What I learned when I visited Enugu state

By chris

22 October 2015

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I visited Enugu state for a weekend some time ago to see some of my friends I had met while on my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program and attend an album launch as well. My experience in the city was exciting and, for days after, I would recall every moment with excitement. Enugu is a relatively young state, founded only in 1991, but the Waawa people who make up the state have been around for a very long while. The state has numerous political and strategic significances. It was the capital of the old Eastern Region and, later, the defunct Biafra Republic during the civil war of 1967 – 1970. It was carved out of the old Anambra state. The name Enugu is derived from the Igbo phrase “*Enu Ugwu” *which loosely translates to “Top of the hill”. Coal was discovered here in 1909 and first shipped out through Port Harcourt, which is two and a half hours away. The state is set on a plateau about 223 metres above sea level, and while the rainfall is adequate, the table land prevents easy access to underground aquifers.

When I first arrived in the city, I was taken aback by how organized and clean it was. The roads were paved and the traffic was organized. I have lived in several cities in Nigeria and, even in the Federal Capital City,traffic sanity is an aberration. I have to say it was surprising to meet this in Enugu. Many cities in Nigeria do not have well paved roads, but Enugu takes it a step further, paving roads, streets and lanes, with streetlights lighting up almost every inch. Standing at the edge of a road on my first night, I was opportune to see a view of a section of the town dotted with streetlights and twinkling strobe lighting. I was taken aback in awe. Road junctions have sports edition Kia police cars capable of chasing down and apprehending even thieves of the Lawrence Anini genre.

I had to sample the nightlife in Enugu during my stay, and I realized something very vital; the only reason a city would go to sleep is if the light goes out. Electricity is relatively stable in the state and with battery-powered streetlights, you would find roads busy with pedestrians even in the wee hours. Underneath the many trees that dot the major roads, you would find *mallams *and young waawa men selling the popular *mishai *bread and egg or noodles and egg and *suya *even at 3 am in the morning.

Polo Mall in Enugu, right by the Trans-Ekulu estate, is a place to visit. Several boutiques and fashion stores, electronic stores and eateries dot the entire mall, eclipsed only in the shadow of the huge Big Wheel right at the very front of the mall, where youths and children take exhilarating rides that keep you coming back for more.

The entertainment scene in Enugu is very vibrant, with dozens of Nollywood movies coming out of the state on a weekly basis. Several music videos and album launches happen frequently out here. Popular music is usually hiphop and rock but infused with the Igbo flavor. Some of the stars who have made it to limelight from the state include Phyno, IllBliss, DJ Ree, Nolly and MFKay. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Enugu and as I left early on Monday morning, I learned something else about this city formed mainly of civil servants. They rise early, long before dawn and dress up for work. For a city that seemed quite laid back, having fun all night long, to see the quick transition to business mode was inspiring. I would love to visit Enugu again.

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