Lagos City Photo Blog

The Women of #OccupyNigeria

2012-01-10T14:55:00.000+01:00

Waka music singer Salawa Abeni joined voices with the people at the Gani Fawehinmi Park on Tuesday. Beside her is Joe-Okei Odumakin, a fiery civil society leader who in her own right has become a rallying point for the masses.

The OccupyNigeria protests have continued into the second day and my attention has been drawn to the role of women in the demonstrations. They have played big roles as much as men in the struggle against tyranny against the Nigerian people by their government. Here are a few of the women I captured during these protests.

Journalist Lolade Sowoolu tweets on her mobile phone during protests at the Gani Fawehinmi Park

Star actress Bimbo Akintola showed up at the OccupyNigeria protests in Ojota to denounce the government

Activist Chioma Ogwuegbu displays her Nigeria colours at the OccupyNigeria protests in Ojota

This young lady joined the protests against fuel subsidy removal at Ojodu.

With a smile, this young lady asks the government to rescind its decision.

#OccupyNigeria: The birth of a neighbourhood protest

2012-01-09T13:04:00.000+01:00

Dayo Fadugba leads a handful of young men at the start of the protest in Ojodu

I was privileged to be part of the beginning of a protest in my neigbourhood as the #OccupyNigeria protests against the removal of government subsidy on petroleum commenced today. Dayo Fadugba, former publicity officer of the Obafemi Awolowo University students union, called a group of young men together on Sunday night to sensitise them about the issues on ground. I got wind of it and attended. The stage was set for protests on Monday morning and I was duly woken up by Fadugba's phone call at 7:16am informing me that they were about to commence.

Without as much as a shower, I jumped out onto the streets, camera in hand, to meet about seven young men, Fadugba inclusive, as they sang around the Ishaga Ojodu-Abiodun area denouncing the government position. We moved from house to house, street to street urging parents to release their young people to join in the protests that affects one and all.

Fadugba said: "You provide water for yourselves, you subsidise your own electricity, you send your children to private schools, they graduate but cannot get jobs and the government wants you to keep quiet, what has the government done for you? If you fight you may win but if you don’t fight you have definitely lost".

From a handful of people, the crowd grew into almost a thousand signifying the anger of many Nigerians at their government's anti-human policies. We moved towards the Ojodu-Abiodun Police Post where Emeka Nwonyi, the divisional police officer, asked the young men and women to protest peacefully even as he acknowledged the fact that policemen also feel the pinch of the policy.

The procession then moved to the Berger Roundabout where it occupied before moving on towards Omole and onwards to Ojota where the larger #OccupyNigeria party was being held.

From seven people to more than a thousand, there is power in the peoples' anger.

A banner says: We no fit shout

Writing the signs

Protesting for his future

Bring an end to corruption

No to fuel subsidy removal

Fadugba addresses Emeka Nwonyi, divisional police officer of the Ojodu-Abiodun Police post

Young people are angry at their government

Emeka Nwonyi, DPO Ojodu-Abiodun Police post addresses the protesting crowd

Nothing that goes up ever comes down in Nigeria

From a small beginning, the crowd grows into a mammoth and moves to Berger Roundabout

Clapping against government tyranny

Fuel price hike portends hell for many Nigerians

The Angel of Dustbin Estate

2011-12-23T14:36:00.000+01:00

Tolulope Sangosanya with children of Dustbin Estate at her resource centre

Tolulope Sangosanya founded the Love On The Streets (LOTS) Charity Foundation to cater for the less privileged children living around Pako in Ajegunle, Lagos. The neighbourhood is better known by its other name, Dustbin Estate.

Having experienced a life of challenges herself, Tolu has found her calling in taking care of the needs of educational needs of the children in the area. Growing up Tolu could not read. After overcoming her disability, her family got a prophecy that she was going to die before her 25th birthday.

"I used to tell myself that I am special but couldn't read and write," Tolu told me. "How can I get to this stage when I thought all was well and then they say that I shall die?"

And so came the desire to leave a legacy behind. It was the reason behind LOTS Charity. Not only did she not die, her charity has survived and is giving succour to more than a hundred kids at the rented apartment where she operates a resource and literacy centre in the Ajegunle neighbourhood. "I can relate and empathize with them because I had a late start in life. All they need is love."

In 2010, Tolu was awarded the prize for the best use of advocacy at The Future Awards. She continues to give her time and attention to the children of Dustbin Estate where she is assisted by Priye and Emmanuel Bayoko, two siblings who grew up in the neighbourhood.

