But as time went by, I realised there was more to life than fashion and Style. Much more! So I decided to include human interest stories to give the mag more depth.
Looking for more depth, I came up with something that has always held a fascination for me...STREETLIFE. And for our maiden Streetlife page, I decided to deal with the issue of area boys in Lagos.
See, I've had a few unpleasant encounters with area boys. I've been harrassed a few times by these guys while driving in the Lagos Metropolitan. If your window is down and you're in traffic, you're bound to get 'nicely' and 'politely' robbed.
I used to be so scared of them but after a few encounters, my fear turned to curiosity. Why are these guys this way? What happpened to them? Can they be rehabilitated?
I told my editors that I wanted to interview area boys. Initially they thought I was crazy but after much consideration, they agreed it was a good idea. So about two weeks ago we went to one of the most notorious places in Lagos...
The picture above is the Obalende bridge. If you live in Lagos, then I don't need to tell you anymore about the place. If you don't live in Nigeria, well, this is one of the most notorious places in Lagos. When you're walking around here, you're advised to hold tightly to your belongings. If your car stops there at night, you're advised to leave the car and find your way out of there. It's that notorious 'cos it's the home of several 'hooligans'.
They live under the bridge pictured above.
When we went there the first time to survey and make enquiries, I was advised not to go. Somebody told me that the guys were always 'high', and very unpredictable, so couldn't guarantee my safety. But I insisted on going with my guys, so instead of going there looking all pretty, I took my hair weave out, no make up, wore an oversized shirt and went into the lion's den with my General Editor, Odega Shawa, my Special Events Editor, Oteri Agboro and a photographer.
Now we actually went there to interview the area boys. We wanted to hear their story. We wanted to know about their family, what they want from the govt, what they can do for their country, are they as dangerous as people say/feel they are? Why are they living under the bridge, are they interested in decent jobs...? etc.
Thankfully for us, they were very accomodating. They answered all our questions but refused to have their pictures taken. Some of them were a little suspicious of our motives and they also were 'smoking' you know what...and didn't want to be exposed that way.
Anyway, as we were interviewing these area boys I noticed little children playing football in the open field under the bridge...(the boys you see in this picture). In my head I wondered what these kids were doing in such a place, surrounded by such craziness. After asking around I found that they all lived under the bridge. Some of them are runaways, some are abandoned, some live there with a parent. Different stories. Sad situation!
The kids are pictured here with their football coach and asst coach.
Every child you see in this picture lives under the Obalende bridge. But the comforting part is that the members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Obalende branch, are playing their part by trying to discover talent amongst these children (through football). They brought these children together and started a football academy, under the bridge. Hoping it will keep them busy and focused on the positive, so they don't end up like the older ones they are surrounded by, considering they have no education whatsoever.
That's me talking to some area boys and a woman who lives and sells under the bridge with her infant child. On your right is where they cook, eat...
Here I am with two of my editors and the Obalende children...
These children are so young and innocent and exposed to a life so unfair. I was under the bridge for about three hours and I left there feeling dizzy and 'high' from all the 'smoke' inhalation. And these children have to live with this for a long time until something can be done for them.
Talking to them I found that some of them were actually ambitious and didn't want to end up armed robbers, jailed, or even killed. One particular child told me he wanted to be a lawyer.
You will get the full story when the magazine hit the stands.
I left the place feeling a little dejected. These children deserve a better life. Then I asked myself, is it enough to just report these stories? What can I do as a citizen of this country for these children? What can you do? Or maybe a better question is; what can be done for these children?
32 comments:
linda you are doing a good thing by remembering and reaching out to people who are not living the so-called FAB life and otherwise are being ignored (for the most part)... hopefully, this opens other people's eyes to see that not all nigerians are rich men's kids that play polo on the weekends. we need to figure out a way to help these people too... good job chic!
Wow Linda. I have never really commented per se but this is worth commenting on.
I applaud you 100% for bringing this to the light of the public. May God reveal a solution to us all to stop these kids suffering but most of all bless you and people like you that take time to leave the worries of the world, bills et al and care for the less fortunate
OMG...AM FIRST!!!
Linda,
This is a very touching topic that is very disturbing to my mind cause when I was in Naija in dec. 07, I saw what you are talking about.I noticed their effect on the Nigerian public. Almost everybody from students to professionals now talk in slangs and vulgar languages that is associated with garage boys back then. The poshness that were seen in educated people is almost missing in the society nowadays and something had to be done to effect the trend.
Anyways whatever you think we can do help the kids born into that environment, I am with you and willing to help. I believe we can make a change one kid at a time.
hey Linda...nice post...i was wondering where we abroad(Canada) can get your magazine? Is it possible?
Dear Linda,
Now you have your hook.
This is what you need to sell to your sponsors every one wants to help.
the contestants have their songs up on blogville idol page ..pls run over there to listen to then and pls vote
it is good to see that people like yourself are concerned . little drops of water make a mighty ocean.your effort should at least remind those who should be responsible i.e the govt of their duties to the youth. well done once again
What about homeless shelters for kids just like we have here in the states. A place where these kids are provided shelter (like a dorm), food and recreational activities. These kids will have to be supervised by teachers and mentors both paid and voluntary workers that will be role models to these kids.
I guess the main issue will be how to fund such a shelter. Well, how about getting all these nollywood stars and rich people in Nigeria to sponsor the project. You will be surprised that most people will feel very good about themselves contributing to such a course without having to be responsible for the day to day operations.
I believe it can be done, the question is who is motivated and passionate enough to take up such a challenge?
Linda you get a hug for this post.Yeah truth is what can be done? Many things. The important thing is to note the priority of these issues in these kids life. That way I don't focus on one when another ranks higher in their lives and takes them back to the streets.
