Lagos Island Explained

Official Name:Lagos Island
Native Name:Ìsàlẹ̀ Èkó
Nickname:Lasgidi
Settlement Type:LGA
Pushpin Map:Nigeria
Pushpin Map Caption:Lagos Island shown within Nigeria
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: Nigeria
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:Lagos State
Subdivision Type2:City
Subdivision Name2:Lagos
Unit Pref:Imperial
Area Total Km2:9.26
Population As Of:2022
Population Footnotes:[1]
Population Total:314,900
Population Density Km2:auto
Timezone:WAT
Utc Offset:+1
Coordinates:6.45°N 27°W
Module:
Wikidata:yes
Zoom:8
Marker:village
Postal Code Type:postal code
Postal Code:101001

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.

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]

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

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

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Lagos State: Subdivisions. 2024-02-05 . City Population.
  2. Encyclopedia: Lagos City, Population, & History . Encyclopædia Britannica . 2022-07-19 . en . 5 June 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190605155431/https://www.britannica.com/place/Lagos-Nigeria . live .
  3. Web site: List of Local Governments in Lagos State . 2022-06-22 . Nigerian Finder . 26 October 2020 . 27 September 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210927224831/https://nigerianfinder.com/list-of-local-governments-in-lagos-state/ . live .
  4. Web site: 2018-12-29 . Orimedu: Small Lagos Island where fishing unites two countries . 2022-06-25 . Punch Newspapers . en-US . 25 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220625063701/https://punchng.com/orimedu-small-lagos-island-where-fishing-unites-two-countries/ . live .
  5. Web site: 2020-12-27 . FG to reopen Third Mainland Bridge midnight . 2022-06-24 . Punch Newspapers . en-US . 24 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220624022557/https://punchng.com/fg-to-reopen-third-mainland-bridge-midnight/ . live .
  6. Web site: 2021-02-27 . FG reopens Third Mainland Bridge – after over six months of rehabilitation . 2022-06-24 . TheCable . en-US . 24 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220624022557/https://www.thecable.ng/fg-reopens-third-mainland-bridge . live .
  7. Web site: 2020-12-22 . Nigerian govt to shutdown Third Mainland Bridge, partially close Lagos-Ibadan Expressway . Premium Times Nigeria . 2022-06-24 . en-GB.
  8. Web site: 2021-02-14 . Third Mainland Bridge to remain closed beyond Monday – Official . Premium Times Nigeria . 2022-06-24 . en-GB.
  9. Web site: Onyeakagbu . Adaobi . 2022-04-13 . These are the longest bridges in Africa (Third Mainland Bridge is one of them) . 2022-06-24 . Pulse Nigeria . en . 24 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220624022557/https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/food-travel/these-are-the-longest-bridges-in-africa-third-mainland-bridge-is-one-of-them/5bjgxf5 . live .
  10. Web site: 2012-06-21 . Third Mainland Bridge to be shut from July 1 . 2022-06-24 . Vanguard News . en-GB . 24 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220624024059/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/06/third-mainland-bridge-to-be-shut-from-july-1/ . live .
  11. Web site: 2018-07-23 . Need to check all Lagos bridges . 2022-06-24 . Vanguard News . en-GB . 24 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220624024100/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/07/need-to-check-all-lagos-bridges/ . live .
  12. Web site: 2019-04-21 . Third Mainland Bridge is safe – Works ministry . 2022-06-24 . Punch Newspapers . en-US . 24 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220624022558/https://punchng.com/third-mainland-bridge-is-safe-works-ministry/ . live .
  13. Web site: 2020-11-10 . Lagos CBD to resume full operations on Island . 2022-06-24 . Punch Newspapers . en-US . 24 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220624111427/https://punchng.com/lagos-cbd-to-resume-full-operations-on-island/ . live .
  14. Web site: 2014-01-13 . Lagos Island bubbles again as highbrow tenants return to CBD . 2022-06-24 . Vanguard News . en-GB . 24 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220624112929/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/01/lagos-island-bubbles-highbrow-tenants-return-cbd/ . live .
  15. Web site: 2016-06-27 . Ambode Woos Investors To Lagos Island CBD . 2022-06-24 . Lagos Television . en-US . 18 June 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210618154144/https://www.lagostelevision.com/ambode-woos-investors-to-lagos-island-cbd/ . dead .
  16. Web site: 2022-01-10 . Nigeria's problem not only about leadership, says deputy gov . 2022-06-24 . Punch Newspapers . en-US . 24 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220624114339/https://punchng.com/nigerias-problem-not-only-about-leadership-says-deputy-gov/ . live .
  17. Web site: 2011-04-15 . By the Lagoon . 2022-06-24 . Vanguard News . en-GB . 24 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220624114339/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/04/by-the-lagoon/ . live .
  18. Web site: 2020-10-09 . Inside Brazilian Quarter where culture unites Lagosians of different religions . 2022-06-25 . Punch Newspapers . en-US . 25 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220625063702/https://punchng.com/inside-brazilian-quarter-where-culture-unites-lagosians-of-different-religions/ . live .
