the parallel worlds of Ikoyi

autumn only lasts a week in April

Inequality is a fashionable conversation topic across the rich world where it is present in some variable degrees.
Here in Lagos, it is obvious that the gap is huge between the rich Oga, owner of a mansion on Banana Island or Ikoyi, and the man looking after his gate.
Ikoyi is in a course of modernisation. New condominiums are sprouting next to new hotels and office buildings. Redevelopment though rapid is often partial as some old worn-out colonial houses continue to stand. They have long ago been abandoned by their owners. Caretakers or squatters are occupying them not to leave the ground empty for fear someone might seize it and do something with it.
Hence, meet my neighbors, leaving at the back of a dilapidated two story building which has long lost its windows but is still uninhabited. Trees are providing shadow on the surrounding of a cleared area that is used as fire place and sitting area.

something's burning

Often inheritance is blocked by diverging opinion from children of large families and houses can remain there for years. The good thing about it is that older large trees are bringing a touch of nature to what could ideally be a mix of concrete and pavement.

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Nigeria, the land of plenty

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