‘Abuja is a Great Place to Live and Work’

Araceli Aipoh is a Filipino married to a Nigerian who has lived in Nigeria for 27 years and in Abuja for seven years. She is the Editor of the blog ‘Inside Track Abuja’ and spoke to Alkasim Abdulkadir about life in the capital city 

What do you like about Abuja?

Abuja is a great place for the mind and body. I think it's because it is generally a peaceful city, it is not overcrowded, the people are friendly and polite, the roads are wide and you have almost all the essential things you need within your reach. I know it all depends on one's personal needs and priorities, but I like the fact that I don't have to worry about being stuck in a traffic jam whenever I go out here in Abuja, or that there are lots of fresh fruits at any time of the year. I have very simple needs as a person, so for me, life in Abuja is quite perfect. I have peace of mind here and that's one of the things I value most.    

In your experience, what’s the difference between Abuja and other cities in Nigeria?
 

Each city in Nigeria has its own unique characteristic. I lived in Lagos for about 10 years, I have visited Ibadan once and I often go to Benin City, but I guess the differences I see are very superficial. For example, the cost of living –  which is way more expensive here in Abuja compared to any other part of the country. Another difference is that we all know that Lagos is highly commercialised, which makes it a bit chaotic at times; while Abuja is more organised in many ways. Here in Abuja you see the difference between a marketplace and a residential area, and there is so much greenery within the city with all these gardens and parks and trees and shrubs along major roads. The founders of Abuja had envisioned a well-designed city, and so far, I think that is being implemented.

Which restaurants or cafes do you like going to in Abuja?

I always go to either the Bukka Restaurant or the Oriental Restaurant at the Hilton. Then also to Woks and Koi at Silverbird Entertainment Centre. And we have our private clubhouse/restaurant at Julius Berger, so I also spend a lot of my time there whenever my friends and colleagues want to relax and socialise. There are hundreds of restaurants and cafes in Abuja but I am not the adventurous type when it comes to dining. I go to the same place again and again. 

As a writer, what events do you attend in Abuja?

I try as often as possible to attend the weekly meetings organised by the Abuja Literary Society. But there are a lot of activities organised by other literary groups as well, such as the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and the Abuja Writers Forum (AWF). Unfortunately I can't go to all these events as often as I would love to. There's just not enough time - and that's not an excuse.    

Why was the Expats Wives’ Association set up?

I don't know of any expat wives’ association in Abuja, but I know that there is an association of foreign women married to Nigerians and it’s called Nigerwives, which is a national organisation. In Abuja there is a group of international women that welcomes not only expats but Nigerians. It was formerly called the Abuja International Women's Club, but the name has been changed to the Ladies International Social Club of Abuja (LISCOA). Nigerwives and LISCOA were set up mainly as avenues for socialisation for their members and to give them an opportunity to network, to learn from one another, to share personal experiences and to relax. The choices for entertainment are limited here in Abuja, so people find a way to entertain themselves and forming clubs or associations is one of those. 

Do you drive in Abuja? If so, how has it being for you?

 

Yes I drive and I've not had any problems so far. I used to drive in Lagos which could be chaotic at times and really frustrating because of the traffic jams, but not here in Abuja. Every day the roads in the FCT are changing for the better, I mean look at the road going to Kubwa, or the airport road, which are just absolutely beautiful and driver-friendly. In fact, many roads are opening up and whoever is making all these possible should be commended. Money that is invested to create wider and better roads is never wasted.      

Do you visit any parks or gardens?
 

If you are talking about the bush bars, which are sometimes called parks and gardens where one can eat and have a drink and listen to a live band, then the answer is no. There are hundreds of these places in Abuja and I know that they are very busy at night but I haven’t been to any of them yet. I don't like loud music for one thing, but it will be worth a try sooner or later.  

Which organisations do you belong to?

 

I am a registered member of Nigerwives, which is only for foreign wives of Nigerian citizens. Then there is LISCOA and Pusong Pinoy Association (PPA) and also the Filipino Nigerian Families Association (FILGERIA). The last two have members only from the Philippines. There are lots of activities organised by these associations at one time or another including meetings, lunches, seminars, bazaars, fairs and holiday celebrations.

How do you relax on a typical weekend?
 

I go to the office on Saturdays so for me the weekend is just one day, which is Sunday. I stay in bed late and then have a long breakfast, watch TV, read a little and update my blog: simple things. Most of the associations I belong to have their meetings on a Sunday so I do my share of socializing during these meetings.     

What is Inside Track Abuja all about?

It's a blog dedicated to past, current and upcoming events in Abuja. It's a place where people go to when they want to know more about the city through the eyes of someone who actually lives here. It contains mostly my personal experiences, the events I go to and the things I do and see, but I plan to expand it to include other writers and make it truly diverse as far as content is concerned.    

When did you start the magazine and blog and how has it been received so far?

Inside Track is now mainly online and it has been going since 2008. My co-publishers and I have plans of publishing the print edition again in the future, perhaps as an annual report of what's happening in Abuja. The feedback on the blog is great, with many people in Abuja and other parts of the world visiting it on a regular basis. People from other countries that are planning to relocate to Abuja either temporarily or permanently have found information from Inside Track that has helped them to make their decision, and I do receive requests for posting of events on the blog.

What advice do you have for those contemplating a move to Abuja?

Like I said, how you look at Abuja depends on your personal likes and dislikes. There's no place that you can call perfect, so come with an open mind and expect the best. Personally speaking, I have never had a dull moment here in Abuja so I don't regret coming here to live and work. Some people often say that Abuja is dull, but not for me. I have found ways and means not to make it dull.