365-day old Uber Lagos reminisces on Nigeria sojourn

June marked the official launch of Uber five years ago in San Francisco. Today, you can catch a ride in over 300 cities across 60 countries. The acceleration and dispersion of Uber is no fluke. People are voting with their fingers.

And on, 23 July 2015 it is Lagosians turn to celebrate having Uber in their city for a full 365 days.

When Uber landed in Lagos in July 2014, these were the words of Nigerian hip hop star, Ice Prince, “Lagos is Africa’s Big Apple, Africa’s commercial powerhouse. It is all about the flamboyant dressing, the unique mannerisms, the boisterous interaction among complete strangers who on meeting immediately feel bonded by their “Naija-ness”, the epic traffic jams, the steeped traditions and the spectacular sunsets. There’s that intangible something about Lagos, that makes it a place where anything and everything is possible, and starting today that means ordering an Uber is too!”

Just like that the intangible got tangible: Lagosians exercised the right to choose how they move. People suddenly had a new way to get around in not only style, but also safety, and all at a touch of a button.

Africa’s commercial powerhouse? You bet. Uber didn’t just disrupt the conventional transport industry – but the economy too. Hundreds of work opportunities have been created for the citizens of Africa’s Big Apple. For drivers, Uber’s lead generation software facilitates a powerful entrepreneurship opportunity. Drivers make far more – and with greater flexibility – than any other option available to them.

“We are so excited about the journey and growth we have seen so far. Lagosians now have a safe and reliable way to get around our growing mega city. We will continue to strive towards a goal of offering a highly effective solution to issues of safety, congestion, and job creation in Lagos – whilst also creating financial opportunities for the economy.” says General Manager for Uber Lagos, Ebi Atawodi.

Worldwide there are over 100 000 partner drivers operating on Uber’s global network with over 26,000 in New York, 15,000 in London, 10,000 in Paris, and 42,000 in Chengdu. Uber is not only changing the way people connect with their cities, but also creating thousands of work opportunities along the way.

Ice Prince was correct in saying Lagos is all about the flamboyant dressing, the unique mannerisms—and now incredible Uber activations. Do you remember when Uber said: “Don’t stop the music?” What must have been music to riders’ ears, Uber Lagos teamed up with Spinlet to give riders free access to a month of tunes. Or the latest wild activation, happening on 24 July, Uber Ice Cream! Lagosians can feel like a kid again and request a frozen treat at the tap of a button.

But in true millennial form, the focus of Uber is the riders and the partner drivers. An exciting synergy of driving the future forward—for safer, cleaner, smarter, and yes, more fun, cities

As Travis Kalanick, CEO of Uber, said: “it’s not just the journey that matters—it’s who you take the journey with.”