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 : Batik print table cloth....

His visit would normally means that a travel back home to Malaysia is just around the corner. Enter...Johnson, our friendly batik table cloth artist.

Craftsman like him do make house call if there's demand for their crafts. Sometimes, the ladies within the compound organised visits by these sort of craftsmen. We've had some sculptors (metal, clay and from recycled items) last year and October 2018. The ones came are quite good and their products pricey but  of course you bargain before purchase.

Johnson normally designs  for 4 seater all the way to 8 seater table; suitable for round, square and rectangle shape. 

I do have a certain type of design in mind, but colour is also what I'm looking for. There are lots of it on sale at Lekki market, but they aren't lively enough. I try my best to avoid drawings of animals and human figure but instead opt for trees and flowers. We do purchase those design, a few for our friends..we know which one. 

NIGERIA: NIGERIAN 101 - Wash and Dash

These are the two words that most foreigner (oyinbo) would caught off guard when in Nigeria. 

The first one is wash, it does not reflect the actual act of cleaning for wanting a hygienic environment and the other one is dash, has anything to do with running or sprinkling small quantity  seasoning into cooking. 

Washing

Let us take a closer look at wash or washing. 

Scenario 1: Ademola just got his first wheel after saving enough money to buy one by saving his .... Later that day, he brought his mom and dad (btw he is still single) to an eatery where they ate and celebrate his success and pray for more success in the future.

Scenario 2: Madam just turned 40! A big milestone in her life and since she is 'Madam', powerful and influential in its own right; decided to pull the stops and celebrate with her colleagues at office. On her birthday, she bought packed foods, cakes and drink for everyone in the department and selected few outside the group. 

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: Depression...Househusband

Let me quote a paragraph from the last posting:-

Ahhh..the life of an expat's spouse. Hah! Nothing rosy about it. Basically an emigrant, for want a better word. The life of an expat also comes with depression, especially to the not-working-previously-working spouse, moi. Ohh....How I wrestle with my ego...put it under wraps. But once a while, it reared its ugly head out and well....there were exchange of words. OK....why not put a stop here and talk about it at length in another posting, yes? 

New place, new environment and adjusting expectation versus reality. I had to put a few notches down, hmmm maybe a few more. 

view of VI from Five Cowrie Creek

Prior to our arrival, the company sent in advance the 1) Invitation letter to the country for each of the family members and 2)  A brochure of the country including the Do's and Don't and first time arrival at the airport. The keyword was 'discreet'. Not to attract any attention. Oh my..

NIGERIA: Me a Tai tai?

Tai-Tai

A wealthy married woman who does not work or a privileged lady with lots of time to spare and money to spend...

I am not sure if there's any antonym for it but certainly I have the time but need to work harder on the money department.

The first time I heard the term was on my way back to Malaysia during one of the flight on Business class deck on a 380 Airbus at the lounge. With children in tow, of course we were barraged with questions from everyone else. 

"You're travelling with children, from where" one asked

"Lagos, Nigeria" I said

"Wah lao (some sort of exclamation.. frequently heard in Malaysia and Singapore) ... that far eh?" another one adds, an engineer for the airline flying home for much needed break.

"yup, 20hours flight time... not many would do, especially if flying to Africa.. " TRUE.. I've flown multiple airlines that serves Africa continent and mostly are 20+ trip. 

The next question would usually be along the line of ... How did I ended up there? Wife, would be sufficient answer. Nigerian lady? Nope Malaysian... I don't mind another one, I laughed. Then, from the bench...the engineer again said something that would make me laugh.

"You must be "tai-tai"... lucky you!"he said

"hahahahahahah" we both laughed... I wish.

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: Market Visit

I jumped to the invitation to visit a market along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway. I've never been to one, well except in Lekki which is small in comparison to the one we're going. 

There are lots of markets in Lagos. Some sell okrika (second hand clothes), but for other things they call it tokunbo (from overseas) which is used item in nature (car, laptop, house items etc). Some market specialised in vegetables, like the one on the way to Ikorodu and many more. Each unique and some were colourful, buildings painted by companies like the ones in the picture.

colourful buildings..painted by the sponsors

fridge and freezer shop

NIGERIA: Lagos: Lagos Lagoon

If you're in Lagos for the first time... you would notice a huge body of water while crossing from Lagos Mainland to Lagos Island, vice versa. It's so huge that it must be one of the largest lake in West Africa, right? Wrong...

