ASAKE OKIN

It is not easy blogging o. Since I changed my route, I have been struggling to blog. In the past, I got inspiration in buses (big smile). Now, I hardly struggle for change, no mosquitoes biting me and ofcourse choking perfumes as I once experienced. I still use public transport but compared to my previous route, the journey is shorter and sometimes, I get a ride 95% of the time,to and fro. Oshodi pre 2008 To be honest, I miss a lot of things.   Like yellow, green and red plantain chips, coconut chip ( Yes o, they don't exist on my new route), conductor vs. passengers argument, LASTMA, drug marketers ( Yes o, those ones that say two tablet of a particular NAFDAC approved medication can cure all diseases like stroke, hypertension, diabetes, backache, malaria and even tuberculosis), I miss getting scared at Oworo Shoki ( my wallet and my I-touch were picked on separate day). I remember the day my I-touch was stolen. I had a bad day at work and decided to listen to music. As I...

As a proud owner of a luxurious Legedize Benz, I have been opportune to use most means of road transportation- Okada (Boda-Boda), Bicycle (Tuk-tuk), Tricycle (Keke Marwa or NAPEP), Danfo (Matatu), BRT and even Moluwe (although I am yet to board it alone). The only route I know the 5 th passenger is standard practice is on the Obalende- Oshodi route, using those buses bigger than Danfo; also if you are leaving Lagos -Abeokuta headed for Obalende/CMS before 5.20am, one is likely to encounter the 5 th passenger practice. However the bus fare will be 50 Naira less than if it was 4passengers per row. Apart from the standard practice, if you board a regular 4 passengers per row big bus and you happen to seat on the 2nd row; don't be surprised when the conductor is the 5th Passenger. This practice is not peculiar to Lagos, Nigeria only, this also happens in Nairobi, Kenya. I remember one afternoon, my girlfriends and I were headed to town in a Matatu, the conductor told us to s...