A tourist, Nathan Lugo, has shared his experience at Cotonou
Cadjehoun International Airport in the Benin Republic, comparing it with the
Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Nigeria.
In a recent post on his Facebook page, Lugo, an American Ifa
devotee noted that the Cotonou airport is better than the Lagos airport
airport.
He also stated that he was not discriminated against as an
Orisa devotee at the airport in Cotonou, as opposed to the MMIA, Lagos.
Sharing photos, he wrote, "I've been to Yorùbáland on
the Benin Republic side on several occasions for several years now. My first
time was in 2018.
"But, this was my first time flying directly into
Cotonou, Benin Republic, and flying directly out of Cotonou, Benin
Republic.
And, just for a frame of reference, I've been flying to
Yorùbáland on the Nigeria side ANNUALLY through the Murtala Muhammed
International Airport of Lagos since 1998...Annually since 1998! That is 25
years!!!
"Last year I flew through the airport of Lagos in and
out 4 times throughout the year. One thing I can say is that there are massive
differences between the Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport and the Murtala
Muhammed International Airport - Lagos.
"The airport in Cotonou is puny by comparison. It also
has a pleasant design. The inside of the airport is clean. Their bathrooms are
clean and fully functional with soap dispensers and hand dryers. Its car park
is clean.
"There aren't ọmọ ìta, like the ones in the airport in
Lagos, all around trying to hustle you. The staff were balanced in their
demeanor, professional, and friendly. In walking distance from the airport in
Cotonou there are nice bars and restaurants similar to what I would find in
Wynwood and other areas of South Florida.
"Also, going through security there was no impression of
religious discrimination as an Òrìṣà devotee / oníṣẹ̀ṣe (the kind of religious
discrimination that I more frequently than not have experienced at the airport
in Lagos).
"Benin Republic in general values its indigenous cultural
and religious identity more than their Nigerian neighbors that give
preferential treatment to foreign religions of Middle Eastern origin.
"Just so you are aware, at the airport, I try to dress
and behave as discreetly as possible to not draw attention to myself other than
the obvious.
"Did I mention that the air-conditioning system at both
the departure and arrival areas of the airport at Cotonou works? Yes, their a/c
works!!! They are not making human suya out of travelers leaving the country. Can
you imagine that???
"And, both at the airport and most everywhere else
throughout the Benin Republic, I felt overwhelmingly safe and like I was in any
other country where people seemed "normal", for lack of a better
word.
"Here is the most important part: Not one customs
official nor immigration officer nor airline staff tried to ask for a bribe nor
extort money from me nor ask "what did you bring for me." No one.!!!
Is that not a normal airport?
"From now on I believe I will be calling the airport at
Lagos the 'Murtala Muhammed Flying Circus of Lagos.' To our 'yOu CaNnOt CoMpArE
bEnIn RePuBlIc To NiGeRiA' people - You are absolutely 100% correct!!!"
Credit: Facebook | Nathan Lugo
