Michael starts the final part of his journey hurtling down one of Nigeria's notoriously uneven and dangerous roads as he heads south to the historic city of Benin. There is a sense of tension when Michael's vehicle has to leave the congested route to take a diversion through an area known for bandit attacks.
Finally arriving in Benin, Michael notices a statue of British soldiers being massacred by a Benin Warrior in the 1897 ‘Raid on Benin', when Britain forces attacked and burnt down the city, before taking thousands of bronze artifacts, which are still on display in the British Museum and continue to cause controversy, with a campaign for their return. The next day, Michael goes to Igun Street to see the beautiful bronze statues being made by craftsmen who also cite efforts to return the original ancient bronzes to Nigeria.
After a lunch of traditional Nigerian Jollof rice, Michael heads into the vast Niger Delta but the team soon get stuck in muddy roads and it is something of a relief when they finally arrive safely in the town of Abraka.
The next morning, Michael meets Nigerian filmmaker Chuko Esiri as they board a boat on the stunning River Ethiope, one of the most beautiful places in Nigeria, to discuss Nigeria's wildlife and the inspiration that Chuko gets from this amazing location. Michael also meets a local palm oil producer to discuss this controversial, but lucrative, product.
Michael then travels to Port Harcourt; the oil producing heartland of Nigeria and visits a local village where an illegal oil refinery explosion killed 37 people just weeks earlier. He sees the terrible effects of oil pollution on the local river systems and learns more about the illegal oil refining industry that is causing havoc through the local countryside.
And after arriving back in Lagos, Michael witnesses one of the highlights of his journey, gaining unique access to one of Nigeria's Pentecostal ‘megachurches' on the outskirts of the city. Arriving at ‘The Redemption City of God', Michael discovers an entire community, with over 5000 houses built around the huge church. Every month this swells when up to a million worshippers descend for services which are highly charged, joyful and spectacular - and today's doesn't disappoint.
The church itself spans acres of ground and, as thousands of people arrive for the ‘Holy Ghost' service, the place lifts off and Michael finds himself at the centre of an event like no other he has ever experienced. The energy is infectious, and Michael is caught up in the euphoria and excitement. It's a fitting time for Michael to reflect on his time in this incredible country.
Apr. 30, 2024
