To clear things up.

I'm on a trainee program and it starts here in Nigeria for the first 6 months. Then I get to move. Naijabloke, Uzo, Mona and everyone else...thats why I'm still here oh. No man like Babaalaye mentioned lol

Lagos 101- The Crew

Lagos is situated in Nigeria, Africa. Once I can upload a pic, I will.

The Lagos Crew

Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria is also the largest city….as in overpopulated with approximately 15 million people. Note that this number is those that were counted, some people actually believe those counting have more sinister uses for the information and so hide during the census exercise. Even better, Ifeanyi the driver said he didn’t want Lagos to benefit from him being counted; instead he would go and be counted in his town of Imo State, so that when Biafra succeeded he would be a registered member of the state. I haven’t seen the result of the last one done in March 2006. The one before that was in 1991.

As I was saying, Lagos is overpopulated with all sorts of people. I have divided them up into crews. Please note that this is just something a bored girl sat down to piece together in less than an hour and is a major generalization. If you are offended…Life is really not that serious.

The ‘I feel alright’ crew (IFA)

These are the crème de la crème. Celebrities in town seen in every publication and at every party and born with large white gold spoons in their mouths (not silver). Butter won’t melt in their mouth. Money is not an object, everything can be charged to the large family account. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but some have unbelievable attitudes. Requirements to belong to this crew include the right name, and or old money. You can catch a view of them by forcing your way into a party hosted by a well known name owner and BINGO! The only problem is that you may be ignored or asked to serve the celebrities so dress well and comport yourself with dignity. Be mysterious and they will be eating out of your hands. Oh another tip, achieve a bright skin tone by any means, it helps.

The ‘White collar’ crew (WC)

Those in this group have worked hard to earn their money. They don’t necessarily have a history of wealth in the family or a popular name. They have good jobs, rub shoulders with IFA’s at social events and can afford most things but may choose not to splurge since the money is actually hard earned. Some don’t know their level and spend their pay check each month with no savings all in the effort of trying to keep up with the IFA crew. These poor misdirected individuals actually feel part and parcel of the IFA’s. To move up to IFA, a WC can perhaps seal a marriage deal or be extremely successful so the family name becomes known.

There is a sub group here

The EXPAT crew (EX)

A bunch of Oyinbo gals and boys, men and women who come to Nigeria to work and are paid EXPAT salaries. They are usually without their families and can be found at clubs such as ‘WHY NOT’, ‘PATS BAR’ and sometimes ‘BACCHUS’ etc. They attract BCBG’s (see below).

The ‘Blue Collar Boys and Girls’ crew (BCBG)

Those in the BCBG crew have average jobs and earn an average or sometimes meager amount of money which they use to try and make ends meet. Some have been looking for jobs for as long as they can remember. They may have good degrees but no connections or opportunities and instead may resort to less than attractive jobs including surfing the net for ‘opportunities’. Some get lucky breaks and move up to the WC’s.

There are subgroups to this category

Area Boys (AB)

Areaaaa oh area oh. This group of people own Lagos state. You may need to pay a small token for parking on their road, taking a route they have blocked or if your car happens to breakdown in their jurisdiction. Danfo drivers will tell you stories of woe about how these boys tax them constanly and LASMA officials will tell you how their work is ditrupted daily. Telecom companies will tell you about all the people they need to settle before a mobile cell site can be built and police officers will tell you how many cases have been solve with their help, once palms have been greased of course.

Area Girls (AG)

Not in the same agbero sense that the area boys are taken. These girls know all the tricks of the trade. They are Lagos savvy and know all the men around. They have ‘sponsors’ all over the place. These dads send for the girls to meet them in any part of Nigeria when they need ‘servicing’. The attraction is the money that the dads spend on AG’s in appreciation for a job well done. They even get to go abroad to the envy of all around them. They are always blinging and this group also cuts across the IFA and WC crew, you most probably know one. Only a few days ago I got jist about some girls who don’t need a dime from anyone in this life but choose to sell their wares regardless. Of course it’s all very high class. Hey maybe its the thrill of rubbing a pot belly.

