A Walk to Eleko: Finding Peace After a Stressful Day

It is not every time that one has to be buried in a load of tasks. Sometimes, it's better to take some time off just to cool off. After a long day at work today, I decided to visit a public beach in the area where I live, popularly known as Eleko Beach. The beach is named after the street called Eleko.

This part of Lagos, where I live, is surrounded by the sea. A lot of people refer to it as "the Island." You can’t find any clay soil here at all. The land is porous and covered with white sand. It’s no exaggeration to say that you can build your house here without having to buy sand. One major advantage this area has over others is how easy it is to get water. You don’t need to drill a borehole very deep—just a few meters, and you’re good. Most people along this axis have benefited greatly. They catch fish and enjoy the area as a commercial hub of the new Lagos. The seaport and other notable companies are located here, giving residents easy access to jobs.

After work today, around 6 p.m., I decided to visit the beach and clear my head. I had just finished teaching JAMB students. Earlier, I had invigilated students writing internal examinations, and at the same time, I had to mark scripts. So, today was quite demanding and stressful, and I thought I needed to unwind by experiencing the beauty of nature.

Nature is truly beautiful, and I’m sure you’d agree with me. I got to the beach at exactly 7 p.m. At first, the guard at the entrance wanted to collect money from me, but I told him I work at the community school nearby, so he let me in. I think that’s one of the perks of being a teacher in the community. I didn’t have to stress myself further. I walked down to enjoy the scenic view of the sea.

You could see the waves moving in different dimensions. I'm sure you would love it here. It was so calm and serene. Today, however, the seaside wasn’t crowded—unlike weekends or public holidays. During those times, it’s hard to even find a place to sit because it’s always packed to the brim, I must tell you.

I took a few pictures and went back home at exactly 7:50 p.m. I didn’t have to stress myself too much since the beach was right behind my house.