NewStats: 3,263,652 , 8,180,907 topics. Date: Saturday, 07 June 2025 at 04:51 AM 6w6s2g

Odebayo4010:


Please recommend one for me🙏

Since it's English to french, I make use of my usual Google Translate then play the French Interpretation As Audio. Though It's a Bit Fast, But not too difficult to understand and not to different from other AI Translator.

To get a worthy AI audio translator, you might have to subscribe to their plan

Chapter 4: Cotonou to Hillacondji – The Benin Republic Experience

Entering Cotonou – The Economic Heart of Benin

As our bus left the Seme border behind, we drove into Cotonou, the largest city and economic hub of Benin Republic. It was a significant contrast to Lagos—cleaner streets, less noise, and noticeably fewer cars. Instead of Danfo buses and keke napeps, the streets were flooded with motorcycles, known locally as "zemidjans."

Cotonou was different from Lagos in many ways:

The roads were wider and well-paved.

People obeyed traffic laws, unlike the chaos of Lagos traffic.

French was the dominant language, making communication difficult for non-French speakers like me.


As I looked out the window, I saw huge markets, shopping malls, and banks, a sign that Cotonou was a commercial powerhouse. The city had a mix of modern infrastructure and traditional African markets, just like Lagos, but without the same level of congestion.

Language Barrier – Struggling with French

One major challenge I faced in Benin Republic was the language barrier. Unlike Nigeria and Ghana, where English is the official language, Benin is a French-speaking country. While some people spoke broken English, most conversations were in French or Fon (a local language).

At one point, we stopped at a fuel station, and I decided to buy a bottle of water.

"Bonjour," I greeted the attendant, trying to sound polite.

He responded with a long sentence in French, and I just stood there, confused. I could only catch the word "mille" (one thousand).

I tried English. "How much?"

He shook his head and repeated, "Mille francs."

I quickly realized he meant 1,000 CFA, which was about ₦1,200. I paid and walked back to the bus, feeling embarrassed. Abigail laughed at me.

“You should learn some basic French before traveling here,” she teased.

That was good advice.

Food Stop – Trying Beninese Cuisine

Our driver announced a 30-minute food stop at a roadside restaurant. Since I was already in a new country, I decided to try the local food.

Beninese cuisine is heavily influenced by French and African flavors. I ordered "pâte" (a cornmeal dish similar to Nigerian eba), grilled fish, and a spicy sauce. The food was delicious, and I noticed that Beninese food was less oily than Nigerian food but still flavorful.

Cotonou to Ouidah – The Road of History

After lunch, we continued our journey, ing through Ouidah, a historic town known as the birthplace of Voodoo and a major site during the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Key landmarks in Ouidah include:

The Temple of Pythons – A sacred place with live pythons used in traditional Voodoo practices.

The Door of No Return – A monument marking the last point enslaved Africans saw before being taken across the Atlantic.


Though we didn’t stop, I made a mental note to visit these places on a future trip.

Approaching the Benin-Togo Border – Hillacondji

After another two hours on the road, we reached Hillacondji, the border town between Benin Republic and Togo. This was the second international border crossing of the trip.

Unlike the Seme border, Hillacondji was less chaotic but still had a strong police presence. We all had to step down again, and the usual process began:

1. Benin immigration stamped us out of the country.


2. Togolese immigration officers checked our ports and yellow fever cards.


3. Some engers had to pay small bribes to get their documents cleared faster.



Once again, my Nigerian port and yellow card were enough to get me through without much trouble. But for those without the right documents, the officers demanded "something small."

Entering Togo – A New Country, A New Experience

With our ports stamped, we officially entered Togo, a small but lively country with a strong French and Ewe culture.

Our next stop: Lomé, the capital city of Togo.

I have been given small ban on my other . Lemme post chapter 3 from here....




Chapter 3: Crossing the First Border – Seme (Nigeria to Benin Republic)

Welcome to No Man’s Land

After clearing Nigerian immigration at Seme, we drove into a stretch of road commonly known as “No Man’s Land”—the short, ungoverned space between Nigeria and Benin Republic. It felt like stepping into another world: fewer buildings, more open land, and a sudden shift in road conditions.

Our bus slowly approached the Benin Republic border post, where we saw two distinct buildings: one for immigration checks and another for customs.

The environment here was less chaotic than on the Nigerian side, but the presence of touts, money changers, and “agents” was still noticeable.

What to Expect at the Benin Border:

Benin Immigration Check – port stamps and document verification.

Customs Inspection – Checking for restricted items like certain electronics.

Bribery Requests – Officers might ask for “something small” before stamping your port.

Currency Exchange – Converting Nigerian Naira to CFA francs.

The Benin Republic Immigration Process

We all had to step down from the bus again, this time to face Beninese immigration officers. They were dressed in light brown uniforms and spoke mostly French, with some broken English.
A tall officer approached us and pointed to a small window. “eports ici,” he said.
Those of us holding Nigerian ports or ECOWAS travel certificates were allowed to with relative ease.

I handed over my port, and he checked my yellow fever card again. He hesitated for a moment and then said, “Give me 2,000 CFA.”

I frowned. “But why?”

He shrugged. “Stamping fee.”

I knew this wasn’t official, but I also knew arguing would only delay me. I had two choices: stand my ground and risk waiting for hours, or pay the bribe and move on.