Poor

The final crew is the very poor. I can’t find anything light to say about this group. It’s unfortunate that many in Lagos live below poverty in Nigeria. Many beg, borrow or steal. And life for them is nothing that we can imagine. The divide between the IFA the very poor is verrrrrry wide.

The moral of the story? If you plan to move back to Nigeria, listen closely….YOU NEED A POSSE. It’s necessary for survival....like minded people you can have fun with or you will go crazy. Part of the posse should know their way around town because we don’t want the blind leading the blind now, do we? Mark my words….I tell you this, I tell you. There are nice, down to earth peeps in all of the crews then there are also not so nice, not so down to earth people. Keep away.

I think you have had enough training today, come back next week for Lesson 2.

Tminx signing out.

xx

Wazzaaappp

So I started my new job and its no fun being the new kid on the block who isn't down with everything going on. I'm on my best behaviour, all quiet and all trying to absorb everything going on around me. Once I get comfortable I'll be able to break out of that shell. I don't stay this way for long lol.

I'm starting a new blog on fridays called Lagos 101..Things you should know about lagos in general. Mostly it will be tongue in cheek but I'll try and give you enough good information. I wanted to make it wednesdays but seeing as its wednesday ina few secs and I don't have a work laptop yet...Friday it is.

My friend who got married is fine, I will go and see her wedding pictures this weekend. She said it was so much fun she just wanted to share it with her good friends. Awwww. Well we have the reception here in Lagos so that should be good.

Its midweek thank God. Nearly the end of an awkward first week. Enjoy whats left of your week and check back here on friday! :)

Oh by the way

So after all that mind preparation, pops has had the final say on my travelling and its a big fat NO. My mum and I tried to make him see reason including the fact that my friend is going to think im using that at as a major excuse but he is adamant.

'You are not going!, no way, please, we were to send a girl at the company to Benin and her father wrote to say the road is bad and he would not risk his daughters life. Its the same here, I don't trust these planes, infact they are about to ALL be grounded. Please my daughter, you can't go. Get her a very nice present.'
'Daddy nothing is going to happen, and A is going to be very mad at me. She'll think I'm lying cos I was avoiding it. I can't miss it and there are other people going anyway'
'Is it Aero? Is it Virgin?' No
'TELL HER TO CALL ME IF SHE DOES NOT BELIEVE YOU'

This man sef. Needless to say I think I've lost a friend :(

Have a great weekend people. I officialy start my new job on Monday. Wish me luck on my first day :)

No pressure?

My people I received the shock of my life yesterday oh. As of yesterday I could swear on anything (no that I swear) that my father wanted me in this house. Yes his first daughter, he would never want to part with her. But I was in for a rude shock. At breakfast he turned to me and said

"Tminx, your mother said that the way you and your friends are going, you don't want to settle down"

What?? What does he mean settle down please....then my mother interrupts

"Thats not what I meant now (smiling sheepishly), I was just saying that they all pack around in large groups...mostly single girls, how do they give guys a chance?"

So I promptly told him he was free to introduce me to any eligible people he knew because I know he never would.

"Me? No way, do your own work"
"I tried oh, a very good family was interested, their son is a MEDICAL DOCTOR in America.." Isn't this the stuff of village movies?
"Mummy, Iowa is not America as far as I'm concerned and he is too old and was extremely boring on the phone".
"Since when is 35 old, how many years is between your father and I?"
"35 is not old now", my dad interjects

At this point I'm looking at the two of them like we all stepped into some horror movie, they can't be serious. My father has never encouraged my mum like this nowwww, why is he pulling a fast one. He's probably trying to make up with her for some offence.

"Anyway they stopped calling because you were unresponsive. Just make sure you don't drive all the men away because he is too old or has a big nose, or is too short or not cool enough. At the end of the day they will stop coming".

"Yes mother"

Wonders shall never cease.