"I'm doing it for the future of the kids," said Emmanuel. "I believe in Nigeria's future."

(Please see link to help Tolulope Sangosanya's work with the children of Dustbin Estate)

The slum where the kids and their families live

Tolu with her assistants Priye and Emmanuel Bayoko

Ikeja City Mall Opens

2011-12-14T15:55:00.001+01:00

The Ikeja City Mall was commissioned today by Lagos governor Babatunde Fashola. A long line of customers queued up outside to receive freebies from the major retailers that include Shoprite, Twice As Nice, Silverbird Cinemas, Mr Price, NIKE, etc.

Mr Fashola said the mall "restores Ikeja back to its rightful place as the retail hub of Lagos. This development provides an inspiring vision of what can be achieved through collaboration between the development partners, regulators, government officials and tenants. Ikeja City Mall brings world-class retail and leisure facilities to Lagos. I am excited to see my fellow citizens in the mall today, relaxing and having fun.”

Well, I can tell you, this will become a veritable playground for Mainlanders during this Christmas.

Shopping time

Governor Fashola

*Photos courtesy of Adewale Adelola

Falomo Roundabout

2011-12-13T20:35:00.000+01:00

The Falomo Roundabout seen from the sixth floor of Union Marble House. In the distance across the water is Victoria Island.

Professor Akin Oyebode's Inaugural Lecture

2011-12-08T11:22:00.001+01:00

Professor Akin Oyebode

Law teacher, public analyst, and author Akin Oyebode delivered his inaugural lecture at the University of Lagos on Wednesday, 20 years after he became a professor. Better late than never, it is a debt every erudite scholar owes the university system. In "Of Norms, Values and Attitudes: The Cogency of International Law", Oyebode challenges the Nigerian political elite to "jettison its obsurantism and anti-intellectual attitude" concerning "policy formulation and implementation on international matters by encouraging informed input from academics and experts."

Unilag top dons

Ojodu sunset

2011-12-06T20:39:00.001+01:00

This photo is from about a year ago and I only found it in my archives. It just feels like one could pluck the sun from its perch as it slowly set over Ojodu.

The Obafemi Awolowo Memorials

2011-12-02T08:30:00.000+01:00

The Obafemi Awolowo Mueum

On a visit to Ikenne, Ogun State last weekend, I stopped by at the Obafemi Awolowo country home where I made these photos of the memorials of the late politician and sage. We weren't allowed to enter the museum because it is required that we should have written ahead of time to request permission to enter. So one could only take photos of the exteriors and not see the mementoes of the great leader of the Yoruba people.

Obafemi Awolowo's resting place

The car that Obafemi Awolowo rode for his presidential campaigns in 1979 and 1983

Open roof, open happiness

2011-12-01T16:29:00.001+01:00

Hatch-back car driving along the Ikorodu Expressway at Ojota.

Emufest 2011

2011-11-21T19:45:00.001+01:00

Dancing time

This year's event began in Lagos with a show on Sunday evening at the Blue Roof of the Eko FM.

Afrolife Beats dancers

Omileyan

Backstage: Orlando Julius, Latoya Aduke, Yinka Davies, Lagbaja, Pa Chris Ajilo, Omileyan and other performers

85 year-old Pa Chris Ajilo still plays the saxophone and dances with vigour

Edaoto

Ruth Michael

Beautiful Nubia

Crown Troupe of Africa

Chinese in Africa

2011-11-18T09:00:00.000+01:00

More and more Chinese companies now send workers to Africa. I recently encountered these men doing construction on a site in Kogi state. They are building a third conveyor line for Dangote Cement's Obajana plant, touted as the biggest factory in Africa. They were very eager to pose for photos and I hope that they are able to take home with them interesting experiences from my country.

Rear view: Traffic

2011-11-17T20:53:00.001+01:00

Young man selling in thick traffic at Gbagada

Shot this image while driving through Gbagada Expressway traffic towards the Anthony bye-pass during the week. It was made as I stared at the "world through my rear view".

First Nation Airlines: First flight

2011-11-07T15:43:00.000+01:00

Wings

Last week I flew First Nation Airlines from Abuja to Lagos and was impressed by the new company's outlook. It was the first week that they were deploying their Airbus A320 aircraft and it looked really neat. The best part of the flight was when they served lunch. It was a full compliment of rice and chicken, unlike the dry snack that's served on most local flights. Plus they put a can of Pepsi/7Up/Teem, not just a cup!

