It is true that we outgrow some kind of fun. The kind of fun engagement that I took part in some years ago is now a thing of the past as new ways of having fun have evolved. I am an outdoor person even though family life has crept into my social life, I still take out time to do what makes me happy and calm my nerves.
As a young adult who had nothing to worry about and little or no responsibilities to care for, I hung out with my friends on a daily basis after work at the pub to take one or two shots and watch football matches or dance to some music and discuss business and opportunities. This was my routine before I got married and settled down to family life.
Audy of course
On Friday, my gang and I would go clubbing. You know what they say about being a youth? That's when to explore all the fun you can, else, someone will be telling you the story and I don't want any of that. I experienced it first hand and it was worth it. On such Friday, we visit our usual club house and get to meet the newest brand in the state and the rave of the moment to see how we can benefit from engaging or benefitting in their brand. That's the main purpose of going to the club on a weekly basis. At some point, I felt like the best connections are made in such places.
There was never a dull moment. During weekends, Saturday specifically, we hit the gym or go playing football at the recreation center to keep body and soul fit. Sometimes during the ball game, we place a bet and the winner takes all to make the matches competitive. So, most Saturdays, guys from all over Lagos travel to the recreation center to watch the exercising turned football matches. Before long, we introduced a Disc Jockey (DJ) to the centre. It turned out to be the hottest sports centre in Lagos. Later on, during the All Nigerian Games tournament, we have some of the guys who had played one sport or the other at the recreation center representing their states and won medals. This was quite an experience for me. I almost became a football agent too when the Chelsea FC and Barcelona FC scouting team visited Lagos.
DJ Jizzi
Away from recreational activities, one other side of my outdoor self is Owanbe. The word Owanbe is a Yoruba word for party. There is no weekend without a party or two in Lagos. These parties have some vibes where you meet people, beautiful ladies who do not have a man in their lives. I mean most of those new generation bank CEOs. At such parties, we meet people, have fun and exchange pleasantries. One good thing about parties organised by the Yoruba people is that food is surplus.
A Yoruba organised party is usually power packed when it comes to food and souvenirs. As a guest, you are liable to take some of the unexpected gift items ranging from soap, detergent, tissue paper, bread, toys, hand fans, mobile phones, duvets, and a host of other items. This is why when I get a glimpse of a party or get invited to a party organised by a Yoruba person or family, I'd go get the Aso-ebi because I know it won't be a waste of money.
Martin Lopez
Being an outdoor person has brought me many opportunities I wouldn't have gotten if I had chosen to be indoors.
However, as time passed, I got to let go of some of these attitudes. I have since reduced attending parties, not because of any issue, it's just that I have cut down on my heavy number of friends and resorted to laying low while staying focused on family ties and relationships.
I would visit a distant cousin or uncle rather than attend parties these days because in the end, family matters.