That is, my friend the Lagos Lagoon. Yes, a lagoon. More specifically, an inland lagoon. It's very much inland that I thought it was a lake with murky water. Even the Portuguese who came ashore in the 1400s got it all wrong. They named the place Lagos, built some trading post along the shore of the "new" found place and the name stuck! The original name, Èkó still in use too, by the Yoruba. After all, we are in Yoruba land. 

 Map of Lagos state and the huge inland lagoon, Lagos Lagoon

Nigeria: Lagos: Entahkan Kasih Entahkan Tidak[Lanchang Kuning].flv

My late mother loves to sing. Mostly Malay oldies song and some of these songs were downright sad, to me. So sad that I used to cry when she sang the song. Oh my, she would be very happy just to accomplish that... I was a boy at that time, a pre-schooler. 

Fast forward to 1994 it wasn't a good year for me, I was 17. My world came down crumbling. I remembered my mother sang this particular song (Entahkan Kasih, Entahkan Tidak - a heartbroken song) one night whilst holding my youngest brother in her arms. It was night and the electric went out in our area. My youngest brother, Hazim is special. Born with CP and cortical blindness, all attention on him and so mom would hug him to sleep. Listening to her singing and holding my brother to sleep, brought me to tears. But I would never let my siblings see me. I was the man of the house.....

Last weekend, I was having my breakfast and Sunday is always Malay Oldies song day for me in our cosy apartment. I just selected these compilation songs on YouTube when this song came on air. The flood gates opened. I was in tears. A piece of memory which I thought I've forgotten suddenly it felt it had happened yesterday. 

I quickly ran for the laptop and put the next song on....too late! This one, apart from the other song which is Seri Mersing still make me teary eyed. Memory of my mom flooded. Forever will be his boy...

Random Photos from NANTA (National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies) Annual General Meeting

Date: 21st March 2017
Location: Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja

Event: NANTA AGM

MARTADE (Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation), attended there event on behalf of the Malaysia High Comm in Abuja. 

NIGERIA: Oyo State: Trip to Ibadan

A phone call by a fellow Malaysian, Haji Wan Zamri inviting me to a short trip to Ibadan. The purpose of the trip was to visit a school, a few mosque/masjid and some water well which were donated by the people back in Malaysia. I said 'Yes' and in turn invited Amaludin and Huda to follow us too.

The usual route to take would be the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. It seemed that a few areas of the expressway had received a new fresh coat of road pavement. There's a lot going on at the moment on the expressway. Some areas the road are busy with lorries making interstate travel laden with goods, then you have the danfos (passenger van) and all manner of vehicles (US and Japanese made SUVs and sedans). 

Some parts of the expressway we managed to speed up, and some was just a slow paced due to vehicles that broke down in the middle of the road. Broken axle, overheat, puncture etc...take your pick. There were also settlements which would slow down the traffic due to people selling and buying by the roadside. 

The journey took about 3hr plus and behold, the town of Ibadan in Oyo state. Welcome!!! Geographically (size) it is the biggest town in Nigeria and at one time, in the 60's it was 2nd most populous town after Cairo. In terms of size for my readers in Malaysia, you can put 2 states of Malacca in Ibadan town. That is just the town, not Oyo state mind you.

Ibadan town

NIGERIA: Lagos: Small World 2017

Once Upon A Time...

That was the theme for 2017's Small World in Lagos, Nigeria. The grounds of Federal Palace in VI (Victoria Island) once again used for the spectacular event.

This time around, I had a new partner, Khairy of MATRADE. My Madam was away in Netherlands on a business trip. In fact she arrived on the night of the event.

someone is happy

Shathish family

After the usual vow "what happens here, stays here" and sealed with a pinky...we proceed to the entrance gate (hahaha..this part didn't happen). We were on our way to the entrance when we bumped into a group of Malaysians in Lagos. 

FC WAMCO Luncheon and Long Service Award Ceremony - DEC'16

It was time for the company luncheon event! (December 2016)


White was the theme colour for the event and a month before it, we bought ourselves some white fabric at a nearby mall. Madam called our favourite tailor to have us measured and design a set of outfit for the function. We got ours just a week later.


The luncheon was to recognise the long service employees and to bid farewell to Mr. Rahul Colaco, the MD who'll be serving the company elsewhere. We are happy for him, but also sad as we arrived on the same day to Lagos, Nigeria in 2015. My eldest and his are of the same age and went to the same school, same band and played the same sports game.


