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Sacred grounds, forgotten streets: classism in Abuja.
<p>If we are going to talk about classism, we should first establish that many Nigerians are classist.</p><p><br/></p><p>Let me explain. An average Nigerian, especially a middle-class individual, often believes that the lower class are lazy, dirty, or unintelligent.</p><p>Anyways, that’s beside the point.</p><p><br/></p><p>When people talk about Abuja, the most common stereotype is that it is a place for the rich. It is where the “big fishes” live.</p><p>But what people in Abuja won’t tell you is that it is like two different cities existing side by side, divided sharply by the social status of the people on both sides.</p><p>The “rich” side of Abuja, the one you see on TV—is almost sacred ground. Only the wealthy, powerful, and influential truly thrive there. It feels like heaven on earth: steady electricity, tarred roads, massive malls, beautiful landscapes, tall buildings, and schools that almost meet Western standards.</p><p> People from the other side occasionally cross over, often just to pick scraps, because they are rarely allowed access to real opportunities.</p><p><br/></p><p>On the other side, people wander in darkness. Many struggle to feed themselves. Accidents caused by bad roads happen so often they have become normal. Schools are dilapidated, and the curriculum often fails the students it is meant to serve.</p><p>In Abuja, if you don’t sound or look elite, you are less likely to be given opportunities, regardless of your qualifications.</p><p>One time, my sister said, “In Abuja, everything depends on how you let people see you. Don’t come as you are; come as if you’re one of them, their equal.” And I held on to that.</p><p>You may also wonder why insecurity appears less prevalent in the urban areas of Abuja than in the satellite towns. Places like Nyanya, Bwari, and Kuje are not in Zamfara state but it is a topic we are not ready for.</p><p><br/></p><p>And as much as I yearn for equality through and through, I still find myself wearing outfits beyond my budget, smelling like expensive fragrances, and speaking like I’ve spent half my life abroad. Because I refuse to let society decide whether I deserve opportunities.</p>
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