Lagos, the city that never sleeps! It is comparable to the lyrics of Jay Z and Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind.” While the song may speak of New York City, the line “Concrete Jungle where dreams are made of” encapsulates the essence of Lagos. It is popularly said that if you can make it in Lagos, you can make it anywhere, and anyone who has lived in Lagos can attest to this.
Lagosians are the unsung heroes of multitasking. As early as 4am, the city is alive with activity, from people trying to get to their various commitments to street vendors expertly navigating traffic, offering everything from household items to snacks. Planning and routine become second nature, essential for maneuvering through the infamous traffic congestion in major areas. It’s a city in constant motion, where the pace is fast, and the people are even faster. Yet, for introverts, this dynamic atmosphere might feel like hell on Earth.
Beyond the hustle, Lagos is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions. From Yoruba to Igbo, from IJGB (I Just Got Back) to everything in between, it embodies the rich diversity that makes Nigeria truly extraordinary. Finding your tribe is inevitable, whether at work, church, or social gatherings. You might even make a lifelong friend in a neighbour, that’s how strong the spirit of connectivity thrives here. Amid the city’s vibrant energy, there’s an abundance of things to do—beaches, resorts, nightlife, art galleries, and social events—that promise endless entertainment all year-round.
Lagos has emerged as the epicenter of Africa’s tech revolution. Its growing ecosystem of startups, incubators, and visionary entrepreneurs is redefining the narrative of what’s possible on the continent. From Fintech to Agritech, Healthtech to EdTech, startups are sprouting like wildflowers, each one pushing the boundaries of innovation. E-commerce has become a game-changer and Lagosians, with their entrepreneurial spirit, are embracing online marketplaces, transforming the way goods and services are bought and sold.
Simultaneously, the city’s fashion scene stands as a testament to creativity and diversity. Lagosians effortlessly blend cultural heritage with global trends, creating a unique and captivating style that resonates far beyond the city’s borders. Over the years, Lagos has been a breeding ground for fashion icons and emerging designers who are making waves globally. These designers showcase their talents both on international stages and at home, such as Lagos Fashion Week and Arise Fashion Week.
In conclusion, I strongly advocate that every young person should experience living in Lagos at some point, be it for an extended period or a short stint. If you share traits similar to mine—an ambivert with conservative inclinations—Lagos has a knack for revealing facets of your personality you may not have been aware of, all while instilling a hustle mentality and broadening your perspective to creative, entrepreneurial, and social realities beyond your current sphere. Be careful, however, to navigate through this carefully, as you will be confronted with The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, urging you to maintain a firm grip on your identity amidst the ‘noise’.
#MMBA5
Applying the wisdom from Tuesdays with Morrie during this MBA journey