Guys I have to go to Kaduna on Saturday with CHACHAINGI for my friends wedding. I tried all means to get out of it cas y'all know how I'm petrified of flying especially local flights with all the wahala but she and her husband have been peristent and I'm starting to look like a spoil sport. I was scared but todays reading was about overcoming obstacles that end up crippling your spiritual growth and in the Bible (Positive Living) today, I noticed a little prayer...

By the grace and power of the Lord Jesus Christ, I'm going to find interest in life; I'm going to put interest into my living. By the grace and power of the Lord Jesus Christ, I'm going to live with delight and excitement; I'm going to live with enthusiasm.

So with excitement and enthusiasm, I travel for my friends wedding tomorrow. I'll be back to tell you guys about it on Monday by Gods grace.

Later!

Know your stuff.

www.Saharareporters.com: Exclusive


Age of Nigerian Registered Aircrafts

Average Age (Active Aircrafts) = 23.24 Years

Oldest Aircraft = 38 Years Old
Youngest Aircraft (Presidency) = 1 Years Old

Number of Aircrafts (Years Old)
1 (1-5)
3 (6 -10)
1 (11-15)
7 (16-20)
20(21-25)
1 (26-30)
7 (31-35)
1 (36-40)

The pattern for the airlines listed below will be colour coded as such.

Aircraft Manufacturers Serial Number

Operators (Property, Wet-leasing, Dry-leasing)

Status First flight date [MM/DD/YYYY]

Age of Aircraft (Years) As of 11/1/2006

5N-BEE Boeing 737 (MSN 22365) ADC Airlines Active with ADC Airlines 9/10/1980 26

5N-BFK [CRASHED -10/29/2006] Boeing 737 (MSN 22891) ADC Airlines Active with ADC Airlines 9/27/1983 23

5N-BHI Boeing 737 (MSN 22864) Chanchangi Airlines Active with Chanchangi Airlines 2/16/1983 23

Now that you know the pattern, here are the remaining airlines.

