Before my first trip to Lagos , I had heard countless stories about the city. From Nollywood movies to people’s personal experiences, Lagos was always described as chaotic, fast-paced, and overwhelming. I thought I had an idea of what to expect but nothing truly prepared me for the reality.
At the time, I had just finished my 400 level, although it wasn’t yet time for my convocation. My eldest sister, fondly called Adanne at home, advised me to come to Lagos and start applying for jobs. It sounded like the right next step, but I couldn’t help but wonder, was I really ready for a city like Lagos?
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The Journey Begins
My trip began early in the morning. My bus was scheduled to leave by 6:30 a.m., and by 6:00 a.m., my dad had already dropped me off at GIGM (God is Good Motors). We waited for the announcement for Lagos passengers to board, and shortly after, around 6:45 a.m., the journey began.
I must admit, the bus was very comfortable. Each seat had a mini screen, and the ride felt smooth and relaxing, perfect for a first-time traveller heading to Lagos. From Aba, the journey takes you through several states. We passed through Imo through Owerrinta, then Anambra, Delta, and into Edo State.
While most parts of the journey were smooth, everything changed when we got to Benin in Edo State. The road condition there was terrible, a complete contrast to the earlier parts of the trip. It was like a sudden reminder that this was Nigeria. The ride became rough and uncomfortable, and it was easily the most stressful part of the journey.
After Edo, we continued through Ondo State, where we stopped briefly at Ore to stretch, buy snacks, and refresh before continuing. From there, we passed through Ogun State and finally entered Lagos.
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First Encounter with Lagos Chaos
I dropped off at Berger, and that was when reality hit me.
The crowd, the noise, the movement, everything felt intense. I had never felt so confused and cautious at the same time. I was not only overwhelmed by the number of people but also extremely conscious of my belongings. With all the stories I had heard, one question kept running through my mind, what if I lost my bag in this crowd?
At that moment, I had to rely on a stranger. I begged a woman nearby to let me stand close to her stall while I waited for my sister to come pick me up. That experience alone showed me how different Lagos was from what I was used to.
Adjusting To The New Way Of Life
If arriving in Lagos was overwhelming, living there was a completely different experience.
I stayed in Lagos for two months before my convocation, and during that time, I was exposed to a new way of life. Moving around the city, visiting different places with my sister, and adjusting to the fast-paced environment was both exciting and challenging.But how do you truly adjust to a place where everything moves faster than you are used to?
One of my most memorable experiences happened on my first attempt to go to church alone. I had to enter a danfo bus and that day was both the funniest and most frustrating day of my life.
I simply could not enter the bus.
In Lagos, boarding a bus is almost like a competition. You have to be fast, sharp, and ready to “jump in” immediately. I tried, I really did, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. Eventually, I gave up and called my sister to tell her I wasn’t coming to church because she didn’t book a ride for me. Was I overreacting, or was Lagos simply not for beginners?
When she got back, she was not happy at all but honestly, I wasn’t used to that kind of lifestyle. I like to think I was just a “pampered girl” trying to survive Lagos.
However, as time went on, things began to change. I adapted.
By the end of my stay, I had learned how to enter buses, navigate crowds, and even find my way around certain places. Although I could still get lost, I became more confident moving around the city.
Looking back, my first experience in Lagos was a mix of fear, excitement, and growth. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me how to adjust quickly to a completely different environment.
Lagos may be chaotic, but it is also a place that teaches you resilience. And in the end, I can confidently say that despite the stress and confusion, it was an experience worth having.
