My Favourite Places Are The Culture Spaces

I have lived in Lagos for 8 years straight, and I've learnt to organise my life around it. I’ve never lived more than 3 kilometres from my workplace because evening rush hour traffic makes me unbearably sad.

I still don’t understand why I hesitate whenever people ask me if I am based in Lagos. I suppose it’s because it feels like I only dip into it. People from Lagos are resolute in their love for recreation, parties, food, noise and dance—or what we call ‘enjoyment’. I need to be able to disconnect.

Besides, 'enjoyment' for me has always been wrapped up in artistic engagement so my favourite places are the culture spaces—art galleries, performance halls, book stores, art studios.

I find the openness of these spaces, where culture is the common denominator, healing. These spaces are safe and therefore necessary.

It’s no mistake that I own a bookstore that has a small performance space for events and arty meetings, for readings, for mini concerts, for book launches etc.

This has always been part of my dream and personal ambition. I can’t but be grateful to Lagos for giving me that.