5N-BHY Boeing 737 (MSN 24669) AeroContractors Active with AeroContractors 8/8/1990 16
5N-MJA Boeing 737 (MSN 24454) Arik Air Active with AeroContractors 7/12/1989 17
5N-BHZ Boeing 737 (MSN 24671) AeroContractors Active with AeroContractors 8/24/1990 16
5N-YMM Boeing 737 (MSN 22590) Albarka Air Active with Albarka Air 3/16/1982 24
5N-MJB Boeing 737 (MSN 24360) Arik Air Active with Arik Air 3/10/1989 17
5N-BFM Boeing 737 (MSN 22733) Bellview Airlines Active with Bellview Airlines 10/26/1981 25
5N-BFX Boeing 737 (MSN 23024) Bellview Airlines Active with Bellview Airlines 5/3/1983 23
5N-BGG Boeing 767 (MSN 23805) Bellview Airlines Active with Bellview Airlines 7/2/1987 19
5N-BGH Boeing 767 (MSN 23806) Bellview Airlines Active with Bellview Airlines 7/29/1987 19
5N-BEV Boeing 737 (MSN 22658) Chanchangi Airlines Active with Chanchangi Airlines 4/6/1982 24
5N-BEW Boeing 737 (MSN 22865) Chanchangi Airlines Active with Chanchangi Airlines 4/11/1983 23
5N-BIF Boeing 737 (MSN 23043) Chanchangi Airlines Active with Chanchangi Airlines 6/1/1983 23
5N-BIG Boeing 737 (MSN 23044) Chanchangi Airlines Active with Chanchangi Airlines 6/8/1983 23
5N-BIH Boeing 737 (MSN 23046) Chanchangi Airlines Active with Chanchangi Airlines 8/5/1983 23
5N-BGU Boeing 737 (MSN 22881) Slok Air Active with Dasab Airlines 12/3/1982 24
5N-BDP Boeing 737 (MSN 23114) Dasab Airlines Active with Dasab Airlines 11/21/1983 23
5N-BEI Boeing 737 (MSN 19708) Earth Airlines Active with Earth Airlines 10/24/1968 38
5N-BEY Boeing 737 (MSN 22504) EAS Active with EAS 9/28/1981 25
5N-BGM Boeing 737 (MSN 22889) EAS Active with EAS 8/11/1983 23
5N-FGT Boeing 737 Next Gen (MSN 34260) Federal Government of Nigeria Active with Federal Government of Nigeria 6/29/2005 1
5N-BFQ Boeing 737 (MSN 22892) Fresh Air Active with Fresh Air 9/30/1983 23
5N-EEE Boeing 747 (MSN 19732) Kabo Air Active with Kabo Air 4/28/1971 35
5N-NNN Boeing 747 (MSN 21189) Kabo Air Active with Kabo Air 11/11/1975 31
5N-OOO Boeing 747 (MSN 20952) Kabo Air Active with Kabo Air 9/20/1974 32
5N-PDP Boeing 747 (MSN 20842) Kabo Air Active with Kabo Air 5/13/1974 32
5N-PPP Boeing 747 (MSN 20921) Kabo Air Active with Kabo Air 6/28/1974 32
5N-JJJ Boeing 747 (MSN 19766) Kabo Air Active with Kabo Air 2/13/1971 35
5N-RRR Boeing 747 (MSN 19765) Kabo Air Active with Kabo Air 2/10/1971 35
5N-ANY Boeing 737 (MSN 22773) Nigeria Airways Active with Nigeria Airways 7/1/1982 24
5N-BCR ATR 42/72 (MSN 031) Overland Airways Active with Overland Airways 10/29/1986 20
5N-BID Boeing 737 (MSN 23791) Premium Air Shuttle Active with Premium Air Shuttle 12/4/1987 19
5N-BGL McDonnell Douglas MD-80/90 (MSN 48099) Sosoliso Active with Sosoliso 3/29/1982 24
5N-BII McDonnell Douglas MD-80/90 (MSN 49482) Sosoliso Active with Sosoliso 8/20/1986 20
5N-BGA Boeing 737 (MSN 22456) Space World Airlines Active with Space World Airlines 2/11/1981 25
5N-BGB Boeing 737 (MSN 22457) Space World Airlines Active with Space World Airlines 4/10/1981 25
5N-TSA Boeing 737 (MSN 23110) TranSky Active with TranSky 3/19/1984 22
5N-VNB Boeing 737 (MSN 29339) Virgin Nigeria Active with Virgin Nigeria 8/4/1999 7
5N-VNC Boeing 737 (MSN 29338) Virgin Nigeria Active with Virgin Nigeria 6/15/1999 7
5N-VND Boeing 737 (MSN 29337) Virgin Nigeria Active with Virgin Nigeria 6/4/1999 7

5N-BIB Dash 8 (MSN 609) AeroContractors Active with AeroContractors Unknown
5N-DAP Dash 8 (MSN 244) AeroContractors Active with AeroContractors Unknown
5N-MGV Dash 8 (MSN 24) AeroContractors Active with AeroContractors Unknown
5N-BHW Dash 8 (MSN 548) CHC Helicopters International Active with CHC Helicopters International Unknown
5N-BIA Dash 8 (MSN 608) CHC Helicopters International Active with CHC Helicopters International Unknown
5N-GRS Dash 8 (MSN 547) Nigerian Gvmt Active with Federal Government of Nigeria Unknown
5N-RSG Embraer 135/145 (MSN 891) Federal Government of Nigeria Active with Federal Government of Nigeria Unknown

5N-BBI ATR 42/72 (MSN 069) ADC Airlines Active under another registration 11/10/1987 19
5N-BVU Airbus A300 (MSN 633) Bellview Airlines Active under another registration 4/1/1992 14
5N-BHA Boeing 737 (MSN 23283) EAS Active under another registration 4/25/1985 21
5N-IFY Boeing 737 (MSN 22797) Slok Air Active under another registration 10/6/1982 24
5N-ZNA Boeing 737 (MSN 22806) Slok Air Active under another registration 1/10/1983 23
5N-BFB Dash 8 (MSN 298) AeroContractors Active under another registration Unknown
5N-EVD Dash 8 (MSN 216) AeroContractors Active under another registration Unknown
5N-BBM Dash 8 (MSN 266) AeroContractors Active under another registration Unknown
5N-BEH Dash 8 (MSN 300) AeroContractors Active under another registration Unknown

