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NFS ABM Lagos 12-14th March 2004
“Get thee to a nunnery.” – Hamlet
Our Lagos branch volunteered to host this year’s ABM, and what generous
hosts they proved to be! Council members and delegates from Abeokuta,
Benin and Ibadan were lodged in the convent of the Eucharistic Heart
Sisters at Ikeja, a tranquil oasis amid the hustle and bustle of Lagos.
The ever-cool Lagos Chairman, Robert Warren, his exuberant Treasurer, Fr.
John Sheehan (now I know what “flowing” beard means!), former Chairman
Wil van Trier (alias Minister for Tourism) and members of the Lagos Branch
were there to welcome us on Friday, March 12th. We were all presented with
handsome green bags printed with the captile (!) encircling the name of
our Society with its tail, and 19th century maps of Lagos Island (real
one-upmanship). Veronica Snoxell put the icing on the cake with individual
flower arrangements in the rooms of Council members – beautiful!
In the evening we were off to sample the fleshpots of Lagos – dinner à
la Carte at “The Londoner”, a well-run restaurant/bar in Ikeja. In
deference to my London origins, I ordered fish and chips and was not
disappointed.
The ABM was held on the following day, Saturday March 13th, and we were
able at last to lay to rest the matter of the registration of the Society.
The winner of the Oseni Prize was announced – Tajuddeen Okekunle of the
Dept. of Forest Resources Management, U.I. – whose essay will appear in
the April 2004 Journal. Members were able to buy Field Society cards
designed by Joan Bacon and stickers designed by Steve Folaranmi. Branch
reports will be published in the April 2004 Journal. The President
reminded us that next year, 2005, marks the 75th anniversary of the
Nigerian Field Society, which deserves to be celebrated in style. Council
was mandated to draw up a programme for the celebrations.
After lunch at the convent and a brief rest in our individual
air-conditioned rooms decorated in cool pastel green and spotlessly
maintained, we were off again, destination, Lagos Harbour. We boarded the
“Eko Tourist” with about 100 members from Lagos Branch and set sail on
a leisurely cruise round Lagos Harbour, accompanied by a mellow musical
ensemble and plenty of booze. We were fortunate to have on board Architect
John Godwin, a “Lagosian” of 50 years standing, who gave us a
commentary on the notable buildings of Lagos Island which reflect its
cosmopolitan nature. We arrived back at the Convent around 10 pm and slept
very soundly!
But don’t run away with the idea that just anyone can enjoy the
hospitality of the Sisters. We earned that privilege because of the
impeccable reputation (!) of our Society and members in the right places (thank
you, Fr. Sheehan).
It was a most remarkable ABM. The only thing that marred the occasion was
the absence of members from our Ife branch who are usually enthusiastic
participants at every ABM. Robert Warren and his team thought of
everything – comfortable accommodation, good food, luxurious
transportation and that really great boat trip. Robert even set up a
computer in the reception area so people could visit the NFS website. So,
to all members of the Lagos Branch and especially Robert Warren and his
organising committee, a very big thank you.
E se pupo. E ku inawo. E ku inara. Ki Olorun je ke Egbe wa ma lo siwaju.
Amin.
(Thank you very much. Thank you for your generosity. Thank you for your
efforts. May God let our Society go on from strength to strength. Amen.)
Pat Oyelola
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Lagos Branch