The luncheon went well. The emcee was quick on jokes and kept the guests entertained. Then the long service award ceremony for staffs that had served 10,15,20 and even 25 years with the company. Mrs. Ore Famurewa, Head of the Corporate Communication had served 20years with the company!


After each long service recognition, they would dance! Yes, dance to the local tune. Oh my...they really love to dance. Any single space available, they would just stand up and dance. One or two I saw "danced" while seated. The WAMCO band performance was admirable and music comes natural to them, I guess.


This was our last function for 2016 and may 2017 brings prosperity to the company and country.

FC WAMCO Games 2016 (Football Part 2 - Final)

Last week we made another trip to Agege Stadium. But before that, Madam broke the news about the MD's move. My family and his arrived in Lagos on the same day, 1st January 2015. Our children went to the same school, and  many times I seek  assistance from his Madam. To see them leave, it's sad but happy for them since the move is to a more important and definitely bigger role.

So, the finals were...finally here and I was happy as I can be. I get to practise using the DSLR and somehow the crowds are quite relax to see an 'oyinbo' (white man, foreigner) walking here and there taking pictures. I'm still learning. Trust me. Taking landscape photos are much different that taking portraiture or sports photos and I don't belong to any of those group. Worse, I do not edit most of my photos. 

Anyway, we arrived during the 3rd and 4th placing match which ended in penalty shoot out. Peak Team won! Next was a novelty match and our neighbour, Manwel scored the only goal of the match. Rahul, the outgoing MD arrived with his family by then (arrived from their look see trip to China). 

While waiting for the final match between Peak 456 and Three Crowns, there was a cheerleading routine followed by a free style football show and a singing performance. The MD gave his speech and were presented with a medal, mini trophy, a custom made shirt with all the brand from the company and....... a mock Green card (PR card) as souvenir.

The final game between Peak 456 and Three Crowns were ruthless. It was no time for half measure and went all out tackling and a few injured. At one time, I counted not 2 but 3 players injured at the same time!

But, we did not watch the game till finish. Madam wanted to bring the children back home. But I knew Peak 456 would win and they win eventually for a simple reason......before they start the match, all of the team member would gather at their goalpost and pray. Oh yes they prayed. Ask and thou shall receive. Congrats Peak 456! 

p/s: newspaper man, can use my picture..but please give credit oooo...... 

FC WAMCO Games 2016 (Football Part 1)

The company recently held their sports day over a period  of a few months. There were indoor games like Table Tennis, Scrabble, Play Station (Football) and Chess. Outdoor game was Football. 

The football games were held at Agege Stadium not far from the office/factory. Four teams vied for the coveted Champion Trophy and each teams were named after the company's product, Peak, Peak Choco, Three Crowns and Peak 456. 

Football is considered the national sport. No, it's more than that. It's an obsession. "Super Eagles" they're known world wide. They had been to the World Cup, won gold medal in Olympics  in 1996 Atlanta games and 2nd runner up during the 2016 edition in Brazil. 5th in FIFA ranking was their highest so far (now 50th tie with Burkina Faso). 

Legends like Nwakwo Kanu made way for the likes of John Obi Mikel, Umar Sadiq and Peter Etebo. The country stood still when they play and went berserk if the result were....tie or worse, a defeat. 

Back to the event at Agege Stadium, it started with the march pass by all the teams and opening speech by the HR Director. Dance troupe and a freestyle football show was next. I think there was a singer performed right before the match started. FIFA sanctioned referee and lines man/woman were the games officials. 

Frankly, I enjoyed the games...and taking pictures as well. I just want to see if I can upload 100++ pics in a post. Enjoy! 

NIGERIA: Lagos: Harmattan is back

I love the lagoon. On a clear weather, you could see the 3rd Mainland Bridge and as far as Ikorodu at the other end of the lagoon.  

Lagos Lagoon in sunny September

In late October, I witnessed a huge number of water hyacinth on the lagoon. It impeded the movement of boats and the local fishermen of the lagoon. The hyacinth come and go but at the moment, the number had decreased tremendously. 

Little I realised that, there were sign of Harmattan on the pictures taken below...

lagoon with water hyacinth in October

Harmattan. Harmattan who?

In these part of the Western Africa, dusty wind blown from the Sahara region into the Gulf of Guinea. It causes the sky to have some reddish tint. It will be like this till early March next year.  