5N-BED Boeing 737 (MSN 22638) ADC Airlines Stored by ADC Airlines 3/23/1982 24
5N-EDO Boeing 747 (MSN 19726) Okada Air Stored by Hold Trade Air 5/16/1970 36
5N-COO Fokker 70/100 (MSN 11297) IRS Airlines Stored by IRS Airlines 3/12/1990 16
5N-AAA Boeing 747 (MSN 19745) Kabo Air Stored by Kabo Air 3/4/1971 35
5N-ZZZ Boeing 747 (MSN 19744) Kabo Air Stored by Kabo Air 11/3/1970 36
5N-ANC Boeing 737 (MSN 20671) Nigeria Airways Stored by Nigeria Airways 11/3/1972 34
5N-AND Boeing 737 (MSN 20672) Nigeria Airways Stored by Nigeria Airways 11/29/1972 34
5N-ANN McDonnell Douglas DC-10 (MSN 46957) Nigeria Airways Stored by Nigeria Airways 7/27/1976 30
5N-ANZ Boeing 737 (MSN 22774) Nigeria Airways Stored by Nigeria Airways 7/8/1982 24
5N-AUB Boeing 737 (MSN 22986) Nigeria Airways Stored by Nigeria Airways 11/1/1982 24
5N-AUH Airbus A310 (MSN 340) Nigeria Airways Stored by Nigeria Airways 6/15/1984 22
5N-AUF Airbus A310 (MSN 285) Nigeria Airways Stored by Nigeria Airways 11/9/1983 23
5N-BBJ Boeing 737 (MSN 20197) ADC Airlines Stored under another registration 3/21/1969 37
5N-GAB Boeing 747 (MSN 21141) Okada Air Stored under another registration 1/27/1976 30
5N-NYA Boeing 737 (MSN 22799) Slok Air Stored under another registration 12/15/1982 24

SCRAPPED PLANES

5N-BBB Lockheed L-1011 TriStar (MSN 1068) ADC Airlines Scrapped by ADC Airlines 2/1/2874
5N-AUE Airbus A310 (MSN 270) Nigeria Airways Scrapped by Nigeria Airways 8/24/1983
5N-AUG Airbus A310 (MSN 329) Nigeria Airways Scrapped by Nigeria Airways 5/2/1984
5N-HHS Boeing 747 (MSN 19644) Trans Air Service Scrapped by Trans Air Service 1/9/1970
5N-THG Boeing 747 (MSN 19640) Trans Air Service Scrapped by Trans Air Service 10/24/1969
5N-MCI Boeing 737 (MSN 19554) Barnax Air Scrapped under another registration 2/9/1969
5N-DIO Boeing 737 (MSN 19549) Barnax Air Scrapped under another registration 1/6/1969

5N-BFN Boeing 737 (MSN 22734) Bellview Airlines Written off with Bellview Airlines 11/13/1981
5N-AUA Boeing 737 (MSN 22985) Nigeria Airways Written off with Nigeria Airways 10/14/1982
5N-ANR McDonnell Douglas DC-10 (MSN 46968) Nigeria Airways Written off with Nigeria Airways 8/12/1977
5N-ANW Boeing 737 (MSN 22771) Nigeria Airways Written off with Nigeria Airways 4/20/1982 5N-ANX Boeing 737 (MSN 22772) Nigeria Airways Written off with Nigeria Airways 6/7/1982

I guess this doesnt neccessarily mean the planes will crash but are the parts to service them not obsolete by now? I wonder.

KARAOKE IN LAGOS

Don't forget to check out my daily PHOTOBLOG. Today features friends singing at a Karoake Bar. Checkout the archives for others.