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The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) - Travel (9) - Nairaland

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Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by AbleBouncer: 11:57pm On Mar 05, 2023
Gatess:
THE UNDERRATED COTONOU

Since I was born till date, we Nigerians have always looked down on a lot of neighboring countries like Cameroon, Togo, Benin Republic etc.
Well, you are not to be blamed if you are among those who look down on some of these countries, even when we have not had an opportunity to cross border.

Well I was one of those people who actually looked down on most of these countries until I had an opportunity to sail round west Africa and the narratives changed.

Meanwhile I was completely marvelled the first time I visited Cotonou, the business hub of Benin Republic about 4 years ago when Patrice Talon newly took office
Two years after I re-visited, after touring round other west African countries. I spent 3 days here and without a waste of time, I concluded to relocate down to this place based on the level of development I saw, the security, serenity etc.

Finally I am now living here and I have no regret so far.

I will say this country is blessed with the best president who is working tirelessly to improve the living conditions of his beloved citizens and I am glad hearing citizens saying positive things about the president.

Things You Don't Know About Benin Republic...

*They have currently have one of the best roads/road network in west Africa
* The maintain law and order
* Security is good
* Security personnels are friendly and don't intimidate anyone. If caught intimidating you, he or she will severely be punished
" If you are caught in a robbery attack which involves gun, forget it, u are gun forever.
* Electricity is 247. No low voltage or unecessarily interruptions.
* Steady clean water supply by the government at an affordable rate
* 247 transport system cos of good security
* Night life is topnotch.. in fact their balling na night with street light almost every nook and cranny of the city.
* Amazing beaches with super duper fun.
* Nice Bilingual schools for your kids
*Stress free movement without traffic jam.
* Policemen scattered at every nook and cranny of the town to maintain law and order and not for stop and search.
* Drugs are only bought or sold at a registered pharmacies and not from quacks or roadside vendors
* Foreigners almost have same right with citizen and can't be treated anyhow
*Women are like egg here. Any maltreatment or mistreatment, you will face the law.
*Public school, go to sch by 7:30am and return home for break by 12noon and return back to school by 3pm to dismiss between 6-7pm Monday- Friday
* You can choose to relocate from your rented apartment after a month or two cos of the privilege of monthly payment plan
* Their money now more valuable than naira in black market
*This is the only safe transit route coming from other African countries to Nigeria. Of course you should know how that helps an economy.
*Internet is steady and fast but a bit expensive
*Pepper body no common here like naija
* ETC

Business Opportunities
From My Findings So Far...

*Tailoring is a place to explore especially when you sew English wears and Nigerian attires
* Sales of any kind of electronics which you can bring from Nigeria and Togo cos they are cheaper over there and expensive here.
* Sales of second hand phones and laptops, not forgetting their accessories too. Very lucrative
* Nigerian foods are in high demand especially areas where Nigerians live more. U go sell tire
* Sales of sewing machines(more of manual)and it's accessories are in high demand cos this is their major skill work with hairdressing.
* Phone and laptop repairs needs serious attention here cos most of the engineers are not competent enough
* Sales of motor parts/bike parts. Both are very good biz here too.
* Bilingual schools are still in high demand in some places including teachers.
* Transportation biz- As a naija man, u will do better plying from border to town, if you are a smart. As an okada rider, concentrate around Tokpa, Misebo and Beach, you will be fine too.
Those who are into okirika(2nd clothes, shoes & bags), it's still very profitable till date but you must have a good contact for you not to be cheated.
Etc


Let me drop my pen here for now. I will be sharing some photos of the places I have been to like the beaches etc . So stay tuned as we will be dropping more information to give you a comprehensive info about the country generally.


You are so right bro. I left naija for niger republic since last year, can you believe people don't know what is generator here, light dey steady and their money is more valuable than naira. Their highest currency is 10k
Just 1 leaf o. Come see technology

10 Likes

Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by Originalsly: 12:02am On Mar 06, 2023
Zaksart:


Only if we can go back to Regional govt, and each region using what they have to develop one another.... Or else Nigeria would never work as one, imagine what transpire at today national elections. It's certain that we are heading for collapse.


Do you really believe Regional government will make things better? I do hear you on things wouldn't work as a country because of the diversity of tribes... religion and cultures.... but look at States which do not have this diversity... shouldn't they be shining? ... why aren't they? ... is there any that's comparable to Benin Republic? The major hindrances for development in Nigeria is not the diversity but the epidemic of dishonesty, selfishness and greed.

