A Story About Connection, Curiosity, and the Beauty of Human Conversation
“Every time I travel, I experience wonders with strangers. People are beautiful from afar, will you not agree with such wonder?”
The face of the author musing “when I meet strangers, they stop being strangers”
Six months ago, I met one hottie bahdie in a transit with their brand name being S. Mufuf (I had to make that alteration to avoid any form of legal blame). UniIlorin students from Lagos and Ogun State would know this name and the chill that comes with it for sure (because even after years of gbas gbos between students and their drivers, nothing changed).
For over a week, I had been traveling between Ilorin and Ogun State to oversee a project. During these trips, I remained loyal to Mufuf despite their annoying drivers who prioritize luggage over people. But the last journey I took with them, both to and fro, was an absolute blockbuster.
How It Began: The Impromptu Call and Departure
I was at my friend’s hostel (I can’t remember what exactly I was doing) when my boss called. He said our client in Ogun State had agreed to our deal and that I should go experience what project management looks like onsite.
I was new, and he knew I needed that exposure. That impromptu mission was an opportunity I couldn’t ignore. He asked me to prepare and leave the next day. But what would I, who was overwhelmed with excitement still be doing idling around when I already had all I needed to go and experience such work wonder?
Absolutely none!
Without much stress, at exactly 10 a.m. that day I set off for Ogun State pronto. I knew it was already late for a proper travel schedule, but there’s always been an advantage to catching the last Mufuf bus at Oke-Odo. I got stuck in a network jam at the nearest POS while trying to withdraw travel funds. That delay cost me a few minutes. It was almost 11 a.m. when I arrived at the park. I was the third to the last passenger to show up, and as usual, the backseats were packed with luggages, etc — furniture, beddings, all sorts. Stuffed up.
Enter, The Journey With Goodness
“Wassup bro” I said to a fellow passenger, he looked mature. “How much is the transport fare?” I asked. “It’s 12k,” he replied. Even though I knew the price, I had to ask (from anyone in the bus). That was my ticket to starting a conversation and building a friendly atmosphere. I planted a seed that would soon sprout.
We spent nearly two hours at the park waiting for the last two passengers who never showed up. It was already past noon when we started complaining, insisting the driver should move since (probably) the luggage’s transfer payment covered for the remaining two seats. But the driver had other plans, regardless he drove us about 8 km away, then stopped by the roadside looking for two extra passengers to fill the vacant seats.
He disappeared, leaving us by the road (we didn’t even see his ghost to rant at). Then 20 minutes later when he finally showed up with two new passengers, we were already boiling with anger. Everyone shouted, cussed (say whatever words our tongues could taste).
“Shey I will not look for money to buy fuel?” he shouted back. “You people don’t know that it’s the extra passengers’ money we use to buy fuel!”
“What?” I thought. “So you don’t buy fuel from the fare we pay!?”
After more arguments, he finally drove off and stopped again at a gas station. Another long delay followed.
Trouble On The Road
The journey dragged on for hours with passengers bonding over our shared frustration, until we got to the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, somewhere not that far from Ibadan. Then the bus broke down. Well, I wonder if I should praise the driver for his awareness and sense of safety to stop or condemn him for risking our lives driving a dozen passengers in a defaulted bus all the way from Ilorin to Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
We weren’t ready for what happened next because that was where the really terrible experience started. I won’t go into every detail because this story has gone far already, almost concentrated on the Nigerian public drivers and their misconducts.
It was past 4 p.m. and I hadn’t told my parents that I’d be arriving home that day (offense number one) since it was the best place to stay while commuting to the project site. Also, I was anxious I’d arrive late (offense number two) because my parents hate late-night arrivals. To them, it’s not the behavior of Omoluabi.
We were still talking about the broken bus when passengers (those already close to their destinations) began leaving one by one to find new rides. Then the hottie spoke up, grabbing everyone’s attention as a beautiful lady should.
“I’m new here o,” she said. “I’ve never been to Lagos before and I don’t want to get to where I’m going too late.”
