FREESPIRIT

Ojuelegba is unarguably one of the central areas in Lagos State due to its strategic location and bustling business activities. There is virtually no area in Lagos State that you can’t connect from here; neither is there any business interest that is not represented directly or indirectly within its Environs. The hotspot of this popular area is the garage and Aiyilara Street by extension. Thousands of Lagosians visit the garage on daily bases to meet their basic needs either as Drivers or commuters,

Traders or buyers, Workers, Artisans, Beggars, etc. Also for Entertainment, hospitality and other services. There is always an avenue for people to make money.Buses, such as Danfo, Faka, Civilian and Taxis convey passengers to places like CMS, APAPA, OSHODI, YABA,PAKO-AGUDA, IKEJA, MILE 2, IJESHA, IDI-ARABA, MUSHIN, AGEGE and so on and so forth. Not forgetting Motorbikes popularly known as ‘Okada’ riders who convey passengers to and from long and short distances. In addition, many transport companies such as THE YOUNG, AKRO, PMT, G.U OKEKE who engage in interstate services take commuters to  various Cities and Towns across the nation. There are also smaller companies that do the same.

To mention but not the least, ALABARU/YARO who help passengers/commuters with load/luggage in conveying it to the nearest distance or the next bus, on their heads or on a Wheel barrow for a token fee. The trading activities here cuts across all household needs ranging from Foodstuffs, Second hand goods (bend down select), fruits, Supermarkets, Hot drink (Sepe), Cannabis/Marijuana (Igbo), Food and newspaper vendors, Bookshops, Boutiques, etc.

The workers within the vicinity include, Bankers who work with UNION, GTB, ZENITH, UBA, AFRIBANK which are located within the area. Apart from these banks, there are local note changers for party spraying, who take N200 commission/N1000. Take a walk down Ojuelegba road and change any kind of currency with operators of local Bureau De Change popularly called ‘MAI DOLA or ALHAJI POUNDS’ in local parlance. There are also health workers, Legal practitioners, Fire Fighters and what have you. Artisans include Brick layers, Painters, Carpenters, Barbers, Horologists, Shoe makers, Tailors, Technicians, Hair dressers and Bean cake fryers.

There is also the remarkable presence of beggars both young and old; this consist of the lame, the blind, the partially paralyzed, the deaf and dumb and most surprising, normal human beings who use rhetoric to get their audience to part with some money. There are also Refugees from neighbouring countries who beg for alms to survive. One pathetic case however is a certain man who is suffering from Elephantiasis; he needs help if you ask me!

On Entertainment and hospitality aspect, there exist Brothels; Coconut Groove, Lucky Star and Accord Hotel. Sometimes, you could have live music from local bands, Churches Mosques, Shrine and Record shops. ‘Oju kokoro’ as it is sometime called takes care of stalkers interest.

There’s the popular ‘BABA IJEBU’, Lotto Kiosks and Casino. It may interest you to know there is human settlement under the bridge, which is controlled by two Landlords at the East and West ends. It harbours destitute and miscreants from different parts of Nigeria and Africa. The settlers organize sporting activities to keep fit and look healthy. They play football and weightlifting in groups or teams and organize competitions.

Another activity that receives high patronage is the services of ROAD RUNNERS/CALL GIRLS otherwise known as ASHAWO. The illicit sex activities of these PROSTITUTES who base at Aiyilara Street is what Ojuelegba is notorious for; as early as 7-7.30 pm, the girls stand along the road calling at male passers-by, to them every man is a potential customer. They will take you to any of the brothels, where you pay a token for short time, after you have agreed for an amount ranging from N500-N1000 per round, for their services as the case may be. And if you are not careful enough, you will be taken away by police patrol team for an onward statement at the station, particularly, when you don’t have money to settle. PLEASE NOTE! THE WRITER DOES NOT PATRONIZE THEM.

Another phenomenon for its notoriety is the activities of Area boys who engage in a free -for -all, looting and gun battle with the police from time to time, particularly, during their elections. They most times harass members of the public especially women and constitute nuisance by their unwholesome attitudes. They can also be of help by pointing the right direction to commuters and other members of the public who are not familiar with Ojuelegba environs 

More importantly, there is heavy presence of communication activities; communicators create messages that generate money for them and government at all levels while promoting goods and services. The messages include; Billboards, Transit, Banners, Posters, Neon signs, Flyers and non professional methods of promoting goods and services. Corporate bodies, Institutions, Individuals, Political parties and other organizations sponsor the advertisements. These are the commercial activities engaged by men and women that make Ojuelegba the hub of business in the locality.