Temperature wise? I would say it's between 28-32 deg Celsius in Lagos state. But in Jos, Plateu state...at night it would go down to a bone chilling 14 deg Celsius! It's dusty and could irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Asthmatic patients, just beware.

picture taken this morning (24th Nov. 2016)

Anyway, it's here....maybe in a different format (black and white?) the picture above would be better looking. Maybe...  

SOUTH AFRICA: Cape Town: Day 1

SOUTH AFRICA!!! Cape Town!!! 

Hello! Hallo!

Sawubona! (actually that's the name of the SAA inflight magazine - Hello in Zulu, I think)

Land of Spur, Ocean Basket, Debonairs Pizza, Shoprite, Game, MTN, Standard Bank/Stanbic Bank, South African Airways, DSTV, Trevor Noah and Mandela (the last two being aired almost on monthly basis). With Mandela most notably the 3 movies :

1) Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

2) Goodbye Bafana

3) Invictus 

(Will talk more on the movie much later..or just IMDB it...I mean not 1MDB, but Internet Movie DataBase...phew, that could be quite a....ahem topic. Steering away from it right now)

Cape Town during our visit was in the low to mid 20's ºCelsius and the sweater from Sarcasteek serves the purpose. At the airport, Jean-Luc came to send us to the apartment at Adderley Street in Cape Town's Central Business District. 

A few minutes after we left the airport, Jean-Luc began the usual 'tour guide' enquiry. How many days? Places to visit. Infos on the best time to visit the many places of attractions etc etc. It was during this time he mentioned about the settlements along the freeway.

SOUTH AFRICA: Cape Town: Autumn Break ramblings...

Autumn break came and went, but we opted for spring time so we went down south to Cape Town, South Africa. Madam and the children had visited Johannesburg a year earlier and decided that I should do the same, albeit to a different city. 

We left Lagos on the last school day and naturally at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA), it was like a reunion of sorts. A dear friend of mine, Shatish once told me..."I tell you, the moment school ends it will be a 'white-out' day at the airport". What he actually meant was, almost all the oyinbo (white, foreigner) will be away for holiday or back to hometown, especially the ones with the children. 

We took the South African Airlines and the flight will transit at Joburg's O.R Tambo International Airport for about 2hrs before continuing our journey to Cape Town International Airport. Two thing I would like to remind any prospective travellers to SA....

1) Check with the airline if you're continuing your flight to other destination from O.R Tambo, do you have to get your luggage at the carousel and check in (again) at the domestic counter at the airport?

2) If you're travelling with children, and I mean your children apart from the passport, please bring along the original Birth Certificate or a copy with stamp and sign by authority (lawyer or officer at embassy/high commission) to certify the genuineness of the document (adopted children, bring the adoption document)  failing which, I don't think you can enter SA. 

Madam had difficulty last year when I was not around. I had to email her a letter giving consent to bring the children into SA because I am still around...if I am not (dead, extinct, late, lost, departed), then my death certificate would suffice.

Please check if you're travelling with someone else's children (I mean travelling with niece, nephew etc). Please check this leaflet provided by the Home Affairs Dept of SA (leaflet)

There's a reason for all these and best to just follow. It's you going to their country and not the other way around. For all you know, they're doing their bit to deter child trafficking in and out of SA. 

I always say to my friends, if you don't fancy going there...there's another 53 countries in Africa continent alone and a short flight out of Nigeria, will get you to Europe and even the Middle East! All in all about 120 countries between 40deg East and 15deg West of the world map (all from GMT line).

By the way...looking at the cloud over the Lagos Lagoon on the day we left Lagos, spring must be looking good in Cape Town, no?

storm brewing over Lagos Lagoon on Friday, 14th October 2016

NIGERIA: Abuja: Malaysia Day (16 September 2016) - (PART 1)

Late August, I received an email from the High Comm's office in Abuja inviting Malaysians in Nigeria to celebrate Hari Merdeka (Independence Day) with them. There will be the flag raising ceremony and singing of the national anthem, Negaraku. A short speech from the Prime Minister would be read out by the High Commissioner himself and like truly Malaysian we are, there's the makan-makan (eating, feast). 

It was the 59th Merdeka celebration and we in Lagos, 8++km away celebrated by organising a small makan-makan for Saifuddeen. He and his family left this shore a few days after Merdeka day.