In Nigeria, you don't just live in Lagos. You live in Yaba. In Sabo. In Ojuelegba. Your "area" is your identity. The area defines you. The Yaba boy is creative, tech-savvy, slightly chaotic. The Lekki girl is polished, expensive, possibly fake. The Ikorodu man is hardworking, long-commuting, underappreciated. The stereotypes are unfair but persistent. Your area is your brand before you open your mouth. And the loyalty! Area boys defend their territory. Area associations hold meetings. Area WhatsApp groups share security alerts. The "area" is a micro-nation with its own culture, slang, and hierarchy. Moving from one area to another is immigration. You must learn the rules. You must earn acceptance. The area also determines your options. The schools available. The hospitals reachable. The markets affordable. The security situation. Two kilometers can be the difference between two worlds. What area defines you? And what's the most accurate or unfair stereotype about your area?
