What Happened to the Old Bar Hookup Spots?

In 2004, I often took long evening walks around town. I noticed many restaurants, bars and joints where some young women appeared to serve food and drinks but were also introduced to wealthy male customers for paid sexual encounters. When I returned in 2015 after further studies, most of those establishments had closed or become regular shops. I later heard that several of the women who ran them had died, while some survivors were seriously ill and rarely left home. At the time, public awareness of HIV prevention and treatment was limited. However, these were observations and stories I heard later, not confirmed medical records. The experience made me reflect on how misinformation, stigma and poor access to healthcare may have affected vulnerable people.

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.