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: Lagos: Dinner and Birthday Cake (no washing!)

Just after a day our visit to Tarkwa Bay beach, Madam was busy preparing to receive another batch of visitor. Although we can't receive all at once, we will get there to the end (at least for Madam's dept.)

Madam's had been from one company to the other during her career path and I can tell you that, I can recall most of her friends. More so since we were in Nigeria. She invited them home, I've been to some of the functions around Lagos, company dinner etc etc. So you get to know who is the "mak cik" or Aunty in her dept. (knows everyone, can joke with most of them and does emcee duties dutifully....start the dancing and karaoke session). Who does this, that and which area they're responsible with. Thank Allah for the photographic memory. 

oppsss..two Fela Kuti's pix.. should
see his live performance in YouTube

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