Lagos Island

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Lagos Island
Ìsàlẹ̀ Èkó
LGA
Lagos Island.jpg
Lagos Island skyline
Nickname: 
Lasgidi
Lagos Island-Map.png
Lagos Island shown within Lagos
Nigeria location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Lagos Island
Lagos Island shown within Nigeria
Coordinates: 6°27′N3°24′E / 6.450°N 3.400°E / 6.450; 3.400
CountryFlag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria
State Lagos State
City Lagos
Area
  Total
3.58 sq mi (9.26 km2)
Population
 (2022) [1]
  Total
314,900
  Density88,000/sq mi (34,000/km2)
Time zone UTC+1 (WAT)
postal code
101001
Lagos Island

Lagos Island (Yoruba : Ìsàlẹ̀ Èkó) is the principal and central Local Government Area (LGA) in Lagos, Nigeria. It was the capital of Lagos State until 1957. [2] It is part of the Lagos Division. [3] As of the preliminary 2006 Nigerian census, the LGA had a population of 209,437 within an area of just 8.7 km2. The LGA only covers the western half of Lagos Island; the eastern half is simply referred to as Lagos Island East LCDA.

Contents

Overview

Lying on Lagos Lagoon, a large protected harbour on the coast of Africa, the island is home to the Yoruba fishing village of Eko, which grew into the modern city of Lagos. [4] The city has now spread out to cover the neighboring islands as well as the adjoining mainland.

Lagos Island is connected to the mainland by three large bridges (the Carter Bridge, the Eko Bridge and the Third Mainland Bridge) which cross Lagos Lagoon to the district of Ebute Metta. [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] It is also linked to the neighboring island of Ikoyi and to Victoria Island. The Lagos harbor district of Apapa faces the western side of the island. Forming the main commercial district of Lagos, Lagos Island plays host to the main government buildings, shops and offices. [13] [14] [15] The Catholic and Anglican Cathedrals, as well as the Central Mosque, are located here. [16] [17]

Historically, Lagos Island (Isale Eko) was home to the Brazilian Quarter of Lagos where the majority of the slave trade returnees from Brazil stayed. [18] [19] [20] [21] Many families lived on Broad Street in the Marina. [22] [23] [24]

Detailed map of Lagos Island 1962 Lagos Island map detail Lagos Nigeria txu-oclc-441966035-lagos-1962.jpg
Detailed map of Lagos Island

The poor eastern side of the island contains the main markets and poor housing and is overcrowded. It is the part of Lagos where the Oba (king) of Lagos resides. [25] [26] [27] [28] It is also believed that the Eyo festival can only be held in this part of Lagos. [29] [30]

Economy

Most Nigerian banks' head offices are located on Lagos Island. [31] [32] [33] First Bank of Nigeria is one of the Nigerian banks with its head office in Marina, Lagos Island. [34] Another bank that has its head office situated in Lagos Island is the United Bank for Africa (UBA). [35] Other medium and large-scale businesses such as real estate consultancy firms, electrical appliances manufacturers and retail stores are based in Marina, Lagos Island. [36] [37]

Landmarks and tourist attractions

Tom Jones Memorial Hall And Library

Located on Nnamdi Azikiwe Street, Idumota, formerly Victoria St, Tom Jones Memorial hall is noteworthy as the venue of the call for positive action by zikists in November 1948. The hall was built by trustees selected by Mr Thomas Jones who died in 1913. In his will, he bequeathed the land and funds for a hall and library in his memorial. [38]

Freedom Park

Freedom Park is becoming a major tourist attraction and it is located on Lagos Island. The park was formerly a prison yard, back when the country was still under colonial rule and it was known then as Her Majesty's Broad Street Prisons. Freedom park was created to serve as a national memorial in remembrance of the nation's founding fathers who struggled against colonial rule and fought for the country's independence. The park was opened in 2010 to celebrate Nigeria's 50th independence celebration. The park is now a tourist attraction to both locals and foreigners and you can actually find historical statues all over the park. There is also an amphitheatre which holds concerts, music shows and drama presentations. You can also relax by the numerous ponds and fountains at the park or visit the Wole Soyinka Art Gallery to view unique art presentations. [39]

Marina road

Coastal Ring road in the foreground, parallel to Marina road and its Marina skyline in the background Lagos skyline.jpg
Coastal Ring road in the foreground, parallel to Marina road and its Marina skyline in the background

