IS LIFE STILL VALUABLE?

If you were asked to put a value on your phone you will most likely do because you will remember the cost of the phone and compare it to it's present market value.Same goes for your jewelry, clothes,cars and other devices.The value of something we hold dear is the price we attach to it.If we hold something in high esteem, the value we place on it is usually very high but on the hand if we don't value a thing or an article it's likely because the value or price is low.

If you were asked to place a value on your life, how much will it cost? Will it be worth $100,000,$1,000,000 or $1,000,000,000? Everyone alive values living and enjoying life to the fullest but unfortunately, around the world human life is beginning to become valueless.The many wars, social uprisings, human trafficking for organ harvesting, ritual killings all show that some people don't value the lives of others.

It is sad to note that some do not value their own life and this is seen in the rising cases of suicides and substance abuse, the deaths from these are avoidable.The reasons given by those who take their lives in suicide majorly is as a result of frustration, depression or shame.Substance abusers say they do it to enhance living and relief stress but in reality it's like buying death with one's own money.

My attention is drawn to what happens at two locations in Lagos where I currently live.What I am about describing is a common sight in many parts of the city.The first location is at Ojota,a popular transport hub and a thriving suburb of Lagos.Its a place where many residents of Lagos first step foot on before finding their way to where they will eventually settle.Ojota market is where many formulators and manufacturers source their raw materials.

Ojota bus stop is situated along Ikorodu expressway ,a ten lane highway with fast moving vehicles.If you stop to check, you won't be able to count the number of people who will show you that they don't value their life.It once had only one pedestrian bridge which was constructed to prevent people from crossing the highway but still some people will still prefer to cross the highway than to use the pedestrian bridge.Their reason,it is quicker and helps them get across faster.Many deaths have occurred there as some are knocked down by vehicles.

You can see people crossing the highway despite the presence of two pedestrian bridges

The state government some years ago constructed a second pedestrian bridge that was wider and better suited for people with disabilities.I visited there some days ago and the picture below can tell you what I saw.

From the picture taken from the new bridge one can see people walking on the expressway and the first bridge can be at the other end of the picture

The second location is at the famous Oshodi,a bustling area in Lagos.It is bigger and busier than Ojota.Three rail lines pass through Oshodi.All over the world, people don't set up shop or do anything near rail tracks but at Oshodi and some other locations in Lagos, the reverse is the case.

You can see a man even sitting on the rail track

Some traders are comfortable displaying their wares on the rail track and passersby patronize them with the believe that things are cheaper there.They all have the believe that once they sight a train coming,they can quickly pack their wares for the train to pass

Traders selling on the railroad and using umbrellas to shade themselves from the sun

.There have been reports of people being crushed to death by trains.One may wonder, what will make people take such a risk?Those I asked said that they cannot afford to rent a shop so they rather turn the rail track to a market.Being crushed by a speeding train is very painful way to die

The pictures below shows a view of traders and pedestrians on the railroad at Oshodi.Can you count the number of people, umbrellas and tables in the picture? It's hardly possible

There's a footbridge that is abandoned by pedestrians in the picture below people prefer crossing the expressway and the railroad

It is possible that there is a similar disregard for life and safety where you live.It will be nice to let us know about it.