Benin city to Anambra: A journey through southern Nigeria

By Dr Marshall Odede

On the brisk morning of November 24th, I embarked on a journey filled with both excitement and apprehension. Representing the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) Edo State at a two-week media training on(Capacity building workshop on journalism, leadership and digital media) in Awka, hosted by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), was an honor. But leaving behind my responsibilities—managing my kids alone while my wife was away on an official assignment and securing sales commissions to sustain my family—was no small feat.

At 5:20 am, my kids waved me off with cheers of “Daddy, see you soon!” Their enthusiasm was the motivation I needed as I boarded a bus from New Benin Motor Park by 6:30 am, ready for the unknown.

The journey, however, quickly revealed Nigeria’s stark realities. The road from Edo to Delta was a minefield of potholes, a testament to years of neglect. Police checkpoints were aplenty, with officers indifferent, offering only casual waves to vehicles. As we passed Agbor, rows of identical houses stood as an ironic beacon of development amidst widespread decay.

Crossing the iconic Niger Bridge was bittersweet. Guarded heavily by security forces, it symbolized resilience but also underscored Nigeria’s pressing security challenges. The new Niger Bridge, though a marvel, was a lone highlight in the surrounding inefficiencies.

Onitsha welcomed me with its bustling energy, and a short bus ride later, I arrived in Awka, which was about 134 km , as am disembarking at the UNIZIK Junction. A quick Keke ride brought me to the serene DDM Villa—a sanctuary amidst the chaos.

This journey was more than miles covered; it was a mosaic of emotions. It mirrored Nigeria itself—a land of boundless potential, hindered by neglect. For anyone traveling this route, it’s a lesson in resilience, reflection, and hope for a brighter future.

The journey reflected a mosaic of emotions: pride in representing my state, frustration with the state of infrastructure, and hope for what lay ahead. It was a vivid portrayal of Nigeria’s paradox—rich in potential yet hindered by neglect. For anyone undertaking such a journey, it offers not just a change of scenery but an opportunity to reflect on the resilience needed to navigate life in Nigeria.

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