How much is a litre of petrol where you are? It’s been a tough few days in Nigeria generally and Ibadan has not been different. How have you been coping? Cars have been left in home garages and even commuters are not using public transit as much. Trekking (why do we use that euphemistic word sef?*), walking jare, has been the order of the day. Let’s offer you some tips on how to trek successfully in Nigeria and particularly in Ibadan.

*Trekking is actually walking combined with sightseeing. It may be more correctly used as a synonym for hiking.

Ladies and gentlemen; 12 Tips on How to Walk Like a King in Ibadan (and elsewhere sef)!

1. Walk, it’s good for you.

We know it but you need to convince yourself again. Walking is great for your health. It’s about the easiest exercise anyone can do. Be altruistic about it too; so tell yourself it reduces environmental pollution and all. 🤡

2. Use Google Maps

Google Maps could help you have a really nice trekking experience if you can easily merge technology with common sense. This may be what pulls you back from ending in some canal or neighbourhood stream. Use the live view feature; it knows the ways around junctions and gives you verbal descriptions. This also means getting a good battery level before stepping out.

3. Greet.

Open your mouth and greet. You are not sure how to move so you better greet those you pass by. Trouble comes when you have to walk past their sitting again after hitting a brickwall at the end of a closed street. Again, you can easily just ask your way around and not disgrace your self.

4. Dress well.

You never know who you end up meeting on your way. That’s basic. But it gives you a good reception and reaction as it reduces the chance of the stranger you want to ask for directions passing you off for a potential beggar.

5. Wear deodorants and smell good.

Antiperspirants are extremely necessary to stem the tide of the sweat associated with walking while deodorant keeps the odour away. Luckily they are usually combined in your regular deo cans. A good perfume boosts your confidence to ask for directions and increases your chance of scoring.

Of course, bath!

6. Travel light

Don’t carry unnecessary luggage. If you will be carrying a considerable amount of load, I’ll advise you get a backpack. It’s stylish, represents the trekking culture and also comfortable.

7. Sneakers or strapped runners.

You don’t want to walk around in oxfords or chelsea boots. It’s not even meant to happen in your palm slippers. Get a pair of walking shoes or strapped runners sandals. Just any comfortable sneakers with good arch support should do. Need to get some? Check out these markets in Ibadan.

Abi you want to see a review before buying? But would you be this dedicated to walking if you had enough to shop in dollars?

8. Watch out and note landmarks.

They will come in handy on your return or when you need to use the route again in the future. It also helps you conjure Google maps to do right by you.

9. Set out early.

Legs will get weary if you rush through your walk. You already lost time by ditching your car or public transport, you can’t afford to lose even more time. This also gives you allowance to get back on track after getting lost a few times.

10. Use your head.

Yes more of your head and less of your legs. Your legs can only carry you so far, you brain is what tells you when to stop walking or even not to.

11. Tag along

Walk with someone. It makes walking easier and fun. If alone, find a boring video you haven’t been able to sit down and watch since. You will get to your destination.

12. Follow a lead

This is Ibadan and not Lagos. There is always a shortcut to wherever you are headed. Don’t jump in the front if you don’t know the way. Let others get in front and you follow their lead even if they do not now. Slow down your pace and bury yourself in your phone intermittently. Don’t give yourself off as a stalker, you are only a walker.

Conclusion

There is royalty in everything. Oyinbo even built KING into walKING and trekKING!

Don’t hoard this as they do petrol, share it!