NIGERIA: Wedding and another wedding. Thank you! (part 1)

Thanks to Madam, I've attended a fair share of weddings here in Nigeria. Mostly in Lagos so far.

Once, we arrived early and managed to witness the traditional part of the ceremony. The elders of both families would meet and sat in front of each other, especially both bride's and groom's parents were present. During Fadamewa's and Richard's wedding, there were two ladies as the MCs (emcees or Master of ceremony) and every few minutes they will break into sing song about the ceremony.

Also with sing song and jest, they invited the groom to meet his future in-law. The groom and his entourage would enter the hall dancing...all happy and smiling before the MCs dropped the heavy end on them.... Ah! Some Naira (money) is needed to proceed... Both MCs would bully/pester him to deposit some money into the waiting container. Of course the groom and his entourage would comply... Eyes on the  asking for some money...of course he complied. Eyes on the prize broda (brother).

NIGERIA: Lagos: Small Gathering

I look forward to the day when Madam said that she invited her colleagues over for dinner. I've met most of them during company functions in and outside of Lagos. 

I will ask her, who's coming and she would describe them...their function within the organisation and when we last met. Camera helps too! I've participated some of the events and later would ask her..who is this? This? Why they like to wear very high heels? Anyway, this time around she invited Ngozi, Bimpe, Tolu with their respective husband and  lastly.....'the-still-looking-for-potential-bride' Dotun.

Ngozi and hubby arrived first...it was also their 8th wedding anniversary that night. 

Ngozi (right) with hubby

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: The best Suya in town...(only for the brave)

Looking at my draft file, I have lots to complete. Most I put on hold as I try not to .....BS (bull shit) my way to get it done, lest I irritate my dear Nigerian readers. But if I got it wrong, I kid you not that the info was from a local or readily available info online.... 

Back to the topic, today (Tuesday, August 18th) I decided to do some shopping. Hahhaaaaa.... Usually I leave it to Madam to do it but since she is in Abuja (again, to host some meeting..), I've got to woman up and do it for her. 

I passed Mega Plaza food court which is quite famous among others, for its Suya.

Clover Court sign...

Yes, Suya.. a spicy..no let me rephrase that, VERY spicy thinly sliced meat on skewer, barbecued and some would fried for a short while before cutting into small pieces and serve with fresh cut onions. Traditionally prepared by Hausa people of Northern Nigeria which can also be found in Cameroon and Niger.

Where the magic happens (on daily basis)

So off I go to Clover Court, off Glover Road in Ikoyi to get the best Suya around. There's no signage at the stall, just 2 or 3 men hard at work each with specific task.