Well, I know it was just a marketing appetizer and they would soon revert to status quo, but I wish they'd continue with what they've started. Airline passengers deserve the best.

(Photos taken with a Google Nexus One camera phone)

Refueling

Inside the cabin

Friendly crew

Street football

2011-10-22T15:24:00.000+01:00

Young men take to the empty streets to play football during this weekend's elections into Lagos State's local governments and local council development areas. This photo was made at Ojodu where youngsters made use of open roads to play football due to the ban on vehicular movement during elections.

Felabration 2011: Fela's Children

2011-10-17T12:47:00.000+01:00

A young man raises a clenched fist in honour of Fela at the end of an Afrobeat performance at the Afrika Shrine during Felabration 2011

Friday night is usually the biggest of all the performances during the annual weeklong Felabration. Extremely long queues of people trying to get into the Afrika Shrine can be seen all over as the crowd press into each other. However, order is maintained by the aptly named green-shirted Shrine Police that keep everyone in check with their whips and clubs and sometimes a machete or two. It's not as rowdy as it may sound.

So struggling to get inside with my media pass, I tried to document the crowd and their loyalty to the genre created by the genius that Fela Kuti was. I have decided to call this post Fela's Children because no matter how long that it seems the legend has been dead, he still possesses a huge following of young men and women (some who were toddlers when he died and many not even born). Such is the power of Afrobeat that it will grow continuously for a long time.

Felabration 2011 has come and gone. Like Gabriel Okara wrote in his poem The Fisherman's Invocation, "the celebration is now ended, the drums lay quiet, silent, waiting" for another year.

Faces of young men in crowd during Felabration 2011

Cross section of the audience at the Afrika Shrine during Felabration 2011

Security guards frisk a man on the long queue to enter the Afrika Shrine during Felabration 2011

Bar Beach: WatchTower

2011-10-14T11:23:00.000+01:00

This watch tower stands on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean at the Bar Beach in Victoria Island.

Obafemi Awolowo

2011-10-14T07:00:00.000+01:00

One of the three famous statues of the founder of modern Yoruba politics and economy, Obafemi Awolowo stands immortalised at the Allen Avenue Roundabout in Ikeja. The two other statues like this one are located in Ibadan and Ile Ife (inside the university named after him).

Felabration 2011: Buy Africa

2011-10-12T14:54:00.003+01:00

The Executives perform a dance sketch

It's Fela Kuti's birthday again and this year's theme of Felabration is "Buy Africa". A formal opening was done with speeches delivered by public intellectuals on Monday at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.

The New Afrika Shrine has been playing host to nightly performances by new acts and big name music stars since. The Executives Dance Club opened last night's performance with a sketch that featured a cameo role by a Fela look-alike.

This year the duo of Femi and Seun Kuti, sons of Fela, will not be performing as they are on tour at the moment. Here are some images from Tuesday night at Felabration.

Two men have a go at the Ayo board game inside the New Afrika Shrine

Travel paper Waka-About carries Fela on its cover page

A patron lights up a joint at the New Afrika Shrine

The crowd at the New Afrika Shrine for Felabration 2011

Lagos Photo Festival 2011

2011-10-10T19:35:00.000+01:00

The 2nd Lagos Photo Festival opened on October 8 at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. Bigger and better than last year's, this edition parades 44 photographers from Nigeria, Ghana, Italy, India, South Africa, France, Holland, etc. It is the biggest photo exhibition on the west coast of Africa and the quality of images and stories on display are impressive. Follow the official exhibition blog here.

Bar Beach: Girl on a Swing

2011-10-06T13:26:00.001+01:00

A girl sits on an old swing looking into the distance at the Bar Beach resort in Victoria Island. The beach is a popular destination for fun seekers in Lagos after its reclamation from the surging ocean waves in recent times.

Happy Independence Day Nigeria: 419 Reasons to Like Nigeria

2011-10-01T00:47:00.000+01:00

For too long, Nigeria and Nigerians have been readily associated with the online scams, financial crime and impersonation - termed ‘419’. However, beyond the unfortunate stereotyping, there are several positive characteristics and cogent intriguing traits of the country, Nigeria and its people, some of which are highlighted below as part of the ‘419 Reasons to Like Nigeria’ campaign which enlisted 100 volunteers and bloggers to share reasons why they like Nigeria. These reasons echo the voices of Nigerians, with resonating similar themes. The campaign is being facilitated in partnership with ‘The 419Positive Project’.

