Lagos the other week, by Simbo Olorunfemi

I was in Lagos the other week. For the better part of the week.

Unlike at other times, the circumstances of this trip offered a different experience from what has been more of a flyover the city rather than a proper touchdown.

This time, I had the chance to hit the streets in the same shoes I once did years back. I had the opportunity to see and experience parts of Lagos I had not seen for a while.

Looking around with the eyes of yesterday, I see how much things have changed, and how as things have changed, things have remained the same in some way.

The Bridges here and there on the mainland, one might even miss his way around. I wonder though about some what I saw under some of these bridges.

I wonder if there was any thought for pedestrians who have to make their way from Pen Cinema to Oke koto-Ipaja road. Having to descend into that filthy gully and cross rail line didn’t cut it. Except there is an alternative route I missed.

Still so much to make the environment more presentable and orderly. Filth still find home with disorderliness around these bus stops.

But Lagos keeps taking major strides in the different areas of mass transit, much needed for the city. The BRT Buses are there, even if overwhelmed, with demand for its services clearly outstripping supply at peak periods.

What is not in doubt, given the efforts by the government, is the determination to make commuting around Lagos at the mass level easier and as it should be. Rather than being overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenge of a city under pressure from a huge population, the government is thinking ahead. The idea of a bridge linking Ikeja directly to Ogudu is one such forward thinking.

Oh, the rail network is beginning to change the face of commuting in Lagos. I have heard great reports about the Blue line. I didn’t get to go to that part of the city.

I just had to experience the Red line, which begins commercial run tomorrow.

When Uber/Bolt tells you that a trip from Ogba to Ikoyi at an off-peak period will cost you N12,000, you will have to think thrice, knowing how much flying around in these cars had already set back the already devalued account.

How do I get to the nearest train station? Between Google maps and the Cabs hired, I ended up there shortly after the train departed.

Well, I just had to have the experience. Hours later, the train came. Joined it to the last stop at Agbado where it made a turn to begin the trip that would eventually take us through Agege, Ikeja, Osodi, Yaba, all the way to Oyingbo.

I can’t imagine what relief that must come with the commencement of the rail operations in that corridor for people in that part of Lagos.

Late in the day, some might say. But this is definitely one good step after the first (blue line) that further strengthens the resolve by Lagos to boost its mass transit credentials.

The Red line is here. Surely, Lagos is making progress.

Eko wenjele.