I’m what Nigerians would term a wakabout (someone who likes to go to lots of places - a walkabout).
I like to explore (I think most local guides do) and I like to take pictures (mostly of myself but I will take some background shots if they’re appealing enough). I put these two things together and came up with a simple solution: joining the Local Guides program.
First, here’s my backstory because backstories are always important.
I moved to Lagos on my own about 5 years ago for school. It was quite the ordeal. It’s nearly impossible to get around if you don’t know where you’re going and I used to loathe having to talk to people in public.
At times I would rather (and I did) get lost than ask for directions.
I tried using Google Maps but then I gave it up because there always seemed to be some sort of issue: poor network connection, inaccurate directions or missing locations, most of the directions were suited to cars and lol, ain’t nobody got money for that etc.
I’d hardly ever use the Maps app but whenever I visited a new place, I’d get notifications from Google like “Add a review”, “Upload a photo” and I’d be all “No, mind your business.”
After about a year, I had mostly figured out my way around using public transportation through lots of trial and error. Fast forward to a year after that and I pretty much knew Lagos like the back of my hand.
I had also gotten into the technology space so I started to take a more avid interest in the applications on my smartphone.
I also realized that Google Maps had gotten much better than when I first tried it out. Places were accurately placed and the directions were actually correct most of the time.
I had also gotten more into exploring new places.
One of those new places was Bogobiri House.
I accidentally stumbled upon Bogobiri one random day and my first thought was “Why have I never heard about this place before?!”
That was also the first time I uploaded an image and reviewed a location on Google Maps.
I realized that the reason I was missing out on a lot of amazing locations was that most people would hardly go out of their way to upload photos and other contributions on Google Maps. And I didn’t like that.
After that, whenever I visited a new place, I made a point of uploading a photo and/or writing a review.
This turned out to be a brilliant decision as it completely changed the way I interacted with my environment. Previously when I went exploring, I’d take a couple of selfies and head back.
Now, I make sure to totally immerse myself in my surroundings which was useful when viewing everything through my camera lens.
I also got a better eye for photography (and a better phone as well). This increased my motivation to go out more and visit new places. It also increased my love for travel.
Once I started posting on Google Maps and gaining points, I realized I had an advantage as there’s a lot of uncharted terrains to cover.
I noticed that there’s a bunch of missing or inaccurate information about Lagos on Google Maps which meant I had a lot of work to do in that regard.
I also noticed there were few high-quality pictures on the maps so this is something I would also endeavor to change.
I care about improving the experience of Lagos on Google Maps.
I like to make sure that places I’ve been to are accurately represented on the map. If I ever decide to return, it will be much easier with correct directions.
I love when my review or picture garners a ton of views because that means my contributions are making a difference.
I also like to properly display the beauty of Lagos through photographs on the map.
Lagos is a vibrant and colorful city that’s rich in culture and a ton of scenic picture-perfect locations so I like being able to allow other people to see this state through my eyes.
Have you ever been to Lagos? Even if you live here, have you ever been here?
Have you explored all the delights this bustling state has to offer?
Have you fed a monkey at the Lekki Conservation Center? Bowled a strike at Rufus and Bees? Taken a selfie at the highest point of the Canopy walk? Explored all four floors of the Nike Art Gallery? Gone trampolining at Upbeat center? Lost track of time at Bogobiri House reading books, looking at artworks, playing old records on a gramophone and just discovering wonderful hidden treasures?
If you haven’t, what are you waiting for?
Local Guides WhatsApp Group.