Good morning hivers. It's been a minute.
Lazy me. I had it in mind to bring you all up to speed as to how yesterday went for me but the day surprisingly fled with the speed of light and I had to leave it till today. So, my friends, this was how my day went.
As final year medical students of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, we are expected to learn about URBAN COMMUNITY MEDICINE and as part of the requirements of the successful completion of the posting, we were required to make a field trip to one of the popular markets in Ibadan; Sango-Ojunrin market. The purpose of this trip was to assess the occupational risks and environmental hazards sellers in this market are prone to as well as to proffer workable solutions that would provide a more viable commercial environment that fosters healthful practices and promotes their general health.
Markets have been an integral part of African culture, transcending many centuries. From the era of the barter system, the market has provided a common ground for people from all facets of life to meet for exchange of goods and services, meeting varied needs and wants.
You should not be told to get yourself mentally prepared to encounter serious noise or pushing here and there. It's not a place to ask who touched you 😂. The market is the definition of busy itself.
ABOUT SANGO-OJUNRIN MARKET
The sango-Ojunrin market is one of the popular markets in Ibadan, owing to its proximity to the Polytechnic of Ibadan (a student-dominated community) and the Sango Police Barracks. It's not difficult to locate as there is a large signboard at the entrance to ensure that you don't get lost.
Depending on where you are coming from, coming to the Sango market should not be a long drive. Our journey from the University College Hospital (UCH) lasted about 20 minutes. You could easily spot the women who display things like fresh pepper, smoked fish, fruits, etc on the side.
Judging from a mere glance from the entrance, one would quickly say the market is not that big. But on the contrary, it is located on a spacious area of land with clear segments for the hairdressers, butchers' shed, tailors' shop, Pepper grinding section, foodstuff and provisions stores.
MY EXPERIENCE
Oh my God!! This is the first time I entered this very market. I have been to other markets; Bodija, Dugbe, Aleshinloye, etc but not this one. You could see everyone attending to their business. Some were inside their stores, some were under umbrellas while others managed without any shield from the scorching sun. Africans are really tough-skinned. For privacy sake, I could not take more than the required pictures. As typical as most markets would be expected to look like in this part of the world, it is really not well kept with bad drainages and shreds of evidence of pests and rat infestation.
FUN FACT
African markets have evolved over the years and sang market is not left out. Judging by the age range of the old women selling stuff in the market, one would want to come with cash currencies for easy purchasing. But to our amazement, one of the women brought out a POS machine from her undergarment as one of us asked jokingly if she has one. If this can pass for a little bit of evolution, then it's a good one.
Well, this post is not aimed to say much about our findings as that is meant for professional purposes. I hope you enjoyed this. This was also motivated by the great job 
I appreciate your support so far. They look good on me. I can do well with more of it 😁. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
All pictures taken by me.