Commercial s3x workers in Lagos are finding strip clubs more lucrative than standing by the roadside, writes OLALEYE ALUKO
From the Opebi U-turn to Allen Avenue Junction in Ikeja, there are at least six strip clubs. These clubs come in enticing names such as Nique Gent’s Club, IVP Lounge Exclusive and Street Wall Pub.
A visit by our correspondent to one of them on Opebi Road reveals why many s3x workers now prefer to ply their trade in these clubs than stand by the roadside.
In an interview with our correspondent, one of them says they earn more money from staying in these clubs.
The young woman, who gave her name as Rose recalls that she relocated from Calabar to Lagos last year to ‘work’ in the club. Since then, it has not been a bad experience.
Rose relays how the club works, “We get two times for club house; one na pole dance and na all of us dey do that one. But for show, only the big girls dem dey do that one. If a girl go do show, she fit get up to N20,000 from the club. That one no dey among wetin she for don get from her guys.”
The show goes beyond just stripping. The girl in performance could entertain the guests by going as far as pouring drinks all over her body, including her private areas.
The commercial s3x workers in the club, who numbered about 25, took turns to dance round a pole in the middle of the club hall.
Also, in most strip clubs in the area, it was gathered that there was an average of 20 s3x workers in each place up for grabs.
To gain entrance, a ‘customer’ obtains a ticket for N1,000. The VIP section attracts a special fee – ranging from N3,000 to N5,000. This is an exclusive area for those who want ‘special services’ from the girls.
Alcoholic drinks and wines do not come cheap, as the prices ranged between N3,000 and N15,000.
At the Opebi club, the first thing that meets the visitor’s eyes is an array of instructions displayed outside, which include that all customers must be electronically searched, and no camera or recording device should be used inside the clubhouse. Once inside, it is interesting to find some expatriates rollicking too. It is also a haven for lesbians, as some ladies display open affection for fellow ladies.
As this conversation goes on, some deafening music continue to blast from huge speakers placed behind the chairs. About three hefty-looking men patrolled the club to ensure that visitors comply with the club’s rules of secrecy. All the efforts of this correspondent to take photographs of the scenes in the club were futile.
Investigations reveal that these girls get extra N5,000 each night from the club management, in addition to whatever they have made from their customers.
Secondly, the fear of the police is the beginning of wisdom for most of the commercial s3x workers.
Another girl, Rita, says one other reason girls prefer the clubs is because the police are not always friendly with commercial s3x workers.
“Today na Friday. That’s why dem no dey raid now. Sometimes, dem dey raid from around 12am. Dem go begin pack people for inside their van and dey carry them go station. If you reach station, my guy, na on ya own you dey o,” Rita explains in Pigdin English.
She adds that securing bail from the police can cost as much as N20,000 and girls on the street are not ready to part with anything from their hard-earned ‘wages’.
On whether she has been driven to the police station before and has to pay for bail, Rita simply yells on our correspondent.
“You be policeman, or na detective you be? I dey suspect you guy,” she snarls as she turns away.
Indeed, it is not only on Allen Avenue, Ikeja, that commercial s3x workers patronise strip clubs. They also abound in sizeable numbers in FESTAC Town (Second Gate area), Ojota, and Oju-Elegba Under the bridge.
Meanwhile, investigation by our correspondent has revealed that activities of commercial s3x workers have continued to extend to various parts of Lagos. In the past, it was Allen and Opebi areas that were most notoriously identified with the ladies who ply their trade under the cover of darkness. The business has, however, extended to Maryland, Ojota, Oshodi, Obalende and several other places. Search by the reporter indicates that short time engagement costs between N2,000 and N5,000, while all-night treats cost as much as N10,000.
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