Chuks had recently completed his service year and relocated from Enugu to Lagos in search of a white collar Job. He lives with Segun, his secondary school mate. Since his arrival to Lagos they cruised in Segun’s Car.

Two weeks after his arrival, Segun had a week long business engagement in Ibadan; he tutored Chuks on how to use the Danfo bus. When you get to your Bus Stop, say “O wa”. Laughing, Chuks dismissed his advice saying, “That should not be a problem”.

It happened that Chuks boarded a Danfo bus heading from Onipanu to CMS, Lagos Island. As the Danfo approached Stadium Bus Stop, Surulere where he should alight and continue to Bode Thomas with a Kepe Napep, Chuks turned down the volume of the music blasting from his headset and signaled the bus conductor; “Am good here” he said in his typical low pitch Queens English accent. The bus conductor smiled at him admiringly; guessing he was miming a song. Getting agitated, Chuks tried to recollect Segun’s lecture and screamed, “Sho wa…?”
Sighting Chuks through the front mirror the driver queried his Conductor, “Kabiru, se bobo yen wa ok sha (Kabiru, I hope that passenger is alright?). When Chuks recalled “O wa!” the Danfo was approaching Costain Bus Stop.

Remember I.K Dairo’s Song…? “When you dey reach your bus stop make you shout Well Well, O wa, O wa”. O wa means, “I am alighting”. Literal translation means, “There is” – Don’t say there is O.

Moral of this Story
When you get to a new place, learn the tradition and culture of the people. If you are good at learning a new language, learn to speak their language.

Ekocity Magazine – www.ekocitymagazine.com welcomes all visitors and new dwellers to Lagos. Enjoy your stay and ensure to contribute your quota to the progress and development of Lagos State.

Itesiwaju ipinle Eko lo jewalogun

Eko o ni baje o!!!

Source: www.ekocitymagazine.com