My First Five Minutes impression of Imo State

When most people get to a new location surrounded by new people, and new atmosphere they appreciate nature and feel a bit unpressured, relieved by the change in scenery. But for me Imo state was just there; that’s the Nigerian way of saying I wasn’t impressed.

My thoughts about here might change in a week or two but as of this moment, I am not impressed.

During my journey I met really interesting people. Most were frequent travellers, unlike myself who travels once in a blue moon, I would love to travel more though because I love the experience. I met fellow Nigerians, and individuals from other countries France, Cameron, Ghana, and a few citizens from Benin republic.

I met someone who called Wi-Fi, Weefee — pronounced as spelt, I hope you get the joke; she was like do you know the WIFI password, we were at the bus park then, I understood what she asked immediately so I responded. After which I asked her if I was the one pronouncing it wrongly, or there isn’t a right way of pronouncing it as long as we understood each other (this was the one we agreed on). She first insisted she was correct though. We made jokes about it for hours, it was such a lovely experience spent with an awesome personality.

I love being in a community of diverse people and diverse thoughts but I only get to experience it naturally when I travel and most times at global conferences, but when I travel it is always random; I can’t predict who to meet, it’s like working with raw data. I actually ended up travelling with Nigerians but it was a mix of people from the northern, eastern and western parts of Nigeria. It was honestly a fine mix of people.

I actually ended up travelling with Nigerians but it was a mixture of people from the northern, eastern and western parts of Nigeria. It was honestly a fine blend of people.

They were not the regular people I meet on a daily basis, because these ones grew up in their local communities, they understood their cultural roots and ethnicity.

Personally, I enjoyed the difference in language, in terms of how specific English words were being pronounced. We spoke generally in English and shared childhood memories and experiences.

It was a time well spent. I didn't like the first five minutes because I had to go straight to the day’s activities; taking the COVID test, and undergoing a series of registration. I almost twisted my ankle as well.

Thankful I didn't, it would have been horrible.