Great job,Linda!
i c a humanitarian in u.....hv u considered floating an NGO that cater for the destitute but ambitious nigerian child?
Reading this has made me feel so down 'cos i feel so helpless when I hear stories of this kids...but then, I know that with one child at a time,we can all do something.Link a child(TY bello's NGO) is into a programme called virtual adoption.Bottom line is I don't have to know the child,all i do is donate money for the child's education for at least a year and I get progress report on the child.I am sceptical of white elephant NGOs who have deviated from the core reason why they were established in the first place.But this way(Link-a-child),I am able to monitor what's going on.
It's a sad sad situation.
Linda Ku ise oo (doubt if u understand that..lol) Really, u never fail to amaze me. Keep up the good work. This particular one was very emotional for me. Hope the mag gets sold somewhere close to me. Take care and keep pouring yrself out..It can only get better!
Vote Linda for UN Secretary General!!!
Linda you are a darling and an angel.... You surely have a good heart... With God on our side we can surely make an impact and some changes in this people's life...I'm ready and willing to help.
Linda,
Another good one from you! The issue of social menace must be tackled by all. We don't need to rely on government to do everything. 'Area boy' is gradually becoming a profession in Nigeria and we must fight it. We don't need to tolerate it; we must muster all strength to fight it.
The way to go about it is simple.
One is to channel our resources to eradicate poverty by inculcating in our social values 'enterpreneurship skill'. Two is to monitor the upbringing of our children and everybody under our control. Moral values play a crucial role in rebuilding the society. And lastly, 'public orientation', which is what you have just done now.
Keep it up Linda. I love your zeal.
-Kunle.
Linda, since your magazine has some pull, i recommend you seek sponsors.
It can start from something as simple as a reading and writing session to aide the children a couple of days out of the week to at least give them something. During these same school days, u can provide them simple meals.
Why i suggested a few days is beacuase it is financially hard to float any type of charity on a consistent basis without external funding.
Your program black dove is coming right? If you are very involved in the program, then u can use ur models in as volunteer during their non-modelling days. throw a wrench into it with some type of creativity.
U can also get companies to donate their monies along with their staff, and u feature a full article on them in ur magazine. That is free advertising for them, complete with pictures and all.
It can start with them paying rent on a building and fixing it up to house the children. It can be from them volunteering their staff on a friday, to teach the kids numerous programmes etc.
Not all about money, their time is equally as valuable.
These companies become more socially responsible, and they should see their patronage go up in turn. win win for all.
If u want more ideas and things, send me ur email, post it on my blog or something.
my aunty epele o. ekuse oluwa.
this is the beginning of the Lindaikeji foundation.
i told you before and i say it again. you are unique. you are different and a child of great great destiny. that is why you must do what others do naturally. you are bigger than you see now and my prayers i always with you because i know you will get to the top.
okay dont forget to put the agreed sum into the account you hear.
God bless you my dear sister.
keep up the good work
wale
Linda we need more journalists like you. Maybe some of those multi millionaires and wannabees who showcase their fortune in magazines , house and cars parading Lagos will get together and donate money to causes like this. When the citizens start taking care of each other the country will get better.
There is a reason i keep coming back to your blog. Keep up the good work.
Linda that is a wonderful idea.
p.s that shirt is not oversized.
Brilliant - Good on you. If you could get some of these guys to contribute articles, it would be great. For those that cant write, they could always speak with your editors (What most footballers here who claim to write articles do). In your small way you are changing many lives, even if its just one. I am made up for you. EXCELLENT
WWW.SANTIAGOPAD.BLOGSPOT.COM
what can i say???? as each day goes bye, you just succeed in telling the world world and anyone who has gotten it up stairs that You are a rere gem and a gift to your generation. Your risks will surely pay for a rewarding futrure...you have indeed inspired many with your lifestyle.)
SANTIAGO(WWW.SANTIAGOPAD.BLOGSPOT.COM)
Linda u are truly amazin!
I agree to everything santiago has said...Nice one Linda..May God continue to lift you higher than ue expectations.
xxx
I use to fantasise about a world where children dont have to suffer but i guess we can never have a world like that because when you think you've heard or seen the worst you realise you've not heard or seen anything yet, but i think the most troubling part is seeing children go through all that, so i can just imagine how felt when you left that place. But linda what you had on that day was actually hot. I think you can never dress down your good looks. Please keep up the good works you'er doing with this your blog. I really enjoy reading it.
this is sad to read but very necessary. very few bother with showing the ugly parallel reality of Nigeria.
Please do not be discouraged by the reaction I expect you may get from potential organizations who can make a difference... they prefer to spend money on aspirational delusional bullshit in the midst of madness, insecurity, poverty and chaos... and of course they have every right to use thier money as they please...
like a passionate Funmi Iyanda (and many others for that matter) you may find deep appreciation for keeping it real and offers of help like those on this blog but frustratingly little commitment from powerful entities towards meaningful change.
Dont stop girl. I love ur reality check portion.
And keep the rest of your mag as originally intended so you can make some money!
Good going Linda, thx for delivering a first-hand account of the lives of these children.
I pray all your plans in helping these children out succeed, and please let us your devoted blog-readers know how we can help.
God bless!
hi linda,just finished reading ur post on the life of a street kid,i'm willing to contribute to salvaging the situation in my own little way,when you're ready just give a shout nd i'll personally pay you a visit.don't rest on your oars,the journey is just starting.
hi linda,just finished reading ur post on the life of a street kid,i'm willing to contribute to salvaging the situation in my own little way,when you're ready just give a shout nd i'll personally pay you a visit.don't rest on your oars,the journey is just starting.
wonderful post linda, glad i found your blog. i'll be back. x
keep it up dear Linda, you're doing good, it has it rewards
Post a Comment