The Lagos Marina is host to a number of office buildings, and other structures such as the Bookshop House which was formerly owned by CMS and the Cathedral Church of Christ. Due to the conditions of the soil, the foundations of most of the tall buildings are either piled or raft. Buildings along the marina include National House now occupied by Shell and it is the first tall office building at Marina. The former Central Bank headquarters and the Investment House, headquarters of Bank of Industry were both built-in 1960. The land on which the Investment House was built previously housed the Grand Hotel before it was demolished. New Africa House of UAC, Elder Dempster House, Nigerian Ports Authority head office and National Electric Power Authority's former headquarters are all located along the marina. [40]

Notable Indigenes

Important places at Lagos Island

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lagos</span> Most populous city in Nigeria

Lagos, or Lagos City, is a large metropolitan city in southwest Nigeria. With an upper population estimated above 21 million dwellers, it is the largest city in Nigeria, and the most populous urban area on the African continent. Lagos was the national capital of Nigeria until the government's December 1991 decision to move their capital to Abuja in the centre of the country. Lagos is a major African financial centre and is the economic hub of Lagos State and Nigeria at large. The city has a significant influence on commerce, entertainment, technology, education, politics, tourism, art, and fashion in Africa. Lagos is also among the top ten of the world's fastest-growing cities and urban areas. In 2024, Time Out magazine ranked Lagos as the 19th Best City to visit in the World. A megacity, it has the fourth-highest GDP in Africa, and houses one of the largest and busiest seaports on the continent. Due to the large urban population and port traffic volumes, Lagos is classified as a Medium-Port Megacity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ikeja</span> Capital city of Lagos State, Nigeria

Ikeja is the capital city of Lagos State in southwestern Nigeria. Its population, as of the 2006 census, is 313196. Prior to the emergence of military rule in the early 1980s, Ikeja was a well planned, clean and quiet residential and commercial town with shopping malls, pharmacies and government reservation areas. It lies 17 km northwest of Lagos city. The Murtala Muhammed International Airport is located in the city. Ikeja is also home to Femi Kuti's Africa Shrine and Lagbaja's Motherland, both venues for live music. Its Ikeja City Mall is the largest shopping mall on the Lagos State mainland. Ikeja also has its own radio station, broadcasting both in English and in Yoruba.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lagos State</span> State in Nigeria

Lagos State is a state in South West, Nigeria. Of the 36 Nigerian states, Lagos is the second most populous state but the smallest in terms of land mass. Bounded to the south by the Bight of Benin and to the west by the international border with Benin for 10 km, Lagos State borders Ogun State to the north for about 283 km, making it the only Nigerian state to border only one other state. Named for the city of Lagos—the most populous city in Africa—the state was formed from the Western Region and the former Federal Capital Territory on 27 May 1967.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Victoria Island, Lagos</span> Former island of Lagos island

Victoria Island (VI) is an affluent area that encompasses a former island of the same name neighbouring Lagos Island, Ikoyi and the Lekki Peninsula by the Lagos Lagoon. It is the main business and financial centre of Lagos State, Nigeria. Victoria Island is one of the most exclusive and expensive areas to reside in Lagos. The town and island lie within the boundaries of the Eti-Osa Local Government Area (LGA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Third Mainland Bridge</span> Bridge linking Lagos Island and Mainland

Third Mainland Bridge is the longest of three bridges connecting Lagos Island to the mainland, the others are the Eko and Carter bridges. It was the longest bridge in Africa until 1996 when the 6th October Bridge located in Cairo was completed. The bridge starts from Oworonshoki which is linked to the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and Oshodi–Apapa Expressway, and ends at the Adeniji Adele Interchange on Lagos Island. There is also a link midway through the bridge that leads to Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba. The bridge was built by Julius Berger Nigeria PLC. The phase one of the project was commissioned by President Shehu Shagari in 1980 and completed by President Ibrahim Babangida in 1990; it measures about 11.8 km in length.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eko Bridge</span> Bridge in Nigeria

Eko Bridge is one of three bridges connecting Lagos Island to the mainland, the others being the Third Mainland and Carter bridges. The bridge was built in 1975 and is the shortest of the three bridges linking Lagos Island to mainland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eti-Osa</span> LGA in Lagos State, Nigeria

Eti-Osa is a Local Government Area of Lagos State in Nigeria. Lagos State Government administers the council area as Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, Eti-Osa East, and Iru Victoria Island LCDA. Within Eti-Osa are several important areas of Lagos State, including Lagos' Victoria Island. Before the Nigerian Capital moved to Abuja, Eti-Osa Local Government Area served alongside Lagos Island Local Government Area as the seat of the national capital. Eti-osa used to be the poorest neighborhood in Lagos State until development changed it to become one of the most prosperous areas where the richest Nigerians live in Lagos. Currently, Babajide Sanwo Olu is the governor of Lagos State and responsible for the local government setup and delivering government services to the people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Babatunde Fashola</span> Nigerian politician and lawyer (born 1963)