6 Likes

Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by Princewill1(m): 12:02am On Mar 06, 2023
Gate2:


I guess china, India and USA would have been a shit hole if population hinders development. If u are talking in terms of crime, I will agree with bro. Instead of u to blame the corrupt leaders, u are bringing population into this. It's well
Pls India is a big shiit hole. I will only talk about China and USA.

Population is a very big factor in development. If you don't know this before now, you better know this today. Now there is a reason Socrates famously said "man know thyself". Knowing thyself is recognizing the limits of your own wisdom and understanding... that is knowing your strengths and weaknesses.

Huge countries are complex and difficult to run, unfortunately Black people doesn't have what it takes to run one efficiently.

Both US and China you mentioned with functioning huge countries have repeatedly sent man into space and the moon. No black nation has done same.

Both US and Chinese citizens log online with devices made in their countries. You are probably online with a device produced in either US or China. I'm saying all these so that you will know thyself.

Black people doesn't have the collective intellectual capability to run an organized and a functioning huge country.

1 Like

Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by Sweetvie: 12:04am On Mar 06, 2023
Ilamina:
Nothing special about that place

Lots of voodoo
I thought being a French colony makes it less voodooish but that's not the case
French colonies juju is even worse. . Haiti, Benin republic, ivory coast

Rubbish hotels with no good cable

Quite peaceful, nice roads
Just like any other African country

Ghana, more modern and westernized
Right!
Nothing special 🤧
I still perfer ivory coast
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by Originalsly: 12:07am On Mar 06, 2023
Princewill1:


Pls India is a big shiit hole. I will only talk about China and USA.

Population is a very big factor in development. If don't know this before you better know this today. Now there is a reason Socrates famously said "man know thyself". Knowing thyself is recognizing the limits of your own wisdom and understanding... that is knowing your strengths and weaknesses.

Huge countries are complex and difficult to run, unfortunately Black people doesn't have what it takes to run one efficiently.

Both US and China you mentioned with functioning huge countries have repeatedly sent man into space and the moon. No black nation has done same.

Both US and Chinese citizens log online with devices made in their countries. You are probably online with a device produced in either US or China. I'm saying all these so that you will know thyself.

Black people doesn't have the collective intellectual capability to run an organized and a functioning huge country.


If you know the history of Blacks .... and the history of Whites you wouldn't be saying such rubbish.
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by Larryndelaw: 12:08am On Mar 06, 2023
ghettochild:
How long do you have to stay to get a benenois passport?
Nigerian passport na casting worldwide oooo.
You never commot for,naija, you are looking for another country passport. Stop speaking bad abt your own country. Nigeria is not that bad. Lots of people are still making it in Nigeria. Go and research about how many people.has their own house in Nigeria last year. Stop waiting for that Scammer called OBI.

2 Likes 1 Share

Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by christianjoy(m): 12:09am On Mar 06, 2023
olisaEze:


What’s stopping you from starting now?? No education like traveling my broda! cool
Thanks

1 Like

Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by ManIzHot: 12:17am On Mar 06, 2023
Gate2:


From my understanding so far, as long u meet the needs of the people, u will definitely sell. The most popular skill work here, is Tailoring and Hairdressing. As long as u package urs properly, u will sell, most might be poor but don't joke with their hairs and clothes. One of the cheapest hairdo with long attachment here is about 10k cefa.
Tailoring is lucative too especially when u locate your shop around places that have high concentration of Nigerians or inside Tokpa market.
There is this Nigerian lady that made a clothe for my friend for 20k cefa and I was wondering . Though wasn't too surprised cos we found it hard locating a female Nigerian tailor until we met her. If u wish to make enquiry of any kind from her on sewing, u can reach out via her Whatsapp number +2348067741738. She even makes fine beach wears for ladies.

