In the Grandiose Parlor…

“Welcome to Lagos,” is a BBC documentary showcasing the experiences of three Lagos slum dwellers: Olusosun rubbish dump, where thousands of people live on, and rake a living from, scraps and garbage; Makoko, the “Venice of Lagos”, the extraordinary floating slum on the Lagoon, where everyone travels round in boats; and the 1000+ beach squatters living adjacent to the Atlantic.

It is a pity that the government and some Nigerians would rather not have the documentary shown; there are reports of protests from the government and pockets of Nigerians living in UK and USA.

The government states the documentary is “an attempt to bring Nigeria and its hardworking people to international odium and scorn”, saying, It’s a “deliberate distortion of life in Lagos, and totally unwarranted.” Very strong words to describe an excellent piece of work, I think. Continue reading…

A continuation of coverage on the Lagos shanty town of Makoko, the slum on stilts on the Lagos Lagoon:

This amphibious clinic/community center (prototype), erected by Hope Floats Initiative HFI, is an excellent example of bottoms-up approach to sustainable development, and extent of possibilities attainable with the right resources. Continue reading…

Slum on stilts is the description for the 50,000+ strong fishing community called Makoko that abuts and stretches into the Lagos lagoon. Some have called it ugly, “ugly(” Idowu Ogunleye, photo journalist, Lagos), and even “dangerous and volatile” (John Vidal, Guardian).

Looking from outside, either though photographs, or from above while driving across the adjacent bridges, I see something different: I marvel at the resiliency of the inhabitants. Continue reading…