Babatunde Raji FasholaSAN ; born 28 June 1963) is a Nigerian lawyer and politician who served as the federal minister of Works and Housing of Nigeria from 2019 to 2023. He previously served as the minister of Power, Works and Housing from 2015 to 2019. He also served two terms as governor of Lagos State from 29 May 2007 to 29 May 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iga Idunganran</span> Official Residence of the Oba of Lagos

Iga Idunganran is the Official Residence of the Oba of Lagos, situated on Lagos Island. It is also a tourist attraction.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eyo festival</span> Festival in Nigeria by the Yorubas

The Eyo Festival, otherwise known as the Adamu Orisha Play, is a Yoruba festival unique to Lagos, Nigeria and has a strong historical footing in Iperu-Remo, a town in Ikenne Local Government, Ogun State. In modern times, it is presented by the people of Lagos as a tourist event. Due to the history of its development, it is traditionally performed on Lagos Island. A notable festival date was in 2000 commemorating Justice G.B.A. Coker, a Lagos high chief, the Olori Adimu and the Olori Eyo of the Adimu Eyo cultural masquerade.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iddo Island</span> Island in Lagos, Nigeria

Iddo Island is a district in Lagos Mainland LGA of Lagos. Opposite Lagos Island, Iddo used to be an island, but due to land reclamation, is now part of the rest of Lagos Mainland. Iddo Island is connected to Lagos Island by the Eko Bridge and the Carter Bridge. Prior to the landfill, Iddo was connected to the Lagos Mainland by the Denton Bridge, named after Sir George Chardin Denton, former Lieutenant Governor of the Colony of Lagos. Iddo is home to the Lagos Terminus and was the first and only place in Nigeria to host a tram service - linking Lagos Island through Carter Bridge.

The following is a timeline of the history of the metropolis of Lagos, Nigeria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eko Atlantic</span> City in Lagos State, Nigeria

Eko Atlantic, officially Nigeria International Commerce city, also known as Eko Atlantic City, is a planned city in Lagos State, Nigeria, being constructed on land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean. Upon completion, the new peninsula is anticipating at least 250,000 residents and a daily flow of 150,000 commuters. The development is also designed to help in stopping the erosion of Lagos city's coastline.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Femi Hamzat</span> Nigerian politician and engineer (born 1964)

Kadri Obafemi Hamzat ; born 19 September 1964) is a Nigerian politician who has served as deputy governor of Lagos State since 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eko Hospital</span> Hospital in Lagos State, Nigeria

The Eko Hospital is a private hospital located at Ikeja with annex in Ikoyi, Central Lagos, Surulere, Lagos State Nigeria. This hospital was established in 1982 to succeed Mercy Specialist Clinic, a clinic that operated in the late 1970s to provide health care services to the entire people of Lagos State, Nigeria. Eko hospital main objective and goal is to provide a wide range of health services, including secondary services for its local population, regional as well as national health services. Eko hospital, is the first private hospital to be quoted on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lagos City Marathon</span> Marathon event in Lagos

The Lagos Marathon is a gold label marathon held annually in Lagos, Nigeria.

The Territories of the Awori are a part of Nigeria inhabited by the Awori tribe sub-ethnic group of the Yoruba people, speaking a distinct dialect of the Yoruba language. Traditionally, Awori are found in two Nigerian States: Ogun and Lagos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Omowumi Dada</span> Nigerian actress (born 1989)

Omowunmi Dada is a Nigerian actress, best known for her role as Folake in the M-Net television series Jemeji. She was also cast in the 2017 Yoruba language film Somewhere in the Dark, which won the award for Best Indigenous Film at the 2017 AMVCA Awards, and for which she received a nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Yoruba) at the Best of Nollywood Awards in 2017. In 2018, Dada played the voice of the titular character in Nigeria's first animation full-length feature film, Sade.

<i>Gangs of Lagos</i> 2023 Nigerian film

Gangs of Lagos is a 2023 Nigerian thriller crime film produced and directed by Jadesola Osiberu. It stars Tobi Bakre, Adesua Etomi, Chike, Iyabo Ojo, Chioma Chukwuka, Zlatan, Bimbo Ademoye, Yvonne Jegede, Yinka Quadri, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, and Yhemolee. The film portrays the story of three friends Obalola, Ify, and Gift, who grew up in Isale Eko, a neighborhood controlled by politically connected gangs. As rival factions clash and violence erupts, they became entangled in the escalating gang warfare.

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See also

Commons-logo.svg Media related to Lagos Island at Wikimedia Commons

6°27′N3°24′E / 6.450°N 3.400°E / 6.450; 3.400