My
comfortable commute to work will end half way again today as the roads have
been blocked by trailers and tankers. A two lane road now accommodates 3
tankers and trailers parked bumper to fender, a total stand
still! Not even a motorcycle can wiggle through. This has almost
become a daily occurrence and I am one of the thousand voices screaming for a
respite. An otherwise calm and beautiful start of a day can be turned into
a nightmare leaving one ruffled and unnerved.
comfortable commute to work will end half way again today as the roads have
been blocked by trailers and tankers. A two lane road now accommodates 3
tankers and trailers parked bumper to fender, a total stand
still! Not even a motorcycle can wiggle through. This has almost
become a daily occurrence and I am one of the thousand voices screaming for a
respite. An otherwise calm and beautiful start of a day can be turned into
a nightmare leaving one ruffled and unnerved.
It
requires a lot of self will and motivation to work or do business in the once
beautiful city of Apapa, Lagos; the foremost city of ports, terminals and
a one-time cosy haven for sailors and the indigenous rich of the land. The incessant
and uncontrollable traffic situation in Apapa has made accessing and exiting the
city a nightmarish experience which leaves
one’s spirit dampened and low, thus making ‘daily hustle’ difficult.
A 20 minutes commute to work has become a gruelling 4 hours journey filled with
frightful experiences and mind-wrecking hazard. What else can I describe a 20
minutes bike ride criss-crossing through trailers, tankers and trucks whose
driver can’t see the bike nor its riders. #scarybutreal
Just
yesterday, I narrowly escaped a head on collision with someone driving ‘one
way’ speeding down the bridge leading right into Apapa from Iddo; all in a bid
to avoid joining the scary traffic. With shaky feet I stopped, only to discover
that the daring law breaker was clad in the uniform of an established institution
that is committed to uphold the law, order and ensure the safety of Nigerian
citizens. #eyesrolling
yesterday, I narrowly escaped a head on collision with someone driving ‘one
way’ speeding down the bridge leading right into Apapa from Iddo; all in a bid
to avoid joining the scary traffic. With shaky feet I stopped, only to discover
that the daring law breaker was clad in the uniform of an established institution
that is committed to uphold the law, order and ensure the safety of Nigerian
citizens. #eyesrolling
Lastweek, it was a trailer that virtually pushed the vehicle I was trapped in to one
side of a narrow road, with deep potholes which made the rickety
trailer groan and look like it was about to collapse on our vehicle. The scream
of terror from other passengers was swallowed up in the roar of its engine and
the driver of our vehicle felt helpless and scared.
Commuting
into the great Apapa is now a pulse racing experience, even the ‘okadas’
(commercial motorbike) who are usually ready to ride off to dreadful places at
the most attractive fee now avoid riding into Apapa. The throngs of people
trekking in and out of Apapa in the morning and evening is a sight to behold, and can be best likened to the
children of Israel as they travel through the wilderness.
into the great Apapa is now a pulse racing experience, even the ‘okadas’
(commercial motorbike) who are usually ready to ride off to dreadful places at
the most attractive fee now avoid riding into Apapa. The throngs of people
trekking in and out of Apapa in the morning and evening is a sight to behold, and can be best likened to the
children of Israel as they travel through the wilderness.
What
can I do to remain happy through this? I asked myself a few days back as I
joined in the morning trek.
can I do to remain happy through this? I asked myself a few days back as I
joined in the morning trek.
“One
day at a time with thanks giving” was the silence response from
my heart
day at a time with thanks
my heart
“For no man’s journey
on earth is easy” it continued.
on earth is easy” it continued.
“Behind
the smiles, laughter and gaiety you see on the faces around you, lies a lot of
pains, tears and great determination to pull through”. The silent voice
concluded.
the smiles, laughter and gaiety you see on the faces around you, lies a lot of
pains, tears and great determination to pull through”. The silent voice
concluded.
So
here I am extending the same comfort to you on that issue trying to drain you
of joy in this season. Yours may not be ‘the travails of working in Apapa; it
might be more difficult or heart-wrenching than I can understand. My advice is
– “Just take it one day at a time and be thankful for all things.”
here I am extending the same comfort to you on that issue trying to drain you
of joy in this season. Yours may not be ‘the travails of working in Apapa; it
might be more difficult or heart-wrenching than I can understand. My advice is
– “Just take it one day at a time and be thankful for all things.”
Always look forbeauty in every ugly situation.
Have a great week!
Image credits- Google
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