Nigeria, the land of plenty

Old Abeokuta, on the way to Olumo rock Abeokuta is a city of historical importance. It is located in Ogun state, about 100km north-east of Lagos, on the river Ogun. It is surrounded by forest and the city is built around a few hills. The Egbas, a yoruba tribe who left Ile Ife westward, settled in Abeokuta because there was a rock dominating the whole area which provided a perfect place to see enemies coming from far and under which one could hide. It is called the Olumo rock. Abeokuta literally means "under the rock" in Yoruba. Abeokuta west and the river Ogun In the 19th century, missionaries established missions. The first church was built in 1846, the cathedral church of Saint Peter. A hospital was also created. The first missionary was Henry Townsend in 1843. Later, the father of Fela Kuti, Canon J. J. Ransome Kuti, was vicar in Abeokuta from 1911 to 1930. Olusegun Obasanjo, former president of Nigeria 1999-2007, also comes from this town. Cathedral church o...

keep walking Nigeria! Lagos, the city of 22 million people is adjusting to new economic conditions. Times are tough for most people who have to face the ever increasing inflation with their salary that has not been adjusted. The naira, that has depreciated by at least 70% against hard currencies, makes imported products much more expensive and sometimes missing from shop's shelves. Of course products 100% locally produced are not directly affected. Last but not least fuel prices went up earlier this year  in an attempt to cut subsidies, since then road has thinned considerably, more people "trek" (walk) hence the cynicism of Johnny Walker's advert (see above) discreetly plastered on a large building wall so that no-one can possibly miss it. Champagne is still there "Champagne has become a luxury" declared recently the organiser of the Lights Camera Africa!!! Film Festival to acknowledge the sponsor who had managed to provide some for the VIP pre-la...