Benin City is a place that is rich in culture, history, and tradition. As with any place, it has its fair share of things that are both loved and hated by those who live there or visit. There are the busy streets and vibrant markets to the traffic and pollution, there are many things that make Benin City a unique and sometimes challenging place to live or visit.
We will explore the things that I personally love and hate about Benin City. Join me as we delve into the heart of this fascinating city and explore its many facets, both good and bad.
What I Hate in Benin City
Weather
Just pray that Benin weather does not catch you. It can be sunny one minute and the next like they used a black cloth to cover the sky. If you are about that life, invest in an umbrella because anything can happen with the ancient city’s weather.
Transport Fare
Good old Benin T-fare is as unreliable as BEDC. Today, the bus drivers’ collective heads can touch and they will raise their prices. They even prefer to burn fuel driving an empty bus than carry people for 10 Naira less than their asking price. Fear who nor fear Benin transport sha.
Drivers
Now, it’s not like Benin drivers don’t know how to handle a vehicle, it’s just that most of them go to great lengths to unalive someone’s child. From the commercial bus drivers to our Benz and Venza driving ogas, the kind of driving you see on Benin streets will leave you wondering whether you are on the set of Fast and Furious.
Leisure
It’s not in our dictionary abeg. The sheer lack of places to go and relax should be criminal. And instead of opening cinemas and recreational centres, our Benin entrepreneurs will be opening restaurants like they are not already a dime a dozen.
What I love in Benin City
Streets
The streets in Benin are well laid out. You can follow anywhere to get anywhere. In the cases where they are cul de sacs, it is often in small streets and are well labelled with names like Something Close so you know what you are getting into. I give Benin A1 for road network.
Accents
I know it’s an unpopular opinion but I think Benin accents are one of the sexiest accents to come from the country. I mean after the Hausa accent, I don’t know another accent that compares to the Benin-Warri accent in terms of sexiness.
Culture
I do love the culture of the Benin people. It is rich with world-class art, distinctive music, dressing, and food. I also think the language is amazing and deserves more flowers. It is not too chatty nor too aggressive, just a good mix of respectful tone and rhythm. Music to my ears.
People
The best thing about Benin City is its people. They are vibes for days. Yes, we have full-blown wereys too many not to be concerned about but that adds character to the social landscape. We are also very talented people who do our best with what we have. One thing sha, we like riot too much, let’s work on that.
What do you hate or love about Benin? Let us know in the comments.
Here are fun things you can do in Benin City.
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