Meanwhile most of their products here come from Nigeria like good soft bread except u wan eat the Tapalapa as I use to know it from other African countries. Very hard bread but adored here. Things like noodle, spaghetti, soaps, beverages, detergents etc all come from naija.
Sales of building materials are good too cos they long gigantic useless houses when they pick small money lol.
Sales of sewing machine accessories and manual machine sales is a good deal and it sells very fast.
Sales of fanciful home furnitures is bae here and our naija guys are deep in it. Sales of low quality mattress is bae too
Bike parts is lucrative. Motorpart is good too from my recent discovery is goid. It has high profit margin same with stuffs like printers, scanners etc.
2nd hand Android phones not above 60k cefa is a good deal as long as it does WhatsApp. They even buy HTC till date.
Phone repairs and laptop repairs and sales, will pay u well here if u are competent in it.
*Note: learn all skills in naija cos coming to learn it here is very expensive.
If u wanna deal on 2nd hand clothes, bags and shoes, u can buy and sell in naija or shift to another city to sell. U can start this with little money if u don't have enough money for bale, u can come urself or locate a trusted fellow to do picking for u which I even prefer cos in bales, u must surely get some rubbish. No matter what, the profit is still cool.
Ssales of Electricals is also a nice biz, Running a bar is nice too cos them like enjoyment oo.
If u have strength to sell naija foods with good location, u will be cashing out well. Etc. I don tire to write abeg


Boss abeg how can I get your whatapp number
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by funshint(m): 12:19am On Mar 06, 2023
Don't worry; Tinubu's presidency will redeem this country.

1 Like

Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by maths1000: 12:27am On Mar 06, 2023
I have been reading... Well someone mentioned Rwanda... Please note that Rwanda is a very top notch African country with some aspects European standard of life..
The neatness and roads in Rwanda is out of Africa.. Security also good.. But God is ur best security worldwide..
Purchasing power to my experience i think Rwandans have purchasing power as to Nigerians now

2 Likes

Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by softsoul22(m): 12:27am On Mar 06, 2023
Countersam:


I grew up in Cotonou and I must confess you have known a whole lot in a short while. Patrice Talon is the President to remember over here.

I am in Cotonou of you want to hook up...
I am planning on relocating to Benin bro, how do i hookup?

1 Like

Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by ruggedtimi(m): 12:32am On Mar 06, 2023
To cap it all ..no separatist group. So the country is stable no fear of coup or war

2 Likes

Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by ruggedtimi(m): 12:36am On Mar 06, 2023
Gatess:
THE UNDERRATED COTONOU

Since I was born till date, we Nigerians have always looked down on a lot of neighboring countries like Cameroon, Togo, Benin Republic etc.
Well, you are not to be blamed if you are among those who look down on some of these countries, even when we have not had an opportunity to cross border.

Well I was one of those people who actually looked down on most of these countries until I had an opportunity to sail round west Africa and the narratives changed.

Meanwhile I was completely marvelled the first time I visited Cotonou, the business hub of Benin Republic about 4 years ago when Patrice Talon newly took office
Two years after I re-visited, after touring round other west African countries. I spent 3 days here and without a waste of time, I concluded to relocate down to this place based on the level of development I saw, the security, serenity etc.

Finally I am now living here and I have no regret so far.

I will say this country is blessed with the best president who is working tirelessly to improve the living conditions of his beloved citizens and I am glad hearing citizens saying positive things about the president.

Things You Don't Know About Benin Republic...

*They have currently have one of the best roads/road network in west Africa
* The maintain law and order
* Security is good
* Security personnels are friendly and don't intimidate anyone. If caught intimidating you, he or she will severely be punished
" If you are caught in a robbery attack which involves gun, forget it, u are gun forever.
* Electricity is 247. No low voltage or unecessarily interruptions.
* Steady clean water supply by the government at an affordable rate
* 247 transport system cos of good security
* Night life is topnotch.. in fact their balling na night with street light almost every nook and cranny of the city.
* Amazing beaches with super duper fun.
* Nice Bilingual schools for your kids
*Stress free movement without traffic jam.
* Policemen scattered at every nook and cranny of the town to maintain law and order and not for stop and search.
* Drugs are only bought or sold at a registered pharmacies and not from quacks or roadside vendors
* Foreigners almost have same right with citizen and can't be treated anyhow
*Women are like egg here. Any maltreatment or mistreatment, you will face the law.
*Public school, go to sch by 7:30am and return home for break by 12noon and return back to school by 3pm to dismiss between 6-7pm Monday- Friday
* You can choose to relocate from your rented apartment after a month or two cos of the privilege of monthly payment plan
* Their money now more valuable than naira in black market
*This is the only safe transit route coming from other African countries to Nigeria. Of course you should know how that helps an economy.
*Internet is steady and fast but a bit expensive
*Pepper body no common here like naija
* ETC

Business Opportunities
From My Findings So Far...

