Every day, we’re treated to different debates online and offline. However, in the Nigerian context, one debate that reigns supreme is the rivalry between the country’s two biggest powerhouses – Lagos and Abuja.

You’ve seen this argument before. You’ve probably even participated in it. But from a neutral perspective, who’s really the winner, especially when it comes to lifestyle vibes?

Today, let’s discuss what these two cities have to offer in terms of food, fashion, nightlife, and experiences. Hold on and get on the ride with us.

Energy Levels

Lagos:

ALSO READ: Lagos, Abuja among the cheapest African cities to live in

Lagos is the energy capital of Nigeria because its residents literally breathe hustle and bustle. There’s no such thing as a quiet time as far as this city is concerned. And that’s why you can come out at 2 AM and still feel like it’s afternoon. Lagosians don’t sleep. Even Sundays often feel like a soft party.

Abuja:

Well, Abuja residents are known hustlers too. However, things are quite slower, smoother, and somewhat sophisticated. Notwithstanding, there’s still enough energy to keep residents on their feet and willing to make a good impression. But it’s nothing close to the energy levels in Lagos.

Food Culture

Lagos:

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Name whatever you want – Lagos has it. From fancy rooftop restaurants to roadside boli and fish joints, the food scene is mad. Plus, you haven’t truly lived until you’ve fought for suya at midnight in Lagos Island.

Abuja:

Quietly catching up! Abuja’s food spots are trendier now – think gourmet shawarma, brunch cafes, and aesthetically pleasing settings perfect for Instagram.

However, you might spend more time driving between spots because everything’s more spread out.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Lagos:

You probably already know that Lagos is leagues ahead of most Nigerian cities when it comes to nightlife. I mean, that’s why it got nicknamed “the city that never sleeps.” If you’re a nightcrawler, best believe you’ll never run out of options in Lagos.

Abuja:

Again, Abuja is quickly catching up in the entertainment scene. Most of the big musicians and TV stars now hold shows and events in Abuja. So, there’s surely no boring time during your stay. You may need to spend a little more on transport to experience the beautiful party vibes of Abuja.

Fashion and Style

ALSO READ: The Abuja vs Lagos Debate: Where should you settle down?

Lagos:

If you’ve ever been in the streets of Lagos, you’ll know that Lagosians dress to kill. It doesn’t matter whether they’re going to a party, dressing for work, or grocery shopping, they’re almost always dressed in their best clothes.

Abuja:

In Abuja, the dress code is wealth. Quiet, understated drip. You’ll see a lot of clean, designer fits without logos everywhere. Abuja is about looking rich without doing too much.

Conclusion

Both cities offer more than enough life to keep you engaged and entertained. So it boils down to what you want. If you’re looking for raw energy, nonstop events, and a bubbling nightlife, Lagos is the answer. However, if you prefer a calm, soft, luxurious lifestyle, Abuja offers more than enough to help you forget the Lagos craze.

We all want a bright, healthy smile. But teeth whitening treatments can be expensive, and sometimes a little too harsh. In Lagos alone, teeth whitening services charge anywhere from ₦50,000 to ₦200,000! That’s enough to make anyone consider just smiling with their mouth closed. 

What if we told you that some of the best ways to naturally whiten your teeth could be sitting in your kitchen right now?

Certain foods can actually help clean and brighten your teeth as you eat them. These won’t give you a pearly white smile overnight, though. But adding these foods to your daily routine can gently scrub away surface stains, fight bacteria, and give your teeth a whiter look over time.

So, if you’re looking for a natural way to brighten your smile, keep reading. Here are five foods that can help you whiten your teeth, no chemicals, no stress.

1. Strawberries

This might surprise you, but strawberries can actually help whiten your teeth. They contain malic acid, which helps remove surface stains. 

Mash up a fresh strawberry and rub it gently on your teeth for a minute or two, then rinse and brush as usual. You can also just eat them as chewing helps scrub your teeth naturally.

Just remember, strawberries also have sugar and natural acids, so it’s still important to brush afterwards.

RECOMMENDED: 5 dentist-approved toothbrushes for sparkling teeth

2. Apples

Crunchy fruits like apples act like a natural scrub for your teeth. The firm texture helps remove plaque and surface stains while you chew, and their high water content increases saliva flow, which helps wash away debris.

