My Memories of Nigeria: by Jane Brownlee
By NigeriaPlus August 24, 2010
Sobo Arobiodu Street, 1990
Between the ages of 4 and 7, I spent a lot of time in Nigeria. My father worked for Guinness and spent 3 years working in the Nigerian Brewery. I remember our house well; we lived on Sobo Arobiodu Street in Ikeja, Lagos. I have very fond memories of the Nigerian people and culture.
The first thing that struck me when I disembarked the plane in Lagos was the hot close air; it took some adjusting to, especially at Christmas time coming from a chilly Dublin! We were always so warmly welcomed and we made some wonderful friends. Driving through the city and country side, I was always astounded watching the women and children carry baskets full of food on their heads, with such elegance and balance. I loved the colours, patterns and vibrancy of the clothing and enjoyed wearing them myself. The hustle and bustle of the street markets was exciting; there was so much to take in!
Some of my fondest memories are from the trips we took to Tarqua Bay, which we had to access by boat. We were spoilt with fresh coconut, mango and pineapple. The beach was full of activity; we even bought our lovely dog, Lucy there! I also remember bargaining for the beautiful wooden handcrafted ornaments that still decorate my home today.
I can recall our trips to other parts of the country including a visit to the Guinness farm in the North, a drive to Jos and also down south to Calabar. We also went further a field to neighbouring Benin. I was of course exposed to the very apparent poverty in Nigeria. I will never forget a visit we made to a Leprosy colony up country. Back in Lagos, I used to find the stop at traffic upsetting when beggars, often with disabilities would come to the window of the car. It opened my eyes at a young age of the world outside of my own in Ireland.
One thing I have brought with me from Nigeria is a love for rhythm! The music and dancing was one of the highlights for me. I will never forget the wide smiles and contagious laughter of the people we met, full of fun.
I feel very lucky to have spent time in Nigeria as a child and I will never forget the fantastic experience I had.