*Tailoring is a place to explore especially when you sew English wears and Nigerian attires
* Sales of any kind of electronics which you can bring from Nigeria and Togo cos they are cheaper over there and expensive here.
* Sales of second hand phones and laptops, not forgetting their accessories too. Very lucrative
* Nigerian foods are in high demand especially areas where Nigerians live more. U go sell tire
* Sales of sewing machines(more of manual)and it's accessories are in high demand cos this is their major skill work with hairdressing.
* Phone and laptop repairs needs serious attention here cos most of the engineers are not competent enough
* Sales of motor parts/bike parts. Both are very good biz here too.
* Bilingual schools are still in high demand in some places including teachers.
* Transportation biz- As a naija man, u will do better plying from border to town, if you are a smart. As an okada rider, concentrate around Tokpa, Misebo and Beach, you will be fine too.
Those who are into okirika(2nd clothes, shoes & bags), it's still very profitable till date but you must have a good contact for you not to be cheated.
Etc


Let me drop my pen here for now. I will be sharing some photos of the places I have been to like the beaches etc . So stay tuned as we will be dropping more information to give you a comprehensive info about the country generally.
you no talk about the plenty bikes and their men always wearing native wears. Also the voodoo culture and the zangbeto. I think Togo is better than Benin republic.
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by joyousever(f): 12:48am On Mar 06, 2023
I just love your exposition and openness. I had been there once on a business trip years ago. And I truly agree with you. Of a fact, their roads are top- notch.
Are English Language teachers in demand over there? I wish I could contact you privately.


Gatess:
THE UNDERRATED COTONOU

Since I was born till date, we Nigerians have always looked down on a lot of neighboring countries like Cameroon, Togo, Benin Republic etc.
Well, you are not to be blamed if you are among those who look down on some of these countries, even when we have not had an opportunity to cross border.

Well I was one of those people who actually looked down on most of these countries until I had an opportunity to sail round west Africa and the narratives changed.

Meanwhile I was completely marvelled the first time I visited Cotonou, the business hub of Benin Republic about 4 years ago when Patrice Talon newly took office
Two years after I re-visited, after touring round other west African countries. I spent 3 days here and without a waste of time, I concluded to relocate down to this place based on the level of development I saw, the security, serenity etc.

Finally I am now living here and I have no regret so far.

I will say this country is blessed with the best president who is working tirelessly to improve the living conditions of his beloved citizens and I am glad hearing citizens saying positive things about the president.

Things You Don't Know About Benin Republic...

*They have currently have one of the best roads/road network in west Africa
* The maintain law and order
* Security is good
* Security personnels are friendly and don't intimidate anyone. If caught intimidating you, he or she will severely be punished
" If you are caught in a robbery attack which involves gun, forget it, u are gun forever.
* Electricity is 247. No low voltage or unecessarily interruptions.
* Steady clean water supply by the government at an affordable rate
* 247 transport system cos of good security
* Night life is topnotch.. in fact their balling na night with street light almost every nook and cranny of the city.
* Amazing beaches with super duper fun.
* Nice Bilingual schools for your kids
*Stress free movement without traffic jam.
* Policemen scattered at every nook and cranny of the town to maintain law and order and not for stop and search.
* Drugs are only bought or sold at a registered pharmacies and not from quacks or roadside vendors
* Foreigners almost have same right with citizen and can't be treated anyhow
*Women are like egg here. Any maltreatment or mistreatment, you will face the law.
*Public school, go to sch by 7:30am and return home for break by 12noon and return back to school by 3pm to dismiss between 6-7pm Monday- Friday
* You can choose to relocate from your rented apartment after a month or two cos of the privilege of monthly payment plan
* Their money now more valuable than naira in black market
*This is the only safe transit route coming from other African countries to Nigeria. Of course you should know how that helps an economy.
*Internet is steady and fast but a bit expensive
*Pepper body no common here like naija
* ETC

Business Opportunities
From My Findings So Far...

