Shelter Afrique: Uyo's Serene Urban Oasis

• HelloBawoni
  [bah-woh-nee]
• GoodbyeOdabo
  [oh-dah-boh]
• YesBẹẹni
  [beh-eh-nee]
• NoBẹẹkọ
  [beh-eh-koh]
• Please/You're welcomeẸ ṣe
  [eh sheh]
• Thank youEse
  [eh-sheh]
• Excuse me/SorryẸṣe
  [eh-sheh]
• How are you?Bawo ni?
  [bah-woh nee]
• Fine. And you?Daadaa. O ṣe wa?
  [dah-dah oh sheh wah]
• Do you speak English?Ṣe o n ṣe ede Gẹẹsi?
  [sheh oh en sheh eh-deh geh-shee]
• I don't understandMi o mọ
  [mee oh moh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMo fẹran kẹta, jọwọ
  [moh feh-rahn keh-tah joh-woh]
• I don't eat meatKo mọ ẹran
  [koh moh eh-rahn]
• Cheers!Ẹ ṣe
  [eh sheh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMo fẹran da lọ, jọwọ
  [moh feh-rahn dah loh joh-woh]

• Help!Nkan nbe
  [n-kahn n-beh]
• Go away!Lọ sile!
  [loh shee-leh]
• Call the Police!Wọle SARS!
  [woh-leh sahrs]
• Call a doctor!Wọle Dokita!
  [woh-leh doh-kee-tah]
• I'm lostMo ti ṣe iran
  [moh tee en-rahn]
• I'm illMo ti n gbọ
  [moh tee en-g-boh]

• I'd like to buy...Mo fẹran ra...
  [moh feh-rahn rah]
• I'm just lookingMo n ṣẹlẹ
  [moh en sheh-leh]
• How much is it?Ẹ tọ pele?
  [eh toh peh-leh]
• That's too expensiveYoo pọ ju
  [yoh po joo]
• Can you lower the price?Ṣe o le kọ ọkan?
  [sheh oh leh koh oh-kahn]

• What time is it?Kini oru?
  [kee-nee oh-roo]
• It's one o'clockOkan
  [oh-kahn]
• Half past (10)Aadota (10)
  [ah-ah-doh-tah]
• MorningỌsan
  [oh-sahn]
• AfternoonỌjọrọ
  [oh-joh-roh]
• EveningỌjọ
  [oh-joh]
• YesterdayAfoju
  [ah-foh-joo]
• TodayỌn
  [ohn]
• TomorrowỌla
  [oh-lah]
• 1Okan
  [oh-kahn]
• 2Meji
  [meh-jee]
• 3Meta
  [meh-tah]
• 4Merin
  [meh-reen]
• 5Marun
  [mah-roon]
• 6Fẹfa
  [feh-fah]
• 7Fifun
  [fee-foon]
• 8Fẹfẹ
  [feh-feh]
• 9Sẹfẹ
  [sheh-feh]
• 10Mẹwa
  [meh-wah]

• Where's a/the...?Nibo ni...?
  [nee-boh nee]
• What's the address?Kini adirẹsi?
  [kee-nee ah-dee-reh-shee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ṣe o le fi mi ri?
  [sheh oh leh fee mee ree]
• When's the next (bus)?Nibo ni o lọ?
  [nee-boh nee oh loh]
• A ticket (to ....)Tikẹti (si ....)
  [tee-keh-tee see]

Shelter Afrique was established in the late 1970s as part of a broader initiative to provide affordable housing and promote urban development across Africa. The neighborhood emerged as a key area in Uyo, reflecting the aspirations of the Akwa Ibom State government to address housing shortages and improve living standards.

Over the years, Shelter Afrique has developed into a vibrant community that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Ibibio people and other ethnic groups in Uyo. The neighborhood is known for its colorful festivals, traditional music, and dance performances, which highlight the diverse cultural practices of the region.

In the 1990s, Shelter Afrique experienced significant urbanization, driven by a growing population and the influx of people seeking better economic opportunities. This period saw the establishment of local markets, businesses, and educational institutions, contributing to the neighborhood's economic vitality.

Shelter Afrique has been a focal point for community initiatives aimed at improving living conditions and promoting social cohesion. Local governance structures have been established to address issues such as waste management, security, and infrastructure development, reflecting the residents' commitment to building a better community.

In recent years, Shelter Afrique has benefitted from various infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing transportation and accessibility. The Akwa Ibom State government has invested in road construction, drainage systems, and public facilities, further positioning the neighborhood as a significant part of Uyo's urban landscape.

Shelter Afrique is well-connected to other neighbourhoods in Uyo. If you are coming from the Uyo City Centre, you can take a taxi or a motorcycle (okada) which takes about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. Buses heading towards Shelter Afrique are also available from major bus stations around the city. For those arriving from the Akwa Ibom International Airport, a taxi ride to Shelter Afrique will take approximately 30 minutes.

Shelter Afrique is primarily accessible by road, with taxis and motorcycle taxis being the most common modes of transport. Public buses operate along major routes, but are less frequent. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle to explore the neighbourhood. Walking is also a pleasant option for short distances, as the area is relatively safe and pedestrian-friendly.

Shelter Afrique is considered a safe neighbourhood for tourists, but it is essential to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated areas. While the majority of the area is safe, be cautious around the fringes towards the Uyo City Centre where petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur. Always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police assistance or contact the nearest hospital. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest healthcare facilities. It is advisable to have travel insurance that includes medical coverage. For minor health issues, local pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially during religious ceremonies. Public Transport: Do be courteous on public transport; offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a handshake, and a smile is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept invitations to share meals. Don't waste food or refuse hospitality, as it's considered impolite.

To experience Shelter Afrique like a local, visit the nearby markets for fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with residents, as they are often welcoming and eager to share their culture. Explore local eateries away from the main roads for authentic Nigerian cuisine. Try to learn a few phrases in the local language, Efik, as it helps in making connections with the locals.