Abuja: A Paradox Poem by Babatunde Aremu

Abuja, centre of opulence
You are the ocean
Where tributary rivers flow into
Your garden is full of fresh waters
In your pots are big meats
Your ornaments are precious black gold
Honey flows through your streets
Opulence encompasses your lanes

Abuja, you are a solid rock
Full of steel and iron
Power resides in your rock
Destinies are made or unmade
Abuja, you a paragon of beauty
Your endearing face magnetizes
Many scramble to suck your big breasts
But only few are satisfied

At the vortex of Abuja
Opulence flows like River Niger
And the nobles are drunk in their riches
Deep down in the periphery
Ghettoes spread like wild fire
Abuja is a bride for all
Queens and kings come visiting
They forget their empires

Abuja, a powerful city
Your fame goes beyond Africa
Your glory is noised abroad
In you is riches, honour and respite
Yet some dwell in squalor
When she sneezes
Other states catch cold
Abuja, a land of paradox