have positive and negative influences. Lagos does not lag
behind when it comes to grandiose shows. Some people
would even prefer to drum home this fact by using the slogan,
'Eko for show', a catchphrase for Lagos' high-flying status.
"At night clubs, one can socialise and get useful business
connections. On the negative, they can promote extreme
indulgence in alcoholism and sexual escapades. There is a
tendency for one to consume more alcoholic drinks than
required. Commercial sex workers also loiter around such
places. Someone who lacks self control may be tempted to
want to have a feel of anyone of them."
Punch's GBENGA ADENIJI reports that this love for
spectacle is noticeable in the merriment which club houses in
the state dish out from time to time. The state government
once said residents of the state spend over N1bn on parties
and entertainment every month.
Every week, there is usually a place for fun seekers to hang
out in various parts of the metropolis. In fact, there are now
night clubs in some residential areas. It is not unusual these
days to see fun spots springing up where residential buildings
were once erected. From Ikeja, Surulere, Oshodi, Akowonjo,
Iyana Ipaja, Abule Egba, Ogba to Ikorodu and other areas in
the state, Friday is usually a special day.
On this day, music blares from every nook and cranny till
dawn. The fun, which starts midweek in some parts, reaches a
crescendo on Friday. Some singers, especially those in the hip
hop and juju genres, have even made special releases on the
importance of Friday in the start of a weekend of merry-
making.
As it rocks in Lagos, the same happens in Port Harcourt,
Abuja and other notable cities in the country. Drinks of all
types usually accompany the entertainment. A recent data has
shown Nigeria as one of the leading countries with high
champagne consumption.
A dispatch rider, Henry Smith, who was sighted at a night
club in Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos State, said siting relaxation
centres within residential areas have some merits and
demerits.
He said apart from noise pollution and security threat which
they could pose to such areas, they provide on-the-move
relaxation to residents. Smith further said the level of noise
from worship centres could sometimes be more than what
emanates from night clubs.
He said, "These club houses pay all manner of taxes to local
governments in their domains. They employ security men to
ensure orderliness. Some people even feel safe when they get
to a place and see a night club there. The people trooping into
the club and the noise coming out from there often light up
the environment. Nigeria is a place where people work hard to
survive. You can imagine what the situation will be if there
are no places to unwind."
He added that fun spots could attract people of questionable
characters into a neighbourhood thereby endangering the
safety of occupants.
A worker with an international courier company, Rotimi
Oyeneyin, described night clubs as venues for extreme fun
seekers to unwind.
He said even though there was nothing bad in hanging out in a
club after a hard day's job, it could be extreme when one
stayed throughout the night. Oyeneyin added that night clubs
could encourage alcoholism and sexual recklessness.
He also said besides the huge noise pollution from night
clubs, there had been cases of auto crashes arising from
drunkenness of people coming from such places.
Oyeneyin said, "But one cannot rule out the fact that night
clubs are best places to relax after working so hard. Apart
from relaxing, one can meet individuals who can lead one to
meaningful business deals."
A banker, who lives on Jonathan Coker in New Oko-Oba,
Lagos, Princewill George, expressed displeasure over the
building of night clubs within residential areas. According to
him, such club houses only harbour criminals whose activities
make residents uncomfortable.
George said, "I know what I experience every night with the
noise pollution from night clubs in my area. On weekends,
males and females besiege the clubs to enjoy. Cars are often
parked haphazardly on the road, with music playing at a
deafening level."
Also, a resident in Oke-Ira, Ogba, whose house is near a night
club, Mr. Alphonsus Edward, said he hardly sleeps every
Friday. He stated that he struggles to cope with a noise from
the speakers of the club and that of a record seller few metres
away from his house.
Edward said, "I know that listening to music is one of the
ways customers in the club enjoy themselves. But I do not
think it is necessary for the music to filter to those who are
outside the club. I wonder how those inside the club enjoy the
noise because it even disturbs those outside."
If you frequent night clubs, make sure you watch you back, as
there are some guys who are out to "loot"
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