Things I Notice
Nigeria is a very interesting place. The level our people go just to be seen to belong is astonishing.
In the last one year, I have noticed a trend which obviously may not strike a chord with most because you focus on more important things.
When President Tinubu was inaugurated, I noticed that he discarded the Mercedes Benz 600 Maybach President Buhari bought sometime in 2021 and chose Cadillac Escallade instead. As Bobo Chicago, his preference is understandable.
If I was in his shoes I may also go for something different from the usual Mercedes Benz that’s been on the Presidential fleet since Obasanjo days.
But that’s not the point of this post.
My observation is that as soon as President Tinubu moved to his beloved Escallade, the price of Cadillac Escallade went north across Nigeria. I took time to speak with a few dealers many of whom didn’t know what’s fuelling the Escallade boom, but acquired same nonetheless.
Many car outlets that never had Escallade in their inventory started bringing in one or two and started displaying them.
Everybody who wants to be seen as somebody in the Nigerian public space had to get one. Interestingly, some of our men of God didn’t let such opportunity pass them by. They got on the Escallade train.
Some governors abandoned their Lexus LX570 and LX 600 and went for the Cadillac Escallade. Even some senators and Reps joined the flow. Others went for the Escallade class in Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Excursion. Na same same…
Even Governor Alex Otti that started off pretending with Innoson went for a Chevrolet Tahoe, same with his counterpart in Enugu.
That’s the power of influence.
Two months ago in Washington D.C, I was fortunate that the Uber I ordered was a top of the range Cadillac Escallade 2024. I said thank God, let me enjoy what our president is enjoying and see what’s the big deal.
I wasn’t impressed. Not about the car but with the craze for it. Yes, it has super automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and a surround-view HD real time camera system that can show you a 360° view of the car.
For me, the interior is minimalist, and sparse. A Lexus LX 600 or 700 is lovelier and more comfort.
So kini big deal?
The Escalade V-Series which is top range offers a 6.2L supercharged V8 with 682 horsepower with Brembo brakes.But if you are not the one driving, you won’t enjoy these numbers na.
Don’t mind me, that’s how my mind wanders around whenever it is bored.
My own is to recognise patterns. If you have the capacity to connect the dots, then make of it what you will.