*Tailoring is a place to explore especially when you sew English wears and Nigerian attires
* Sales of any kind of electronics which you can bring from Nigeria and Togo cos they are cheaper over there and expensive here.
* Sales of second hand phones and laptops, not forgetting their accessories too. Very lucrative
* Nigerian foods are in high demand especially areas where Nigerians live more. U go sell tire
* Sales of sewing machines(more of manual)and it's accessories are in high demand cos this is their major skill work with hairdressing.
* Phone and laptop repairs needs serious attention here cos most of the engineers are not competent enough
* Sales of motor parts/bike parts. Both are very good biz here too.
* Bilingual schools are still in high demand in some places including teachers.
* Transportation biz- As a naija man, u will do better plying from border to town, if you are a smart. As an okada rider, concentrate around Tokpa, Misebo and Beach, you will be fine too.
Those who are into okirika(2nd clothes, shoes & bags), it's still very profitable till date but you must have a good contact for you not to be cheated.
Etc


Let me drop my pen here for now. I will be sharing some photos of the places I have been to like the beaches etc . So stay tuned as we will be dropping more information to give you a comprehensive info about the country generally.
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by musicwriter(m): 12:53am On Mar 06, 2023
@ All those who can't understand why big countries, such as China, Canada, US, Russia prosper whereas Nigeria cannot.

The reason is that those big countries, such as China, US, Russia, etc evolved through many years of their direct participation in nature, so they created the type of country they wanted. Their societies were created by themselves, just like if you carry thousands of potatoes in a truck, the bigger, medium and smaller potatoes would naturally sort themselves out and each would find their place. So, they'll create harmony and peace by themselves.

In Africa, our ancestors also did the same thing like every other place in the world, in fact, we did it first because we're the first race to inhabit the world.

Unfortunately, upon our sad encounter with Europeans they destroyed everything we created once they arrived. You all must understand that we didn't create the societies we live in Africa today, rather they were created for us by Europeans.

The countries that our ancestors created looked similar as the peaceful smaller African countries, such as Gambia, Senegal, Sao Tome, Malawi, Lesotho, Botswana, Togo, Benin republic. Indeed, that's why the smaller African countries are relatively peaceful till today. Because they're closer to nature!!

But when Europeans arrived Africa, they through their greed and arrogance merged those small nations (now called ethnic groups) together and created chaos such as Nigeria and all the other large good for nothing African countries.

Since we didn't create the very society that we call our countries, we therefore became disoriented as we continue to suffer identity crises, whether you understand it or not. To make matters worse, they also imposed on us a new language, education, religion. This means that they completely uprooted us away from reality.

The only reason countries, such as Gambia, Senegal, Sao Tome, Malawi, Lesotho, Botswana, Togo, Benin republic, etc are doing relatively better is because THEY'RE CLOSER to being the type of societies that our ancestors created. Our ancestors created small heterogeneous nations (now called ethnic groups) so the more we exist in smaller unit, the more we'll be true to ourselves and the more efficient we'll work.

A country like Nigeria with so many heterogeneous nations (ethnic groups) forcing themselves to be homogeneous, can never prosper. There are too many frictions. There are too many languages. There are too many irreconcilable differences between the ethnic groups. But if we can run a true federal system of government, we'll begin to prosper because we'll be closer to being natural. As the saying goes "you cannot cheat nature".

11 Likes

Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by joyousever(f): 12:55am On Mar 06, 2023
For real? A country that's highly underated even more than Congo. And for the fact that Nigeria, the so called giant of Africa supports them with electricity makes Nigeria more ridiculous. What a shame?




AbleBouncer:



You are so right bro. I left naija for niger republic since last year, can you believe people don't know what is generator here, light dey steady and their money is more valuable than naira. Their highest currency is 10k
Just 1 leaf o. Come see technology

1 Like

Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by sunnywinner2015(m): 12:58am On Mar 06, 2023
pocohantas:


Don’t be too fast to speak. Maybe you should first ask Nigerians that traveled there how it works…
Like to chat you up.... please drop your number
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by seguno2: 1:02am On Mar 06, 2023
Starboytwo:
How many people are in bene republic again?

If Nigeria was just like eg Ebonyi, small, maybe 5 million people, it will be very easy to govern.

Don’t be comparing 5million people to 250 million people. Over 300 ethnic groups. Over 500 languages. Oboy, incomparable.

Why are you making excuses for the failure of all of us?

How many people are in the US, Indonesia, India and China?

How many people are in Somalia and how many languages do they speak there with how many ethnic groups

2 Likes 1 Share

Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by Napata77: 1:03am On Mar 06, 2023
musicwriter:
@ All those who can't understand why big countries, such as China, Canada, US, Russia prosper whereas Nigeria cannot.

