Thursday, August 19, 2010

Kano (I)

Kano is in the far north of Nigeria and has a population, according to the infallible source Wikipedia, of either 3,248,700 or 365,525.  People here actually claim a number closer to 10,000,000, saying that Kano State rivals Lagos State as the most populous in Nigeria. Kano is sometimes in the news because it is one of the twelve Nigerian states that in the last decade officially adopted sharia law.

Perhaps because it's been two years since my last trip to Nigeria, or perhaps because I've become used to the hyper-organization of Washington DC, but whatever the reason Kano shocked me when I got here. The congestion, pollution, and state of infrastructure were much worse than I'd expected. Here are some pix from my first two days in Kano.
 
Sabun Garri market:


Cattle in the city:


Men on okadas (motorbikes):


Flooded streets:


The chaos isn't unbearable though... A week after arriving, I'm feeling used to this place and I'm wishing my stay here were longer.
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2 comments:

  1. TimAugust 20, 2010 at 5:31 AM

    Good Mornin' Cait,

    Here's a Dadnote to your Nigeria blog.

    We ate ethnic last night with Ash and Ad at Rosa's. Their Dominican menu is not only authentic, but delicious. Mom, Ash, and Ad had the fish, which last night was red snapper. I had baked chicken. We shared a corn pudding for dessert. The ambiance and service are genuinely friendly and polite. We had a great time.

    A thought I had this morning that I shared with Scout on our walk was whether or not programs like ADF perpetuate a colonialistic ethic. I'm thinking right now that from the recipients' side of things lives are so in need of any kind of help that it matters not to them. While I might question the motivations of our government to offer these types of assistance, the people of Kano do not. They're looking for a better life rather than a handout, for the most part. ADF is to them what the Gannon SBA is to Adam and Brian. Do you agree? Is ADF a purely altruistic program, or does it have to any degree self-serving motives? Scout thinks not.

    We look forward to hearing your critiques of the programs you've been monitoring. I was pleased to hear you speak of the solid work ethic of the ADF personnel on the ground there. Small businesses are the life blood of every economy.

    I know you have only a few days left in Nigeria. We miss you and look forward to being with you soon.

    Be strong.
    I LOVE YA!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. BayratAugust 20, 2010 at 5:49 AM

    Hi Cait.
    We definetely look forward to seeing you again and hearing more about Nigeria. Make sure to keep notes!
    We hope all is well with you. Be careful.
    Love,
    John and Marge

    ReplyDelete

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