The full list of ‘419 Reasons to Like Nigeria’ is available here (www.419Positive.org)

The list of contributors to ‘419 Reasons to Like Nigeria’ is available here

If you would like to say something positive about Nigerians and Nigeria, please do so here.

NIGERIA - THE LAND OF POTENTIAL AND OPPORTUNITY

v I like Nigeria because it is a land of endless opportunities and possibilities. Nigeria is one country I believe the world is yet to experience it true potentials. I believe Nigerians are sharp, brilliant and accommodating people. Giving the right enabling environment the world will marvel at what Nigeria will become.

v Nigeria is the most populous black nation - and a buying one at that. From a capitalist point of view, this makes for a great investment opportunities.

v The fact that Nigeria currently lags behind so much - in infrastructure and developmental terms - hints at the size of the potential for innovation and transformation, and at the huge number of vacancies that exist for 'transformers'. What I think this means is that the world will be hearing a lot about Nigeria and high-achieving Nigerians (in the public and private sectors) in the near future.

NIGERIA - THE COUNTRY

v The Nigerian Green and White flag is a notable national symbol. The green color symbolises agriculture, seeing that the country is endowed with masses of arable land, while the white colour signifies unity and peace. Other national symbols include the Nigerian Coat of Arms, which depicts an eagle on a black shield, tri-sected by two wavy silver bands, and supported on either side by two chargers. The national motto underlies the coat-of -arms: "Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress." Her national symbols convey great meaning to its people.

v The Nigerian accent is currently ranked by CNN Global Experiences as the 5th sexiest accent in the world.

v Nigeria is home to Nollywood, one of the world's biggest film industries.

NIGERIA - THE CULTURE, THE FOOD, THE WAY OF LIFE

v Something great to like about Nigeria is our cultural diversity. A strong affinity exists, despite our differences. Learning about other ethnic cultures in my country really helped me personally relate to other cultures when abroad.

v I think the food is tastier in Nigeria than that I have found in other countries.

v Nigerians live a communal life style. The extended family is part of the immediate family in a Nigerian home.

NIGERIA - THE MUSIC, THE MOVIES, THE DANCE, THE ART

v Nigeria has produced many world class musicians. A notable mention in this regard is Fela Anikulapo Kuti. A Broadway show titled ‘FELA!’ was produced in 2009 depicting the life and times of the Afrobeat musician.

v Nigeria’s movie industry, Nollywood, is reputedly the 3rd largest film industry after Hollywood and Bollywood, and has grown gradually into a $250 million industry in more than 10 years.

v Nigerian indigenous musical instruments are unique, soulful and rhythmic. They comprise the popular Talking Drum, producing proverbial and storytelling sounds, the Shaker (shekere), the Udu drum, the Lute, the leg and arm Rattle, the Omele, the Ogene (Gong originating in Eastern Nigeria), the Ekwe drum and the Kakaki (A 4m metal trumpet popular in Northern Nigeria). Many of these instruments have been incorporated in South American music over the years

NIGERIA - GEOGRAPHY and NATURAL RESOURCES

v Nigeria is a nation blessed with rich human and natural resources. As the 8th largest exporter of Oil in the world, with the 10^th largest proven reserves, our blessings cannot be overemphasised. No earthquakes, no tsunamis, no droughts, an evergreen land. The rest of the world should live here.

v The beauty of the Nigerian state cannot but leave one in awe. Blessed with captivating physical features and abundant wild life. From the rolling hills to the vast plains in the North Central Nigeria and the forests in the South, the beautiful scenery of the country is more than breathtaking and with the wildlife spread all over the country; Nigeria is surely a beauty to behold and a tourist's delight all year round.

v Nigeria is blessed with tremendous agricultural resources. Cotton in the North, Cocoa & Oil palm in the south amongst many others. The flag is green for a reason

NIGERIA - WEST AFRICA, AFRICA and THE WORLD

v Nigeria has the largest population of any country in Africa. Approximately 1 out of every 2 West Africans, 1 out of every 4 Africans, and 1 out of every 5 persons of African origin is a Nigerian.

v Nigeria is the largest contributor of troops to the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) and by extension, is the largest force for peace and stability in West Africa.

v A Nigerian will stand out anywhere you find him/her, from Libya to London, Tokyo to Timbuktu. Well known examples include Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston Rockets, USA), Olumide Oyedeji (Seattle Sonics), Tunde Baiyewu (Lighthouse Family), Sunday Adelaja (Ukraine), Chris Aire (US), etc.