The reason is that those big countries, such as China, US, Russia, etc evolved through many years of their direct participation in nature, so they created the type of country they wanted. Their societies were created by themselves, just like if you carry thousands of potatoes in a truck, the bigger, medium and smaller potatoes would naturally sort themselves out and each would find their place. So, they'll create harmony and peace by themselves.

In Africa, our ancestors also did the same thing like every other place in the world, in fact, we did it first because we're the first race to inhabit the world.

Unfortunately, upon our sad encounter with Europeans they destroyed everything we created before they arrived. You all must understand that we didn't create the societies we live in Africa today, rather they were created for us by Europeans.

The countries that our ancestors created looked same as peaceful smaller African countries, such as Gambia, Senegal, Sao Tome, Malawi, Lesotho, Botswana, Togo, Benin republic. Indeed, that's why the smaller African countries are relatively peaceful till today. Because they're closer to nature!!

But when Europeans arrived Africa, they through their greed and arrogance merged those small nations (now called ethnic groups) together and created chaos such as Nigeria and all the other large good for nothing African countries.

Since we didn't create the very society that we call our countries, we therefore became disoriented as we continue to suffer identity crises, whether you understand it or not.

The only reason countries, such as Gambia, Senegal, Sao Tome, Malawi, Lesotho, Botswana, Togo, Benin republic, etc are doing relatively better is because THEY'RE CLOSER to being the type of societies that our ancestors created. Our ancestors created small heterogeneous nations (now called ethnic groups) so the more we exist in smaller unit, the more we'll be true to ourselves and the more efficient we'll work.

A country like Nigeria with so many heterogeneous nations (ethnic groups) forcing themselves to be homogeneous, can never prosper. There are too many frictions. There are too many languages. There are too many irreconcilable differences between the ethnic groups. But if we can run a true federal system of government, we'll begin to prosper because we'll be closer to being natural. As the saying goes "you cannot cheat nature".

The Mali Empire encompassed hundreds of ethnic groups and they lived in harmony, and were the wealthiest empire in Africa outside Egypt of the pharaohs!

1 Like

Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by faceLAGOS: 1:10am On Mar 06, 2023
So na Cotonou men wan face now.

No more uk, yankee or canada.

Presshure ti wá wà bayi!!

Jésù gbàwá.

8 Likes

Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by musicwriter(m): 1:12am On Mar 06, 2023
Napata77:


The Mali Empire encompassed hundreds of ethnic groups and they lived in harmony, and were the wealthiest empire in Africa outside Egypt of the pharaohs!

Isn't that what I said?
Or did Europeans create Songhai empire? Indeed, there were successful African empires but where are they today? They were destroyed upon our unfortunate encounter with Europeans and Arabs.

It's not really about big or small, rather it's about who created what. That was my point.
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by 2baga(m): 1:15am On Mar 06, 2023
It appears our tag of giant of Africa 🌍 has not translated into improved quality of life.


Gatess:
THE UNDERRATED COTONOU

Since I was born till date, we Nigerians have always looked down on a lot of neighboring countries like Cameroon, Togo, Benin Republic etc.
Well, you are not to be blamed if you are among those who look down on some of these countries, even when we have not had an opportunity to cross border.

Well I was one of those people who actually looked down on most of these countries until I had an opportunity to sail round west Africa and the narratives changed.

Meanwhile I was completely marvelled the first time I visited Cotonou, the business hub of Benin Republic about 4 years ago when Patrice Talon newly took office
Two years after I re-visited, after touring round other west African countries. I spent 3 days here and without a waste of time, I concluded to relocate down to this place based on the level of development I saw, the security, serenity etc.

Finally I am now living here and I have no regret so far.

I will say this country is blessed with the best president who is working tirelessly to improve the living conditions of his beloved citizens and I am glad hearing citizens saying positive things about the president.

Things You Don't Know About Benin Republic...

