Oshodi, the heart of Lagos State, typifies the city that never sleeps. For most hours of the day, it is swarming with people and vehicles, the ongoing expansive terminus notwithstanding.
With the constant reconstruction of the markets and bus parks, many traders have been forced to seek abode at the Nigeria Military Shopping Complex in Bolade Oshodi, popularly known as The Arena.
But few days to Christmas, the usually boisterous Arena complex is a complete shadow of itself. Fewer people are going in to shop, with many of the traders lamenting that the few shoppers could better be described as sightseers, who are not making any significant purchases.
Moving from stalls to booths, the traders in unison lamented to The Guardian about the low turn over in sales and patronage, blaming the state of the economy for their predicament. Read more