Before the stop, the guys in the bus had been ranting about the dangerous life of Lagos. I even got to know the guy who get plenty of street broda, another one who suffer pass on the street. It was so fascinating how they all danced the dance of a peacock fanning for a peahen’s attention (the hottie bahdie in this context). She had been friendly, but none of them could have approached her before then. Now that she needed help, they found their chance.
I watched as everyone played their role until the lady was advised by the mature guy to book a ride which she did.
I got closer to them, talked about looking online for a safe ride and we arrived at booking a Lagos Ride. When her car arrived, I asked if she could give me a lift to Berger. She didn’t mind. I also spoke for another girl, a Muslim sister, who I thought shouldn’t be left stranded waiting for a repaired bus.
The Hottie, the Sister, and the New Ride
Fast forward, the hottie got me and the Muslim sister into the ride, and we had an amazing conversation. People are beautiful, honestly. Although I wouldn’t encourage her dressing if someone I know dressed like that regardless, she was a beauty in both character and body.
We talked deeply until I sparked up a controversial topic that the driver had no choice but to also introduce his opinions. I admired her confidence and was genuinely concerned for her safety since it was her first time in Lagos. I asked for her contact (definitely not making a move on her) because I wanted to confirm she got to her destination safely.
The driver was shocked that I could boldly ask for the lady’s contact, even more so, the sister was twice as surprised because I was wearing my taqiyah and had been called “Alfa” all through the journey.
Lessons from the Road
This story was meant to teach you how subtle conversation can help you build an instant (almost intimate) relationship with strangers. From simply entering a bus to making the best of your journey.
Every time I travel, I experience wonder with people of different characters and backgrounds. The way I smile, the way I talk about things I know and don’t know, how I spark curiosity, my gestures and the way I channel my aura to look important—all of these make people enjoy my short-lived company—even though I have my downsides they can’t see, just as I can’t see theirs.
Oftentimes, I’m not the one who says goodbye first. I just hear “byeee” from beautiful ladies or “take care Gee” and “Ma Salaam” from good boys like myself. The only thing I’m not used to yet is the feeling they leave with me after departure. It lingers like the cold breeze after the rain.
So, build a habit of communicating with people wherever you stand because conversation has the power to give or take away from you; and either it takes away or gives to you in the midst of total strangers, you cannot be a dodoyo and should not be seen as one!
Words, Slangs Meaning and Contextual Explanation
Hottie Bahdie (Gen Z / Pidgin slang): An attractive woman; “bahdie” is derived from “baddie,” meaning a confident, good-looking lady.
Gbas Gbos (Nigerian Pidgin, Literal): exchange of blows or arguments; figuratively, back-and-forth drama or conflict.
Omoluabi (Yoruba): “Omoluabi” means a well-trained, respectful person with moral integrity.
POS (Acronym): Point of Sale terminal (used in Nigeria for cash withdrawals).
Oke-Odo (Yoruba / Local place name): A popular area or park in Ilorin, Nigeria.
“Shey I will not look for money to buy fuel?” (Pidgin-English): Statement expressing frustration; meaning “Shouldn’t I find money to buy fuel?”
Street Broda (Nigerian street slang): Refers to a hustler or streetwise man; someone experienced with street survival, connections, or informal dealings.
Berger (Nigerian place reference): A well-known transport hub at Lagos entrance.
Alfa (Yoruba/Arabic): A Muslim cleric or scholar. Used casually for a visibly religious man.
Ma Salaam (Arabic): “Go in peace” or “With peace” (often used as goodbye among Muslims).
Taqiyah (Arabic / Islamic term): A small, rounded cap worn by Muslim men, often during prayers. It symbolizes modesty, respect, and devotion.
Dodoyo (Yoruba / Pidgin, slang): Means “foolish” or “clueless person.
”Gee (most commonly used in Lagos, Urban slang): A friendly nickname meaning “bro” or “guy.”
Image credits
Featured image: A road in Berger, Lagos, Nigeria. Downloaded on Freepik.
Author Portrait: Reflective author portrait introducing the story’s theme of importance in communication and how it fosters connection. Shot by the author.
Ewì Áfríkà 