It was 2hrs and a little more by train through some breath taking scenery. Everywhere we looked, the ground was either planted or being prepared for planting.

At long last we arrived, finally a city with no cars, motorcycles or bicycles. From here onwards, our commute will be by foot through the alleys and some by water taxis. Already, my pedometer has been sounding “Gbangan” from the level of activities it recorded in the past few days, I now expect it to sound “Gbangan Gbangan Gbangan.”

For now, our major concern was to get to where we would lodge. With no roaming data on my phone, asking Uncle Google to help was out of the question. After walking for almost 20mins and getting lost, we were forced to seek help. Of course, ow, we were in a bind! Apart from my almost perfect Yoruba, the only other language i can converse in is English.The people here? They speak in tongues but not English. I rambled my way through, seeking directions from one shop to another. Finally, I approached this cigar puffing gentleman sitting on a bench, by the lane.

Me: [With a lot of gesticulation, showing the printed route guide] asked him for direction

Him: Taking the paper from me and then looking in my face said “Nigeria?”

Me: Yes, how did you know that?

Him: Not understanding a word that I said, his face brightened up and said “Rashidi Yekini.” He lifted his thumb up to signify good.

Me: With a broaden smile, I said “Yes, he was a great footballer.”

Him: Took up his phone, spoke in tongues to someone at the end of the line and then dropped the phone. Now, speaking to me in passable English said I should go down the street and about a 100m away would be met by my host.

As I thanked him and made to depart, he said “My friend.” He brought out his hand and we shook the African way (palm to palm, back hand to each other and then snapping the middle finger).

I followed his direction and we finally met our host who took us to our Apartment.

So, thank you #Rashidi Yekini for playing your part well, being a worthy ambassador and a breath of fresh air from the negativity that surrounds being a #Nigerian.