Lagos, Life and Sexual Distraction

Lagos, Life and Sexual Distraction is a collection of 12 short stories, mostly focused on the distinct character of life in Lagos—the commercial capital of Nigeria. “The book tell you wetin average Lagosian dey go through sake of survival and why people who’ve lived in Lagos are able to withstand the harsh realities they experience in other parts of the world.” In writing this book, the author says he has tried to teleport the reader to Lagos, to experience what an average Nigerian in the south of the country does to keep his or her dreams, hopes and aspirations alive. He also shows the tensions that exist between the generations, between the sexes and between different social classes and ethnicities. The book shows why every Lagosian is expected to live by the popular local saying, “Shine Your Eyes”, wey mean say you gazz dey vigilant. At the same time, two stories are dedicated to the very different plight of people living in northern Nigeria. Northern Nigerians are mostly Hausa and Muslim; those in the south are mostly Christian and Yoruba or Igbo. Lagos is a land of opportunity and Lagosians are one of the most successful people in the world by virtue of their perseverance. As the author says (in Pidgin), “I dey live and work for Lagos and I love am—as I hope say you go see.

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