CcHub Lekki

“And can you imagine, Co-creation Hub Lagos is also funded by the MacArthur and the Gates Foundations?” E.J explained to Feranmi. Mr Matthew and E.J.’s mother’s driver, Mr Obed were in the wheelchair car, accompanying their small Madam to CcHub in Lekki Phase One. E.J. was going to record a podcast interview with her inimitable and multi-talented friend, Folu Storms. Pause for a standing O.

It was a balmy thirty-five degrees Celsius and the sun was shining with a vengeance. The day was indeed a scorcher. They drove in to the compound and parked in the center of the parking lot. Whirr. Whirr. The car door opened and the ramp came out. E.J. turned on her wheelchair, reversed and landed on the gravel. “Gosh!” shielding her eyes from the sunlight. “Climate change is real sha.” E.J. said. She quickly did an analysis of the situation, trying to figure out the best approach to getting to the third floor where the podcast studio was.

“Ma, why don’t we park your malo moto where the stairs begin?” Feranmi suggested, eager to get out of the harsh rays and raised temperatures. “Alright! That makes sense,” E.J. replied. They proceeded towards the bottom of the staircase and E.J. parked her wheelchair. Mr Matthew scooched down in front of her with his back turned and E.J. put her arms around his neck. He piggybacked his Madam and they made their way to the third floor because despite all the impressive international funding and notable national donors, the elevator was not working! Actually, since its inception, the lift has been out of order. Folu Storms had complained to the building’s maintenance several times before my interview day and alas, nothing was done.

This is what I have to deal with in Lagos, the land of unnecessary steps, she thought to herself. Every new establishment presented a new set of unknown variables. Able-bodied people are so used to not thinking about accessibility that the maître d’ at a restaurant could say with their full chest that they have no steps at the entrance of their place. When I get to these places, there could be a full flight of steps and I then have to figure out how to get in safely. Every journey is a mission slash expedition that involves preparation for every scenario. Not only is it exhausting, it should not be the case. Accessibility should not be a non-thought. Commercial and residential structures in the wrong should be heavily penalised. Social inclusion of disabled people should always be a top priority on any agenda.

“Madam, we are here,” Feranmi said. Folu was already in the studio. She emerged from the space looking like a Grecian goddess. “Babe, I am so happy you are here, thanks for coming,” Folu said, with a huge smile. “Do you want to sit on your wheelchair or the one in the studio?” she continued.  “The chair in the space, please,” E.J. replied. Mr Matthew set her down gently on the lilac-coloured armchair. “I love the concept of the décor. It feels and looks like a luxurious, snug and comfy living room,” E.J. exclaimed admiring the modern but warm sleekness of the room. The accents were obviously carefully chosen.

“Fun fact. The entire interior just went up this morning. This is not how the space normally looks. Every time we record the podcast, we construct it from scratch,” Folu elucidated softly. As they continued their conversation from the damaging effects of AI on the environment to set experiences (Folu also happens to be an actor), the producer and editor were setting up the three cameras.

“So, how would you rate the CcHub?” Folu enquired. “Gotta be honest, I would give it one star. The space is lovely but the fact that it is completely inaccessible, despite all the international and regional donor support is absolutely atrocious. The land of steps at work again,” E.J. clarified, firmly. The producer gave Folu the signal. It was time to begin. “Thank you for your candour, E.J. We’ll pick this up after the interview.”