My Osun Experience by Awolusi Similola

Osun state known as the state of virtue is in the Western part of Nigeria and is characterized for its peaceful nature. It has its capital as Oshogbo which is regarded as one of the cheapest capitals to live in Nigeria. Coming to Osun was a big deal for me because I had never been to the state and had to come for my one year service program. I had been used to the lifestyle I enjoyed in Lagos.

Getting to Osun state was totally a new step that came with mixed feelings. I did not feel so good because I would miss the life I was used to but was also glad that I was changing my environment, was going to be meeting new people, learning new things, gaining new experiences and at most growing and gradually moving towards being an independent person.

Transportation has always been an integral aspect of a society and has been a new experience entirely that have been trying to adapt to. The transportation system in Osun state is nothing compared to that of Lagos state. Most roads are made of two lanes with a single carriage way in which all major roads are tarred. The roads are filled with various vehicles ranging from private cars, to taxis which are available to major places, to mini buses also known as “korope” which is the most popular public transport medium in the state, to motorcycles known as “okada”. “Koropes” and “okadas” form the most used medium of movement in the state.

Compared to Lagos and some other states, traffic in Osun is  minimal. Although, due to the fact that there are some narrow major roads,  traffic becomes an occurrence that is on a steady.  The narrow nature of such roads have been tagged the cause of some accidents that have occurred. Also, not all roads have traffic lights and where there are, they are of little or no use.

Moreover, some roads have potholes which makes movement on such roads difficult and puts the commuters of the road at risk.  Some roads also lack road signs to inform motorists of the road conditions which aids the smooth movement of motorists and disallows congestion and accidents. Street lights are also not present on all roads in the state and where present, are not utilized.  Some of these roads also lack good drainage system which allows pollution of such areas.

Also,  the transport fare is relatively affordable. Infact, distances that cost about one hundred and fifty naira in Lagos, costs about sixty to eighty naira in Osun. Although, the transport fare is subjected to haggling between a passenger and the driver thereby allowing both parties come to an agreement on the price to be paid and received.

Finally, within the short period of time I have spent in Osun state, I’ve gotten to embrace almost every aspect of the state and figured it is a good place to reside due to its affordable cost of living, less congestion and accommodating environment.

Awolusi Similola, a serving corp member in Osun State, wrote in from Osogbo, the state capital.


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