Urban World

Welcome to Lagos

Show: Welcome to Lagos Episode One

Channel: BBC2 (or can be found on BBC Iplayer Online)

This really was a series of unfortunate events.

I wasn't fully aware of this show until someone left it as their status on their facebook, and being a proud Nigerian I thought I would tune in. First and foremost, I have been in UK dawning on 11years now so the goings on of Nigeria, or more particularly Lagos wasn't something I was fully aware of. Moreover, I'm from Ijokodo, Ibadan and the last time I heard about any political issues in Nigeria, I knew corruptness still reign supreme.

So tuning in, it was a relief to see the people enjoying life as they knew it, no luxuries, no financial problems and in their eyes less problems. I was discussing this issue with a friend of mine, who was present; basically they cannot crave what they've never had. We follow the lives of two individuals JOSEPH; a struggling family man, wife and 2 kids and ERIC aka Vocal Slender a musician hoping to make it big, worldwide.

These two men have something in common, their empire revolved around the dump, this is where they make their living. According to JOSEPH “If there was a bigger, dirtier, stinkier dump where I could earn more money for my family, then I'd go there to work” Ironically enough Olusosun dump, is a couple of km(s) away from the government buildings where the rich live, but neither seem to acknowledge the existence of one another.

The program showed the process of dump-trading ; finding out if a metal is iron or copper, then came the animal traders from all around who brought cows to be sold and slaughtered.; the educational aspect of this was the main fact that every part of the cow was deemed useful; from the blackened hooves to the goring horns. It also showed grown men putting their life experiences to use, burning blood to be dried and sold, even the disgusting trade of the animal's stomach contents.

One of the particular touching moments was when JOSEPH revealed to the camera that he was an abandoned baby, watching a grown man cry is something most cannot stomach but I loved his passion and drive. After this revelation, he wiped his face, brushed his teeth with the African equivalent of a toothbrush (pakó) and was off for another gruelling day at “work”

The only part of the show which worried me was the capture of a straying thief; tied up by his hands and legs, beaten and humiliated for all to see. I knew these things happened in Nigeria but I didn't think it would be glorified in the first episode of the series. I was just happy to see things resolved amicably, with the release and banishment of the thief than what would normally take place; which is no questions asked, a tire slung around the individuals necks, lit, burnt alive while being beaten to death.

All in all I enjoyed the series and will be tuning in for the next series; it brought back a certain nostalgic aspect which I sorely miss. I urge everyone to watch it, Nigerians, Non-Nigerians and take time out to educate yourself.

By Ade Lawal.