onitsha tomorrow: money maps murky rumours
so i stumbled into onitsha last tuesday after a night of cheap street food and a bus that broke down somewhere near the niger. the sky was a bruised orange, humidity clinging like a cheap perfume, and i could swear the breeze came straight from delta, just a short drive away, or a quick flight if you’re feeling fancy.
q: what's the real talk about safety here?
a: listen the city's got a split personality some corners feel like a bustling market where everyone greets you with a smile others? you’ll hear whispers about pickpockets near *Alaba market after dark the police patrolled more often when i asked around but the vibe is still keep your eyes open kind of thing. crime stats i read somewhere show a 12% drop in theft last year but it's still higher than abuja so you can't just wander at 2am without a second thought
q: how's the rent situation?
a: you can snag a one‑bedroom in onitsha central for about ₦250k a month if you don’t mind the roaches the size of your hand that's peanuts compared to lagos but the safety? it's a mixed bag some streets are lit some are not and the neighborhood watch can be a bit… enthusiastic i heard a rumor that the upcoming Ogboni plaza revamp might push rents up a notch once the new cafés open
q: any gossip about upcoming projects?
a: yeah rumor has it the new bridge over the Niger will open next month and there's chatter about a revamped Ogboni plaza that might bring some fancy cafés locals say it could boost jobs but also push rents up a notch there's also talk of a night market near Onyeka street that's supposed to serve grilled fish till sunrise i tried the pepper soup there last night it was so spicy i swear i saw a ghost near the old railway station but i think i was just tipsy
q: what about the job market?
a: the city's a hub for trade especially with the port and the Port Harcourt connection if you’re into logistics or hustling in the informal sector there's always something doing but the formal scene? it's quiet like a rainy afternoon in Ogbunike some startups are popping up around the tech park near the Niger bridge offering gig work for freelancers if you have a skill in design or social media you might find a side hustle faster than you can say freelance
q: any drunk advice for newbies?
a: grab a plate of akara from the lady on Onyeka* street tip her a little extra and ask about the best spot to watch the sunset over the river that's the real secret also don't forget to wear something breathable the rainy season is heating up turning the streets into puddles that smell like burnt rubber and the humidity sticks to your skin like a second layer
overheard gossip some drunk guy at the bar swore he saw a ghost near the old railway station but i think he was just tipsy
external links: tripadvisor onitsha guide yelp onitsha food market r/onitsha on reddit
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