Ayobo in Ipaja, a suburb of
Lagos, has undergone transformation over the last two years. Infrastructure remain squalid, but residents are making the best of what they have. They have received generous help from business-minded colleagues, who have established a number of fun spots, which take care of their recreational needs night and day.
One of such is Ami King Nightclub, a well-appointed outfit in Oyun Isefun area of Ipaja-Ayobo, popularly called So Easy. Until Ami King became operational, night life was virtually non-existent. From its ample parking space, something lacking in nightclubs in heavily populated areas, to the impressive building that houses the main dancing area, Ami King offers something close to what obtains in clubs with bigger reputations. And a little more: the gate fee is an affordable N500. The club, naturally, attract girls–nubile and otherwise–in droves. Patrons brand them “take away”. Take-aways cost between N3,000 and N5,000 per night. Close to Ami King are Haglact and Bobbies nightclubs. Haglact is a hotel, but operates a nightclub on Fridays. Men pay N500 to get in, while ladies pay nothing. A patron told TheNEWS that he is attracted to Haglact by the courteous service he gets.
Another nightclub in the area is Addidas. It is within the premises of Addidas Hotel, located on the road that leads to Ipaja from Ayobo.
At Isheri/Igando, another suburb of Lagos, Miclara Regency Hotel is a favourite haunt of thrill seekers. Located opposite Idowu Egba Estate, the club within the hotel opens two nights a week–Thursday and Friday.
Friday, tagged Ladies’ Night, kicks off at 11p.m. It admits men for N1000, while the ladies pay N500. The amount charged, for the ladies, is not a disincentive. “I don’t mind paying N1000 because I believe only big boys patronise the club. I stand the chance of meeting the right guys, who can take care of me,” Toyin, a lady at the club, told this magazine.
Drinks at the club are a little pricey. A beer attracts N500, while a big bottle of Guinness Stout is sold for N1000.
Around Abule Egba and Alagbado areas, there is also a surge in the number of fun spots.
AIT Road in Alagbado is the location of Lakers Bar and Mate Hotel, two joints that attract fun seekers in hordes, especially on weekends. Their night clubs admit ladies free of charge, making them attractive to men who desire uncomplicated sex. The situation is the same in Agege, where RV Unique Nightclub offers opportunity for leisure. At RV Unique, when the male population thins out, a “take away” may attract as low as N200 and N300 for a bout of sex in the car or the street corner.
On the rise in the number of clubs in areas considered less posh,
Akpan Okiemute, Managing Director of Mate Hotel, said: “You can meet someone that can enhance your career. Clubbing is a complete package. It’s not only for ‘let’s drink and dance’. You can discuss business.”
To elevate their facilities from mere taverns and dance halls, nightclub operators in the suburbs have come up with specialized shows.
Shows like karaoke nights, old school party, dancehall party and celebrity nights are hosted on different days of the week by nightclubs and at specific times. Okiemute says business has been wonderful. “We have been doing a test-run of this place, and it has been wonderful. The response from people who troop in is awesome. I am overwhelmed by the patronage. People come in to encourage us from the Island and far away. We are about to take off fully and we are optimistic that greater things are on the way,”.
A testimony to the boom is the rapidity with which night clubs are mushrooming.
According to this magazine’s findings, the resurgence in nightlife in the Lagos area is traceable to the improvement in security. The clubs also make their own security arrangements. “We have metal detectors to screen for firearms and other harmful objects. This is to make our clients safe and special,” explained Okiemute.
Communities on the boundary between Lagos and Ogun states are not left out of the boom in nightlife. In Akute, Ola Infinity Club is a magnet. It has an in-house Disc Jockey, live band and invites comedians to thrill the customers.
Yemi Fadipe, 30-year-old staffer of a telecommunications company who recently moved to Akute, said: “I can’t compare the nightclubs here with those in Lagos. I went out a couple of times. I think they are coming up. I have been to some in Abule Egba and Alagbado and a few others. In all honesty, they have incredible local bands. However, the fun standard is not and cannot exactly be like Lagos.”.