Before I could respond, Abigail whispered, “Just give it to him. It’s normal.”
I sighed and handed him the money.

He stamped my port and waved me through.

Tip for Travelers: It’s common for immigration officers at West African land borders to ask for small “fees.” It’s up to you whether to pay or challenge them, but refusing could lead to unnecessary delays.

A New World: Stepping into Benin Republic

Once we cleared immigration, we officially entered Benin Republic, and the change was immediate:

French replaced English as the dominant language.

The roads, though not perfect, were better maintained than those in Nigeria.

Traffic was calmer, with more motorbikes than cars.

Benin felt slower, quieter, and less chaotic than Lagos.

Currency Exchange: Naira to CFA

One of the biggest challenges of traveling across West Africa is dealing with multiple currencies. Benin Republic, Togo, and other Francophone West African countries use the West African CFA franc (XOF), while Nigeria uses Naira and Ghana uses Cedis.

At the border, we saw men standing with stacks of cash, calling out, “Change money! Best rate!”

I needed to convert some of my Naira to CFA for small expenses like food and tips. The official exchange rate was about 1 Naira = 1.3 CFA, but border changers often offered lower rates. I managed to negotiate and got 1 Naira = 1.2 CFA, which wasn’t too bad.**

Reboarding the Bus

With immigration and money exchange done, we got back on the bus. Our driver warned us, “From here, make sure you hold your things well. Don’t trust anybody.”

Abigail nodded. “There are a lot of pickpockets around. Some of them work in groups—one will distract you while the other steals your bag.”
I clutched my backpack tightly as the bus started moving again.

Our next destination: Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin Republic.

LIVE08:
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VA4229:
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Lukgaf:
In many parts of Yoruba land, it is common to organize congregational prayers (Fidau) on specific days after someone’s death—3 days, 8 days, 40 days, or even anniversaries, depending on the age of the deceased.

However, as widespread as this practice is, it is nothing but bid’ah (an innovation), and Islam does not permit it.

Allah has perfected this religion, and there is no room for adding or modifying acts of worship. If a practice was good, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and his companions would have done it. But there is no evidence that they ever gathered for special prayers on specific days after a person’s death.

When a matter is unclear, we should follow the guidance of scholars who rely on the Qur'an and Sunnah, not blindly follow cultural traditions.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) strongly warned against innovations in Islam:

"Whoever introduces into this matter of ours (Islam) something that is not part of it, it will be rejected." (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim)

If Fidau was part of Islam, the Prophet and his companions would have done it. But instead, they taught us what actually benefits the dead.

What Truly Benefits the Deceased?

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: continuous charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him." *
(Sahih Muslim)

Nowhere in this hadith is there mention of gathering people for a Fidau prayer. Instead, the best thing we can do for our deceased loved ones is:
1. Give Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity) on their behalf.
2. Spread beneficial knowledge in their name.
3. Make sincere dua for them as their children or loved ones.

Let’s be honest—many so-called Alfas exploit families through these gatherings. They turn Fidau into a money-making event, and perhaps that’s why a popular musician used the word "Ganu si". Families spend money on food, drinks, and unnecessary expenses, believing they are honoring the deceased, when in reality, they are following a practice with no basis in Islam.

Instead of organizing Fidau gatherings, let us:
- Pray privately and sincerely for the deceased.
- Encourage their family to engage in Sadaqah Jariyah.
- Avoid falling into the trap of cultural practices that contradict Islam.

May Allah guide us all to follow His true teachings and protect us from innovations in religion. Ameen.


Abu Afs Lukgaf

You must we were Yoruba before Islam came.


Since PM (PBUH) and his companions didn't use car, phone, public address system, why are Muslim using It now and we all know it's innovation

Righteousness2:
Crazy! crazy! crazy!
Condolences to the Families of the Soldiers.


After all is Said and Done!
The Breath in you and I is not in our Power.
One moment one is alive. The next Moment one is gone.

There is really no big deal in Death as this World is not our Home.
The BIG DEAL is to Depart this Earth without JESUS CHRIST. That is Straight to Hell .
It is The Greatest Error that can happen to anyone.

Live this Life in the Conciousness of your Eternity. Live Prepared.
Now is the ACCEPTABLE TIME.
Make Peace with JESUS CHRIST. .

Can I ask you, do you have other life aside spiritual life, cos if you do Nd you don't balance the rest (Spiritual, social, financial, etc).. you're of all men most miserable.. e dey bible

Nutking:


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Aaronsrod:


So it has been written - so it shall be done!

Now is the time we have prayed for for so long.

The earth will be destroyed in blood and fire. Billions must die and be cast into Hellfire!

His Chosen of Israel have lit the flame.

Prepare Ye, O Christians of Nigeria!



The harrowing of souls hath begun!

You don start... Small thing wey I type.. see your plenty reply...

There shall be war and rumours of war... Hope say no be wetin I dey read for bible dey happen so

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Ojo, lagos

Is there a way we meet at Oshodi tomorrow, so I can inspect and make payment... Can you drop any WhatsApp number for eàsy communication?

Interested.. where's yourocatuon

Kaybthaniels:
No sorry, I am selling all at a go.

Alright

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Might have been killed for one of the following reasons

Religious ( Mslm, Or Even As a Result Of Position In Church)

Hate: Someone Might Be Hating His Level Of Success Or The Post he Holds In Business

Bad Deal Gone South

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