*They have currently have one of the best roads/road network in west Africa
* The maintain law and order
* Security is good
* Security personnels are friendly and don't intimidate anyone. If caught intimidating you, he or she will severely be punished
" If you are caught in a robbery attack which involves gun, forget it, u are gun forever.
* Electricity is 247. No low voltage or unecessarily interruptions.
* Steady clean water supply by the government at an affordable rate
* 247 transport system cos of good security
* Night life is topnotch.. in fact their balling na night with street light almost every nook and cranny of the city.
* Amazing beaches with super duper fun.
* Nice Bilingual schools for your kids
*Stress free movement without traffic jam.
* Policemen scattered at every nook and cranny of the town to maintain law and order and not for stop and search.
* Drugs are only bought or sold at a registered pharmacies and not from quacks or roadside vendors
* Foreigners almost have same right with citizen and can't be treated anyhow
*Women are like egg here. Any maltreatment or mistreatment, you will face the law.
*Public school, go to sch by 7:30am and return home for break by 12noon and return back to school by 3pm to dismiss between 6-7pm Monday- Friday
* You can choose to relocate from your rented apartment after a month or two cos of the privilege of monthly payment plan
* Their money now more valuable than naira in black market
*This is the only safe transit route coming from other African countries to Nigeria. Of course you should know how that helps an economy.
*Internet is steady and fast but a bit expensive
*Pepper body no common here like naija
* ETC

Business Opportunities
From My Findings So Far...

*Tailoring is a place to explore especially when you sew English wears and Nigerian attires
* Sales of any kind of electronics which you can bring from Nigeria and Togo cos they are cheaper over there and expensive here.
* Sales of second hand phones and laptops, not forgetting their accessories too. Very lucrative
* Nigerian foods are in high demand especially areas where Nigerians live more. U go sell tire
* Sales of sewing machines(more of manual)and it's accessories are in high demand cos this is their major skill work with hairdressing.
* Phone and laptop repairs needs serious attention here cos most of the engineers are not competent enough
* Sales of motor parts/bike parts. Both are very good biz here too.
* Bilingual schools are still in high demand in some places including teachers.
* Transportation biz- As a naija man, u will do better plying from border to town, if you are a smart. As an okada rider, concentrate around Tokpa, Misebo and Beach, you will be fine too.
Those who are into okirika(2nd clothes, shoes & bags), it's still very profitable till date but you must have a good contact for you not to be cheated.
Etc


Let me drop my pen here for now. I will be sharing some photos of the places I have been to like the beaches etc . So stay tuned as we will be dropping more information to give you a comprehensive info about the country generally.
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by antibullshit: 1:30am On Mar 06, 2023
Starboytwo:
How many people are in bene republic again?

If Nigeria was just like eg Ebonyi, small, maybe 5 million people, it will be very easy to govern.

Don’t be comparing 5million people to 250 million people. Over 300 ethnic groups. Over 500 languages. Oboy, incomparable.
When did nigeria become 250 million people ? I don't know why nigerians love to increase their population anyhow ! !

2 Likes

Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by Napata77: 1:31am On Mar 06, 2023
musicwriter:


Isn't that what I said?
Or did Europeans create Songhai empire? Indeed, there were successful African empires but where are they today? They were destroyed upon our unfortunate encounter with Europeans and Arabs.

It's not really about big or small, rather it's about who created what. That was my point.

Ok, fair enough. I thought you were saying that large, multi-ethnic nations cannot function in Africa. wink
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by Pondabrown: 1:33am On Mar 06, 2023
Larryndelaw:
See one of OBIDIENTS asking stupid question. Bunch of illiterate

Nawao, person no fit ask question again?

2 Likes

Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by musicwriter(m): 1:42am On Mar 06, 2023
Napata77:


Ok, fair enough. I thought you were saying that large, multi-ethnic nations cannot function in Africa. wink

Of course, all nations can't be of the same size. So, even in ancient Africa, some nations were relatively large while others were small. Yorubaland, for instance, went from South Western Nigeria all the way through the Atlantic coast to Ivory Coast. In fact, Yoruba language is still spoken today in Coastal West Africa up to Ivory Coast.

If you create your own country (whether big or small) you'll live in peace and harmony because you created it- as opposed to your country being imposed on you by a foreigner.

2 Likes

Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by LikeAking: 1:46am On Mar 06, 2023
Starboytwo:
How many people are in bene republic again?

If Nigeria was just like eg Ebonyi, small, maybe 5 million people, it will be very easy to govern.

Don’t be comparing 5million people to 250 million people. Over 300 ethnic groups. Over 500 languages. Oboy, incomparable.


Oga forget this talk.. that's a reason we have state government...

Stop supporting evil leaders, u think they don't know what they are doing?

2 Likes

Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by flowerpretty: 1:52am On Mar 06, 2023
Gatess:
THE UNDERRATED COTONOU

Since I was born till date, we Nigerians have always looked down on a lot of neighboring countries like Cameroon, Togo, Benin Republic etc.
Well, you are not to be blamed if you are among those who look down on some of these countries, even when we have not had an opportunity to cross border.

