Commuting in Lagos
is definitely more than just going getting into a vehicle and getting to
your destination. Being a bus especially the yellow painted Danfo can
present its own drama. Danfo is becoming synonymous with commuting in
Lagos. For those who don’t have private cars, the choice commercial
vehicle that tops the list is using the Danfo. In dire situations too,
private car owners sometimes use the Danfo too. If you’re visiting Lagos
for the first time, you need to take a ride in the ubiquitous Danfo and
meet the different kind of people that will surely ride with you.
Here are five kinds of people you’ll likely meet in a Danfo
The Preacher/Prayer
Churches or Mosques are not the only places Lagosians pray reverently. You’ll be surprised to know a Danfo also qualifies as a praying ground for some people. As soon as the bus moves, from the bus stop, a prayer is ready to begin a prayer session and it’s usually followed by a short sermon. Don’t forget you’re in a bus though so you don’t pass your bus stop as the sermon can be very engaging.
The Chemist
During the days when the Molue reigned in Lagos, the seat directly behind the driver was usually reserved for ‘chemists’ who sold drugs that could cure all known and unknown ailments. With the systematic disappearance of the Molue, the trade has shifted to the Danfo although not fully established. Watch out for those who start a topic about health and then recommend a product that cures all the ailments in the world. Don’t be offended as anything can happen in a Danfo.
The Political Analyst
If you want to be privy of the most secretive of news, you’ll get it in a Danfo for free. There are mobile analysts who seem to know everything about the Nigerian politics and will gladly share it with you even when you’re not interested in the Danfo. They’ll tell you why a certain politician will not win an election and even tell you who will be the president of Nigeria in 2040. Don’t even try to disagree because you’ll be shouted down with serious argument. It’s sometimes safer to just nod your head in agreement even when you don’t agree.
The Co-Driver
Apart from the driver and the conductor, you’re likely to find another driver in the bus who gives unsolicited driving techniques to the main driver in a Danfo. This person will caution the driver if he feels he is driving too fast and warn him of impeding danger if he refuses. These co-drivers can be frustrating but you just have to bear with them. They seem to know all the things than can go wrong for the driver and are armed with gory tales of fatal accidents to share with whoever cares to listen.
The Sleeper
No matter how short the ride may be, you are likely to meet someone who is ready to make the best of it in getting a quick sleep. The Danfo provides a convenient place for some commuters to sleep. Don’t be shocked if the person sitting beside you has suddenly propped himself well and is already snoring. If you’re unfortunate to be sitting beside the type that droll during sleep, be careful not to get your shirt soaked!
Here are five kinds of people you’ll likely meet in a Danfo
The Preacher/Prayer
Churches or Mosques are not the only places Lagosians pray reverently. You’ll be surprised to know a Danfo also qualifies as a praying ground for some people. As soon as the bus moves, from the bus stop, a prayer is ready to begin a prayer session and it’s usually followed by a short sermon. Don’t forget you’re in a bus though so you don’t pass your bus stop as the sermon can be very engaging.
The Chemist
During the days when the Molue reigned in Lagos, the seat directly behind the driver was usually reserved for ‘chemists’ who sold drugs that could cure all known and unknown ailments. With the systematic disappearance of the Molue, the trade has shifted to the Danfo although not fully established. Watch out for those who start a topic about health and then recommend a product that cures all the ailments in the world. Don’t be offended as anything can happen in a Danfo.
The Political Analyst
If you want to be privy of the most secretive of news, you’ll get it in a Danfo for free. There are mobile analysts who seem to know everything about the Nigerian politics and will gladly share it with you even when you’re not interested in the Danfo. They’ll tell you why a certain politician will not win an election and even tell you who will be the president of Nigeria in 2040. Don’t even try to disagree because you’ll be shouted down with serious argument. It’s sometimes safer to just nod your head in agreement even when you don’t agree.
The Co-Driver
Apart from the driver and the conductor, you’re likely to find another driver in the bus who gives unsolicited driving techniques to the main driver in a Danfo. This person will caution the driver if he feels he is driving too fast and warn him of impeding danger if he refuses. These co-drivers can be frustrating but you just have to bear with them. They seem to know all the things than can go wrong for the driver and are armed with gory tales of fatal accidents to share with whoever cares to listen.
The Sleeper
No matter how short the ride may be, you are likely to meet someone who is ready to make the best of it in getting a quick sleep. The Danfo provides a convenient place for some commuters to sleep. Don’t be shocked if the person sitting beside you has suddenly propped himself well and is already snoring. If you’re unfortunate to be sitting beside the type that droll during sleep, be careful not to get your shirt soaked!
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Editorial