Why You Should Live In Lagos

Lagos, Nigeria's business capital. The smallest state in the nation with a square mile of 1,381 (3,577km) and a population of over 20 million people, is the state where you could easily get mental issues without even trying, and I'll be giving you evidence as to why I am not off the mark.

A chaotic vibrance, this city. Residents have a love-hate relationship with the city, yet they find it hard to leave it, and most times when they do, they find it hard to stay away, it's like some Stockholm Syndrome vibe. And even when these people try to stay away, it usually requires a strong will, a deliberate fight against the urge to return to the city that threatens one's mental, physical, and emotional health.

Without any further ado, let's dive in to the reasons why you should not resolve to come settle in this city that I love so much yet hate but cannot seem to detach myself from, maybe when the right amount of money hits the account mixed with a great opportunity, just then will I break free, but for now, I am here and I'm managing.

This is not an article as to why you should stay in the city, that headline was to lure you in. Why should you live in Lagos? DON'T!!! That's the briefest answer. But I'll explain further for good measure.

When people are told that they will be coming to Lagos, especially if it's their first time, this is usually their reaction:

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You see, the thing is this, many people have this vague idea (well, some people have very vivid fantasies regarding what life in Lagos is like) about this city, they think it's all lights and love, and this idea/fantasy is influenced by what they see on TV, from tales of people who have visited and are trying to sugarcoat their pain, or from their own imagination. In essence, they see this :

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But sadly, reality hits quick, and they see these realities:

You see that poor horse? That could be your fate if you do not have a personal car or know someone that does and is willing to take you around the city because you know, the state government is trying to keep us healthy and secure, so if where you are headed would require a bike or a tricycle and is not a stone throw away, please go and clean your comfortable walking shoes.

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How strong are you? How much body interaction do you like to have? Maybe this photo would explain better:

Okay, okay, maybe this doesn't happen again, at least not at this level, we are a bit more cultured now, we're a little more like:

No queues, we like the process moving at a good clip, so be sure to see hands flying over your head on and off the bus.

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I do not know what the traffic situation is like where you are coming from but in Lagos, we get to eat a full-course meal. No, I'm not joking, take a look at this:

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Some parents kiss their kids goodnight in traffic in Lagos.

Like any other ambitious city in the world, Lagos has its beautiful sides, but that will be up to you to decide what is beautiful and what isn't, for now, we focus on the stifling chaos the city presents that is so intense that when you finally move to a saner, more relaxed environment, you'll feel cheated.