Written piece
NIGERIA MY BELOVED
UDUAK EKPO
Nigeria
About this piece
This is a piece of art that portrays the life of Nigerians. A tapestry of the grind, the hustle and having a reason to push through countless obstacles on their path. It deeply centers on their quiet refusal to give up because that is their greatest strength.
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Before the sunrise, the smell of akara becomes an alarm for everyone to rise.
Okadas fill the streets, breaking the silence from the night.
Children in uniforms trekking to school with heavy eyes.
Hawkers on the streets carrying goods that are heavier than them on their head.
Shirts buttoned up, headscarves wrapped tightly, while hands search for transport fare.
Bus conductors chanting destinations in the air.
Passengers squeezing themselves in just to get there.
Traffic builds up, horns blaring.
Sidewalks swarming with running shoes.
The day has begun, and so everything moves.
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Markets filled with goods and prices recited from every corner.
Vendors calling strangers “chairman, fine madam,” just for their patronage.
Customers bargaining like their life depends on it.
Youth handling multiple jobs just to secure their future.
Seated at the desk from nine to five because bills won’t handle themselves.
Working on the projects with steady power.
But NEPA decides to be your worst enemy.
Generators rumbling as we start again in frustration.
Our clothes soaked with sweat while we work.
But still, we move.
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The streetlights awaken as the day's hustle begins to fade.
Tired laughter echoes from closing shops.
Checking if today's sales are better than before.
Standing on sidewalks, stretching hands to get the last bus.
Phones charging, gathering power for the next day.
Hands washed, ready to digest hot eba and ogbono soup.
Irons dancing on work clothes.
Writing tomorrows task with hope and uncertainty.
Lights go out, eyes shut, and silence swallows the city whole.
Beyond the darkness, life quietly begins again.