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An apple a day keeps the dentist… well, maybe not away, but it definitely helps keep your teeth cleaner between brushes.

3. Carrots

Raw carrots work much like apples. Their crunch helps scrub away plaque and food bits from your teeth. Plus, chewing carrots makes your mouth produce more saliva, which naturally washes your teeth and keeps them cleaner.

Bonus: they’re great for your skin and eyes too!

RELATED: Struggling with yellow teeth? The foods you eat might be to blame

4. Pineapple

Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which can help break down stains and plaque. Some whitening toothpastes even use bromelain because it’s so good at cleaning. Eating fresh pineapple can help keep your smile brighter, and some studies even suggest bromelain may help reduce gum inflammation.

Just avoid canned versions and stick to the fresh stuff for the best benefits.

5. Cheese

Cheese is rich in calcium, which strengthens tooth enamel and helps protect against decay. Certain hard cheeses also help remove food particles and surface stains as you chew.

Plus, cheese lowers acid levels in your mouth, which keeps your teeth from getting discoloured over time.

The reality of natural whitening

These foods won’t give you overnight miracles, but they can help maintain a naturally whiter smile over time, without the sensitivity or expense of harsh treatments.

READ MORE: 3 home remedies for tooth decay and cavities

Lagos is an adventure in its own right, with many unique experiences. And whether you are living in Lagos or visiting for the first time, the city never ceases to shower you with surprises.

There’s a popular saying that every Lagos resident is mad, and it’s easy to see why. How can you navigate the never-ending traffic, danfo horns, and agbero hustles without losing it?

But the good news is that you can experience the worst of Lagos street life and still maintain your steeze.

Here, let’s look at some simple but proven tips that can help you keep your head above Lagos’ street madness as you go about your activities.

ALSO READ: How to still live your best life amidst Lagos street chaos

1. Start Your Day Before the City Wakes Up

Lagos is wild – I know. But the craze starts when the day breaks. Waking up early gives you a head start before the traffic gods rise. You’ll beat the rush, enjoy some rare silence, and get into your day’s activities before the city wakes up.

2. Master the Art of “Soft Ignorance”

Sometimes, you just have to ignore things. That bus conductor is shouting in your ear off? The guy cutting the line as you wait to buy breakfast? All of them have one mission – to frustrate you! But peace comes the moment you realize you can pretend like none of the chaos exists. Nothing beats minding your business amidst all the provocations in the street. You’ll be glad you did.

3. Invest in Good Headphones (and a Power Bank!)

Whether you’re on a bus, bike, or BRT, your playlist or podcast is your sanity shield. Drown out the chaos and escape into a world of beautiful music. And trust me, your phone dying mid-Lekki traffic is a tragedy you don’t want. So don’t forget always to carry your power bank.

4. Build a “Calm Corner” at Home

ALSO READ: Street OT 101: How to avoid intimidation from Lagos touts

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You need a space where Lagos can’t reach you. Decorate a corner with soft pillows, candles, books, maybe even fairy lights. Make it your chill zone – where all the shouting, fights, drama, and online banters can’t reach you. Just you and yourself!

5. Find Your Escape Spot

It could be a quiet café in Ikoyi, a beach in Tarkwa Bay, or your favorite amala joint in Surulere. You need a go-to spot to recharge when the city gets too loud. You don’t know how much happiness you get from these places.

6. Accept That Traffic Is a Lifestyle

Lagos traffic is a love language. You’ll spend hours in it. Instead of fighting it, prepare for it. There are so many things you can do in it. Bring your movie playlist, movie bucket list, and even official works to it. Trust me, the route is always shorter when you’re drowned in something you enjoy.

7. Surround Yourself With Good People

Your Lagos tribe matters. People who lift you, laugh with you during PHCN outages, and send you traffic updates. Keep your circle strong and drama-free. Lagos friendships are gold when they’re real, but you have to be picky to find the best people who can match your vibe.

ALSO READ: Are You Truly Nigerian? Prove it with these 15 slangs and pidgin phrases

8. Laugh Often – Even When Things Are Mad

Laughter is indeed a medicine, and in Lagos, sometimes all you can do is laugh. Missed the bus? Laugh. No fuel and PHCN disappeared? Laugh again. If you don’t learn to find humour in the madness, the madness will find you first.