NIGERIA - INDUSTRIOUS, INNOVATIVE and ENTERPRISING, with ACHIEVEMENTS

v Nigerians are intelligent, brilliant minds who have proven their mettle in various fields - Wole Soyinka was the first African to win the much coveted Nobel Prize for literature in 1986. Chinua Achebe’s classic novel ‘Things Fall Apart’ was ranked as number 14 in a list of top 100 books in the world by Newsdesk in 2009. Others include Cyprian Ekwensi, Mabel Segun, Chimamanda Adichie and Helon Habila whose literary works have won both international and local awards at various times.

v We have budding fashion designers. Yes! It's a line every Bunmi, Amaka and Amina has decided to tow but to disregard the effort and originality of our Fashion Designers would be disrespectful. Tiffany Amber, Lanre Da Silva and Deola Sagoe are building world renowned brands, not to mention the legacy developed by the likes of Abba Folawiyo, Maureen Onigbanjo, Remi Lagos and Zizzi Cardow.

v Nigerians have excelled in the fields of economics and finance, managing well established global bodies. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, the current Minister of Finance, was until recently a Managing Director at The World Bank. Obiageli Ezekwisili is currently the Vice President for Africa at The World Bank. Mr Adebayo Ogunlesi is a first class graduate of Oxford, and Managing Partner of Global infrastructure Partner (GIP), a concessionaire of London’s Gatwick International Airport.

v We take technology and expand it in ways those who created it could not have imagined. For instance, take the BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) which allows you to send broadcast messages to all addresses on your contacts list; Nigerians recently found a unique way of advertising the different businesses they do. Someone started a message highlighting the fact that many people in Nigeria are entrepreneurs or provide a service and included his BB PIN in the message and sent to all his contacts with the charge that they state the service they provide, include their PIN and send on to all their contacts too. This seemingly small campaign has gone “viral” with whole lists of entrepreneurs and their BB PINs being passed from phone to phone. This is a clear sign of the ingenuity of Nigerians!

NIGERIA – GREAT PEOPLE

v Nigeria is the 7^th most populous nation in the world (over 160 million) and most populous in Africa - a gold mine of energetic, determined and talented people in each and every field. From Lagos to Aba to Kano, the Nigerian business spirit and desire to succeed is visible. It requires just proper harnessing of these human resources before Nigeria becomes the super power she was meant to be.

v Nigerians are passionate, friendly, welcoming, hospitable, and well cultured people. The average Nigerian reflects a combination of vivacity, intelligence, energy, talent, and resolution.

v We are a nation of people that can hardly hide their excitement at seeing family and friends. Some misconstrue this thinking we are loud but let's just say we are EXPRESSIVE! If you see us on the streets of New York making a big ruckus and hugging? No sweat. We are just happy to see each other.

NIGERIA – THE RESILIENT SPIRIT

v The Giant of Africa: Not ignoring the current challenges, eventually, when we get our acts right, we will reign supreme on the global scene. We have the potential and as is much touted by the Warri people - "Naija no dey carry last"

v The 'survivor-mentality' hard-wired into the DNA of Nigeria's people. The fact that against all the odds (and there are many of them), Nigerians continue to live, hustle and seek to triumph. It is not by mistake that Nigeria is regarded as one of the "happiest" countries in the world, despite its challenging economic and social conditions.

v We are hardy. The average Nigerian does business under circumstances that are unimaginable to people from other parts. In a place where there is no power, no credit, and scant regulation, people do business and do very well for themselves too. If you can make it in Nigeria, you can make it anywhere in the world.

NIGERIA – TOURISM and SPORTS

v Nigeria is an amazing tourist haven and is home to the Obudu Cattle Ranch, located in Calabar. It is only 45 miles from the Cameroon border. The Obudu Plateau is spread over 40 sq. miles and is 5,200 feet above sea level. The Obudu resort features a Gorilla Camp where tourists may observe gorillas in their natural habitat.

v Nigeria has two UNESCO world heritage sites, the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove and the Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa. UNESCO world heritage sites are places designated as being of cultural significance.

v Nigeria has produced great footballers like Teslim “Thunder” Balogun (the first Nigerian to play for an English Club – QPR), Segun Odegbami, Muda Lawal, Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini (who scored Nigeria’s first ever goal at the World Cup), Nwankwo Kanu, Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha, John Mikel Obi, Osaze Odemwingie, to mention but a few.

v Nigeria has excelled in athletics over the years, still holding continental records in the 100m men and women, 4x100m men and women, 400m men and women, among others. Over 100 skilled Nigerian professional footballers played in First Division leagues in different countries all over Europe in the 2010/2011 season, 9 in England; 8 each in Finland, Norway; 10 in Ukraine and 7 in Sweden.

