NIGERIA: Lagos: A Wedding (Igbo) - Victor Nnaemeka and Thelma Uzoamaka

A few weeks ago, I gave Madam one of my traditional Malay costume for her to do buba and sokoto (shirt and pants/trouser). Incidentally, Sokoto (with capital 'S') is also a state in North West of Nigeria. The way you pronounce it make all the difference. But of course they know which one you're referring to when talking to them.

The main reason Madam asked for my best Malay dress because we were invited to a wedding! The first one since we arrived in Lagos.

the invite...

NIGERIA: FC WAMCO @RadissonBlu Anchorage Hotel, Victoria Island (09022016)

Once awhile, I got invited to some function organised by Madam's dept. I look forward to these sort of events...be it with or without food. In terms of food, I can handle the heat to certain level with unlimited supply of Chapman (a specialty drink famous in Nigeria, non-alcoholic). I love Nkwobi (cow legs in thick, bloody spicy sauce....it's an appetiser), jolly rice with efo riro ... Soya? Bring it on....Kilishi (dried meat cut thin with spices, chilies and laxative...hahahaha...no laxative, just kidding) from Abuja is great too! I am amazed at the amount of heat these Naijas can digest. A friend of mine, Maurice said.."diabetes? No...but stomach ulcer?...just waiting to happen.."

Enough food...but the main reason I enjoy because at least I can take pictures of friends and practise at the same time. For a newbie like me (I am)...taking pictures of my friends here is a challenge. You just don't snap on a speed light (flash light) and start to take pictures. I remembered an advice from a friend back in Malaysia..he said "once speed light comes to play, setting is VERY much different"... Anyway, with the guess arriving....and after I said Hi to the official photographer for the event, I began taking pictures of the event.

J.P (2nd from right) and Franklin (left)
with friends

Ugo on the right...

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: Lagos: 10th Annual Nutrition Seminar (FC WAMCO Nigeria PLC)

Friday, August 21st..apart form our anniversary..there was also the 10th Annual Nutrition Seminar by FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC. "Physical Growth and Brain Development of the Nigerian Child: The Challenge of Our Time" was the title of the seminar.

Madam invited me to attend as it would give me the chance to practise on my photography technique. OK, not so much of  my technique but to meet and mix around with her colleagues. 

The key speakers were Professor of Paediatrics and President Paediatrics Association of Nigeria Prof. Adebiyi Olowu; and Dr Anne Schafsma from FrieslandCampina Innovation Centre, The Netherlands. 

A day before the function, I could see Madam was already on high gear. They had similar functions in Ibadan and Abuja, but Lagos is the biggest so far. In the morning...she was already poring over the emails on her laptop...looking quite stress...chillax Madam!!!