Davido’s trusted aide Israel DMW has struck a chord with many Nigerians after sharing a humorous yet profound observation about modern living conditions. In a concise post that quickly gained traction online, the Edo State native highlighted the irony of paying substantial rent for indoor accommodations while essential amenities like network connectivity and comfortable air quality often draw residents outdoors.
“Person go pay house rent finish, network and fresh air go dey outside. Na wa,” Israel lamented in his characteristic pidgin English, effectively translating to: “One can finish paying house rent, only to find that network connectivity and fresh air are only available outside.” The simple observation resonated with many urban dwellers who face similar predicaments daily.
The post, which appeared on Israel’s social media accounts, quickly generated numerous responses, including a notable reply from popular dancer Poco Lee, who playfully suggested: “No you for no pay the house rent, na you and your load for dey outside.” This response humorously proposed that Israel might as well forgo rent payments entirely if he’s spending so much time outdoors anyway.
Other followers joined the conversation with their own witty takes on the situation. One user, ggg_jnr, connected the dots to Poco Lee’s own habits, writing: “And you wonder why Poco Lee no dey gree stay house?” suggesting that the dancer’s frequent outdoor appearances might be explained by similar connectivity issues at home.
Some followers seemed surprised by Israel’s housing complaints, with one asking whether he hadn’t relocated to the United States, while others offered practical, if tongue-in-cheek, solutions to his dilemma. “Na to sleep for outside o,” suggested user munachi_uyi, while another follower recommended he should have invested in an outdoor sleeping mat by now. Another practical suggestion came from Princesszazzy1, who proposed: “Nah to carry bed go outside.”
Behind the humor, Israel’s observation highlights several serious challenges facing urban residents in Nigeria and other developing nations. Poor indoor ventilation in many residential buildings, especially in densely populated areas, often forces residents to seek comfort outdoors despite paying premium prices for housing. Similarly, network connectivity issues within concrete structures frequently drive people outside to make important calls or access the internet effectively.
Israel DMW, whose full name is Israel Afeare, has gained popularity through his association with Afrobeats superstar Davido. Known for his loyalty and occasional unfiltered social media commentary, Israel has become something of a celebrity in his own right, with his observations often generating substantial engagement online.
This isn’t the first time Israel has shared relatable thoughts about everyday challenges. His straightforward communication style, delivered primarily in Nigerian Pidgin English, has endeared him to many followers who appreciate his unpretentious approach to life despite his proximity to one of Africa’s biggest music stars.
The housing situation referenced by Israel reflects broader issues in Nigeria’s urban centers, where rapid population growth has outpaced infrastructure development. Many residential buildings, particularly in high-density areas, were constructed without adequate consideration for natural ventilation or technological needs of modern living. As smartphones and internet connectivity have become essential aspects of daily life, architectural designs have not always kept pace with these changing requirements.
Poor network reception inside buildings is a common complaint across Nigerian cities, with concrete walls and metal roofing often creating effective barriers against cellular signals. This technological limitation forces many to step outside their homes for important calls or to access stable internet connections, creating the paradoxical situation Israel described – paying for indoor space but spending significant time outdoors out of necessity rather than choice.
Similarly, ventilation issues plague many urban residences, particularly during Nigeria’s hot seasons when indoor temperatures can rise significantly above outdoor levels due to heat-trapping construction materials and insufficient air circulation. The resulting discomfort drives residents outdoors in search of relief, creating communal outdoor spaces where neighbors gather not just for social reasons but for practical comfort.
What makes Israel’s observation particularly resonant is how it captures a shared experience across socioeconomic lines. From modest accommodations to more upscale housing, these connectivity and comfort issues affect a broad spectrum of urban dwellers, creating a common ground of understanding among diverse populations.
Urban planners and property developers in Nigeria have begun acknowledging these concerns in newer constructions, with increasing emphasis on both natural ventilation and technological accessibility. Some newer residential developments now advertise features like “network-friendly materials” or enhanced ventilation systems as selling points, recognizing that these formerly overlooked aspects have become significant quality-of-life factors for modern residents.
For everyday Nigerians like those responding to Israel’s post, humor remains a primary coping mechanism for dealing with these infrastructural challenges. The responses to his observation demonstrate the characteristic Nigerian ability to find comedy in common struggles, transforming shared frustrations into community-building conversations.
Israel’s position as an aide to one of Africa’s most successful musicians offers an interesting lens through which to view these everyday challenges. Despite his proximity to wealth and celebrity, his experiences and observations remain grounded in the realities faced by ordinary citizens, reinforcing the universality of certain urban living experiences regardless of social standing.
As Nigeria continues its rapid urbanization, with projections suggesting that over 70% of the population will live in cities by 2050, addressing these quality-of-life issues will become increasingly important. Israel’s seemingly simple observation highlights not just an amusing irony but points toward significant questions about urban planning, technology integration, and housing quality that will shape Nigeria’s development in the coming decades.
For now, however, many Nigerians will continue to relate to Israel’s sentiment, finding themselves paying substantial portions of their income for indoor spaces while spending significant time outdoors – not always by choice, but in pursuit of the network connectivity and fresh air necessary for modern living.