Well I was one of those people who actually looked down on most of these countries until I had an opportunity to sail round west Africa and the narratives changed.

Meanwhile I was completely marvelled the first time I visited Cotonou, the business hub of Benin Republic about 4 years ago when Patrice Talon newly took office
Two years after I re-visited, after touring round other west African countries. I spent 3 days here and without a waste of time, I concluded to relocate down to this place based on the level of development I saw, the security, serenity etc.

Finally I am now living here and I have no regret so far.

I will say this country is blessed with the best president who is working tirelessly to improve the living conditions of his beloved citizens and I am glad hearing citizens saying positive things about the president.

Things You Don't Know About Benin Republic...

*They have currently have one of the best roads/road network in west Africa
* The maintain law and order
* Security is good
* Security personnels are friendly and don't intimidate anyone. If caught intimidating you, he or she will severely be punished
" If you are caught in a robbery attack which involves gun, forget it, u are gun forever.
* Electricity is 247. No low voltage or unecessarily interruptions.
* Steady clean water supply by the government at an affordable rate
* 247 transport system cos of good security
* Night life is topnotch.. in fact their balling na night with street light almost every nook and cranny of the city.
* Amazing beaches with super duper fun.
* Nice Bilingual schools for your kids
*Stress free movement without traffic jam.
* Policemen scattered at every nook and cranny of the town to maintain law and order and not for stop and search.
* Drugs are only bought or sold at a registered pharmacies and not from quacks or roadside vendors
* Foreigners almost have same right with citizen and can't be treated anyhow
*Women are like egg here. Any maltreatment or mistreatment, you will face the law.
*Public school, go to sch by 7:30am and return home for break by 12noon and return back to school by 3pm to dismiss between 6-7pm Monday- Friday
* You can choose to relocate from your rented apartment after a month or two cos of the privilege of monthly payment plan
* Their money now more valuable than naira in black market
*This is the only safe transit route coming from other African countries to Nigeria. Of course you should know how that helps an economy.
*Internet is steady and fast but a bit expensive
*Pepper body no common here like naija
* ETC

Business Opportunities
From My Findings So Far...

*Tailoring is a place to explore especially when you sew English wears and Nigerian attires
* Sales of any kind of electronics which you can bring from Nigeria and Togo cos they are cheaper over there and expensive here.
* Sales of second hand phones and laptops, not forgetting their accessories too. Very lucrative
* Nigerian foods are in high demand especially areas where Nigerians live more. U go sell tire
* Sales of sewing machines(more of manual)and it's accessories are in high demand cos this is their major skill work with hairdressing.
* Phone and laptop repairs needs serious attention here cos most of the engineers are not competent enough
* Sales of motor parts/bike parts. Both are very good biz here too.
* Bilingual schools are still in high demand in some places including teachers.
* Transportation biz- As a naija man, u will do better plying from border to town, if you are a smart. As an okada rider, concentrate around Tokpa, Misebo and Beach, you will be fine too.
Those who are into okirika(2nd clothes, shoes & bags), it's still very profitable till date but you must have a good contact for you not to be cheated.
Etc


Let me drop my pen here for now. I will be sharing some photos of the places I have been to like the beaches etc . So stay tuned as we will be dropping more information to give you a comprehensive info about the country generally.

All what the OP said us true, I was travelling to London so I went through cotonou Airport hmm I couldn't believe my eyes when. I got to that country. The country is so neat and beautiful. If i was based in Nigeria I beg I go relocate to that country the next day . I stayed there 4 2 days nd I was just like wow see dis small with 24hrs electricity.

2 Likes

Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by Osanoghodua1: 1:52am On Mar 06, 2023
Thanks,.but jo graphics to back up your narratives. No pics. It's a nice country, but I can't relocate there because our Christian fire or spiritual life is higher than theirs, I don't want my children to place french language over English plus am a Benin man by the grace of God, I prefer to relocate to Western nation than Africa nations because of the education of my children.
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by LikeAking: 1:57am On Mar 06, 2023
Starboytwo:
How many people are in bene republic again?

If Nigeria was just like eg Ebonyi, small, maybe 5 million people, it will be very easy to govern.

Don’t be comparing 5million people to 250 million people. Over 300 ethnic groups. Over 500 languages. Oboy, incomparable.

Our population no reach 250 million.. We are below 160 million or slightly above it..

1 Like

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