NIGERIA – UNITY in DIVERSITY

v Nigerians, despite our diversity are a united people who always strive to help one another. With 774 local government areas, multi religious and ethnic affiliations, 36 States, and population of over 160 million, we still stand undeterred to move forward together.

v Even outside the country, Nigerians remain united. This gives a quiet assurance somewhat that you can get on a plane and go to any country of the world and find a Nigerian there who will not only make you feel welcome but will go out of their way to be of really good help. I have experienced this several times on my travels and each time it amazes me how all I need to be is a Nigerian, not Igbo, Yoruba or Hausa and once I run into another Nigerian, I will immediately feel at home.

v Our greatest strength lies in our diversity.

The ‘419 Reasons to Like Nigeria’ Campaign is in partnership with ‘The 419Positive Project’.

Lagos City Hall

2011-09-14T08:58:00.000+01:00

The Lagos City Hall was completely renovated in 2010 after fire gutted it in 1997. It's a modern facility that hosts the Lagos Island local government offices as well as other businesses and socio-cultural organisations like the Goethe Institut.

Karo Akpokiere's Illustrated Letters

2011-09-13T08:10:00.000+01:00

Karo Akpokiere strikes a pose

Graphic artist Karo Akpokiere had his first solo exhibition at the Goethe Institut, Lagos on Saturday September 10. His Illustrated Letters are inspired by "the bold, edgy graffiti aesthetic, character design, the fine black line and expressive text present in comic books."

It was my first exposure to his art but I left with a deep impression. His inspirations come from growing up reading comic books and the way those characters were illustrated. He says that he wants to challenge the notion that design is mainly for passing commercial messages.

His ongoing daily project Draw365 can be followed online here

Audience at the exhibition opening

"What's the secret behind his art," she seems to ask.

Karo and family members with Goethe Institut director Marc-Andre Schmachtel

Brave faces at Maxi Foam fire disaster

2011-09-12T19:12:00.002+01:00

This fireman held on bravely until water ran out from his tank

The Maxi foam factory at Ojodu got razed down on Saturday afternoon. I was attending a series of events and exhibitions at Lagos Island and was returning when I saw smoke blazing over Berger. My friend Toyin sent a chilling text message: "Fire at Berger, opposite Tantalizers. I was eating and ran for my life. Left my food."

As I alighted from the bus, I made my way straight to the scene of the incident where a gas explosion had caused the foam making factory to erupt in flames. It burned until there was hardly anything left to make of the once important factory. The building nearby that has a series of shops was also engulfed in the blaze that had spread across the fence. Brand new cars belonging to a dealer shop were burnt as the fire spread down the block.

Citizens came out to help men of the fire service to quell the flames but all actions were to come to nought as the fire devoured everything in its way. A few articles were saved by brave men and women who withstood the flames to help people they didn't know. I went into some of the offices with rescuers who tried to save the most they could before the flames could come near.

It was an afternoon that brought out the best of my country men and I'm proud to say that everyone gave their best. Even though the fire service trucks ran out of water severally with new units coming in to assist, one could see the resolve of the brave men as they fought the fire albeit with out great success.

To my knowledge, no life was lost in the fire.

P.S
In my original post I stated that the factory involved was Mouka Foam, I have since been corrected that it is Maxi Foam. Got a call from the Quadrant Company (Mouka's PR). I apologise for any wrong impressions created.

Tired and out of water, he frustratingly removes his helmet

Fire's out but all's lost

Untrained, these men gave a helping hand to the overwhelmed fire officers

These men passed buckets of water to try and put out the flames

Woman in agony after losing much to the fire that blazed through the factory and nearby shops

This lady played a big part in finding ways to put out the massive blaze

Men trying to save office equipment in a nearby building before the flames came near

This burly man betrayed his emotions on that afternoon

Witnesses: Mobile phones in hand, these men recorded the incident from ringside

Ambulance services attend to people who were injured in the rescue operations

2011-09-10T08:00:00.000+01:00

Fans of the Nigeria national football team create a mock prayer session for the team ahead of a recent game in Lagos.