LADIES FIRST

Temilade Adelaja and Seun Sanni on how Nigeria's women bouncers use their strength to shatter sexist stereotypes

For years, Emem Thomas' body drew snarky remarks from slimmer classmates in southern Nigeria that shattered her confidence and natural affability.

As teasing and taunts marred her teenage years, she gave up on dreams like competing in a local beauty pageant.

Then she found a niche that values what Thomas now proudly describes as her "plus-sized" body type: the Dragon Squad Limited, a team of female bouncers.

"I love what I see dragons do in movies," she says. "They are also a symbol of power and protection."

A training session at Camp Gee Hotel in Uyo

Founded in 2018, Thomas only employs women of a certain weight and shape, creating a safe space for plus-size women to excel in a field that is traditionally male-dominated.

"My team is all about plus-size ladies," she explains. "If you have the plus-size body then that is cool for me, before I now talk about your passion and other qualifications."

The Dragon Squad's 43 recruits have worked security at about 2,000 events including house parties, funerals, political rallies and club nights.

"People expect us to be in the kitchen or probably doing makeup and other feminine roles, but joining this squad has really enlightened me," says 23-year-old bouncer Peace Vigorous, the youngest of the crew.