in return Lagos is still the hub for selling goods and workplace for those in Ogun. The better connection between these two states ensure both hand in hand progress into the future.

NIGERIA: Ogun: Trip to Abeokuta with LEGACY Group (Part 2)

We drove towards the famous Olumo Rock in Abeokuta and  passed by a textile market in the town. Abeokuta is also famous for its adire textile which is 'tie and dye' technique, in Yoruba language. According to the guide, behind the market which the artisans still live is where the textile is made. 

textile market

We passed along old houses and narrow road, quite hilly actually. There were some houses built on top of boulder or boulders as we approach the rock complex. The whole of Abeokuta seems to be on boulder....granite rock actually.

NIGERIA: Ogun: Trip to Abeokuta with LEGACY Group (Part 1)

Another trip by the LEGACY group (click here), this time to Abeokuta which is also the capital state of Ogun. Ogun is just north of Lagos and by train, you could get to Abeokuta in about three hours...less by car (we've tried it using the Lagos-Ibadan expressway).

Back to Ebute Metta junction like the last time, and this time it was a different locomotive and carriage too! BTW, it was a chartered train...From Ebuta Metta to Abeokuta and back only, and not stopping to pick up any other passengers along the way, if you're wondering.

I took the last carriage, the old yellow one in the rear for more 'action' and also it was suggested by Seun...again. I did not hesitate in fact it does bring back memories of childhood when I used to travel by train with my late grandparents to Penang. Ok..it wasn't a bench seat, but still the ambiance was quite the same.

NIGERIA: Ogun State: The visit to the Family Vocational Institute for Disable by Bringing Netball Back Club (BNB)

Bringing Netball Back Club is a club that provides... 

"both veteran and new to the sport, the opportunity to play netball on a regular basis."

Apart form the usual practise, matches and promoting the game; they do visit the orphanage in Ogun state. It's the state next door to Lagos (state). Newcomers would be a little bit confused about Lagos. The fact it is a state and also an area within the state itself (in the next post, will explain).

The trip on Saturday 19th, March 2106 was memorable. We left Lagos Island around 7plus in the morning, a convoy of three 4wd with members of the club including me, Madam and my daughter. 

on-going renovation for the dedicated bus lane

 

Busses of Lagos 

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