NIGERIA: Be safe

I am currently living in a country where there's only a handful of Malaysian here. There are 5 families in Lagos plus some blokes who are on various assignments with some of the multi-national companies based in Lagos. In the mix, we have Shiela Madu who married a local man many many years ago. 

In Abuja, there's about the same number of us, but from time to time; Khairy from Matrade office in Lagos would announce there are Malaysian currently in Nigeria on attachment as consultants to some other international or reputable local companies in other locale (e.g Port Harcourt, Calabar etc). 

Since there's only several of us here, we know each other quite well and always within contact; just to be on the safe side. 3 years in Nigeria had thought us a lot on being constant contact within the group. Like I mentioned to prospective business group back in Malaysia, it's generally safe but like everywhere else; things can go wrong. So, it's best in to be in contact with the rest of Malaysian here, staff of the High Comm included. 

NIGERIA: Lagos: Hello Khairy, Goodbye Saifuddin (MATRADE TC)

At long last, the family and also the replacement officer for the Malaysia Trade Office in Lagos has arrived. Yes, Saifuddin Khalid...the indefatigable Trade Commissioner for MATRADE, his assignment had come to an end. He was here for a while during the Ebola crisis and  later had been instrumental in setting up the the MATRADE office in Lagos. All in all, 3 very colorful years with challenges which are very unique IMHO.

Khairy (l) and Saifuddin (r)

The officer replacing him, Khairy Maidin arrived with his family a few days earlier than the above photograph was taken. We had breakfast at Cactus Cafe, along the Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue. I was happy to meet him after our initial meeting in Malaysia sometime in June.

We invited Khairy and family over to our place and as it happens our High Commissioner was around in Lagos for an official visit. It was great to see Datuk Lim Juay Jin after my last visit in December last year to Abuja with Saifuddin.

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

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