Every student of journalism looks forward to a period of internship with a proper media house. The actual feel of the newsroom is always different from the classroom theories that we are taught. So when I got accepted to do my internship with The Abuja Inquirer, I was beyond excited to get to work. I am studying journalism at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Until three weeks ago when I arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos then a quick flight the next day to Nigerian's capital. I have never visited Abuja. But through my work as a rookie reporter am beginning to take in the sights and sounds of the City. And I can honestly say I like it so far.
From the mountainous landscape to the vast endless roads, Abuja is a city like no other. My view as an outsider looking inwards is one of keen and captivated eyes. Growing up in Lagos and moving to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at a young age then completing my education in the United States, some might say I have seen an assortment of cities but nothing like Abuja. Located in the heart of Nigeria, the City is home to political leaders, lawmakers and ambitious movers. Available statistics show that Abuja is one of the fastest growing cities in Africa, with a population of about 1.3 million inhabitants. That figure is less than a tenth of the population of Lagos, the old capital. Abuja is a planned city and you can tell by looking up at the symmetry of the buildings or going for a simple drive down Shehu Shagari Way and other sub-divisions like Maitama and Asokoro. The roads in the metropolis are very smooth and the architecture of some of its landmark buildings
easily compel attention. Abuja was designed for greatness.
Politics is the number one topic of every discussion. When in London everyone has something to say about the weather; In Abuja, at any social setting you find that politics is to this city what the weather is to London. This might seem obvious; seeing that Abuja is the federal capital of Nigeria: therefore politics should be part of the discourse. From the halls of the Supreme Court to the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly, to popular Wuse Market, be prepared to talk politics. Lagos, the old federal capital, is known as the city where dreams are chased, from the entertainment world to the business world whereas Abuja is mainly known for political efforts and being the stepping-stone into the world of Government. I haven’t tried out the night life yet and am not about to: am too busy. Yes, am too busy. Many people I have interviewed in the course of my work are optimistic about the city and they love it.
One undeniable fact, I have noticed is the ambition and sensation to do better and flourish at all costs in Abuja. The young barefoot boy selling newspapers at the side of Moshood Abiola Road, and the business man in his air-conditioned Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep, at plain sight do not have anything in common. But with a closer look, you can see they both have the drive to succeed in this city of political leaders, lawmakers and ambitious movers known to the everyday civilian as Abuja.
Do I like Abuja? The answer is a resounding yes.