  19. Web site: 2018-09-03 . Isale Eko: Exploring The Night Life Of Lagos Island . 2022-06-25 . The Guardian Nigeria News . en-US . 25 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220625063701/https://guardian.ng/life/isale-eko-exploring-the-night-life-of-lagos-island/ . live .
  20. Web site: 2018-07-15 . How Brazilian Architecture Redefined Lagos History And Heritage . 2022-06-25 . The Guardian Nigeria News . en-US . 25 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220625063702/https://guardian.ng/life/how-brazilian-architecture-redefined-lagos-history-and-heritage/ . live .
  21. Web site: 2017-03-28 . On Lagos Island, cuisines, cultures, Fuji music mix well . 2022-06-25 . Tribune Online . en-GB . 25 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220625063701/https://tribuneonlineng.com/lagos-island-cuisines-cultures-fuji-music-mix-well/ . live .
  22. Web site: 2022-04-09 . Nigeria still best country to live, we just need serious leader – 94-year-old Mrs Arthur-Worrey . 2022-06-26 . Punch Newspapers . en-US . 26 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220626093349/https://punchng.com/nigeria-still-best-country-to-live-we-just-need-serious-leader-94-year-old-mrs-arthur-worrey/ . live .
  23. Web site: 2021-08-23 . Smart City Project: Lagos embarks on CMS Marina road rehab, calls for caution . 2022-06-26 . Vanguard News . en-GB . 26 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220626093349/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/08/smart-city-project-lagos-embarks-on-cms-marina-road-rehab-calls-for-caution/ . live .
  24. Web site: Nigeria . News Agency Of . 2022-02-03 . Lagos govt to divert traffic for Shonekan's burial on Friday . 2022-06-26 . Pulse Nigeria . en . 26 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220626093349/https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/lagos-govt-to-divert-traffic-for-shonekans-burial-on-friday/b1w10d6 . live .
  25. Web site: Akinloye . Dimeji . 2017-05-02 . Oba of Lagos' palace gutted by fire (VIDEO) . 2022-06-26 . Pulse Nigeria . 20 September 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230920171855/https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/rilwan-akiolu-oba-of-lagos-palace-gutted-by-fire-video/1ftwh0y . live .
  26. Web site: 2021-03-03 . #EndSARS: Protesters stole $2m, N17m from my palace – Oba Akiolu . 2022-06-26 . Tribune Online . en-GB . 26 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220626094910/https://tribuneonlineng.com/endsars-protesters-stole-2m-n17m-from-my-palace-%E2%80%95-oba-akiolu/ . live .
  27. Web site: 2020-10-22 . #EndSARS: Lagos princes, princesses react to attack on Oba of Lagos palace . Premium Times Nigeria . 2022-06-26 . en-GB.
  28. Web site: 2017-05-03 . Fire guts Oba of Lagos' palace . 2022-06-26 . The Guardian Nigeria News . en-US . 26 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220626094909/https://guardian.ng/news/fire-guts-oba-of-lagos-palace/ . live .
  29. Web site: What transpired when Tinubu visited Oba Rilwan Akiolu (Photos) . P.M. News . 2022-06-26 . en-US . 22 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220622180529/https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2022/06/19/what-transpired-when-tinubu-visited-oba-rilwan-akiolu-photos/ . live .
  30. Web site: 2017-06-02 . Eyo festival: History and features . 2022-06-26 . Vanguard News . en-GB . 7 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220607171448/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/06/eyo-festival-history-features/ . live .
  31. Web site: None . 2019-09-11 . In Lagos, all roads lead to the Island. . 2022-06-26 . www.stearsng.com . en . 23 November 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201123195020/https://www.stearsng.com/article/in-lagos-all-roads-lead-to-the-island . live .
  32. Web site: 2021-10-27 . Ecobank Pan African Centre, EPAC, opens in Lagos . 2022-06-26 . Vanguard News . en-GB . 26 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220626101812/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/10/ecobank-pan-african-centre-epac-opens-in-lagos/ . live .
  33. Web site: 2022-01-16 . Access Bank: 20 years after . 2022-06-26 . Vanguard News . en-GB . 26 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220626101812/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/01/access-bank-20-years-after/ . live .
  34. Web site: Contact . 2022-06-26 . FirstBank Nigeria . en-US . 29 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220629152522/https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/contact-us-2/ . dead .
  35. Web site: 2019-10-12 . UBA promises improved customer relationship . 2022-06-26 . Punch Newspapers . en-US . 26 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220626101812/https://punchng.com/uba-promises-improved-customer-relationship/ . live .
  36. Web site: 2016-05-22 . NIESV calls for redevelopment of Lagos Island . 2022-06-26 . Punch Newspapers . en-US . 26 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220626101813/https://punchng.com/niesv-calls-redevelopment-lagos-island/ . live .
  37. Web site: Why Lagos remains Africa's best investment destination - Businessday NG . 2022-06-26 . businessday.ng . February 2022 . 21 February 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220221235953/https://businessday.ng/amp/opinion/article/why-lagos-remains-africas-best-investment-destination/ . live .
  38. 1920 . Judicial Committee of the Privy Council . Western Weekly Reports . en . Burroughs.
  39. Web site: Freedom Park Lagos. dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110602021538/http://freedomparklagos.com/ . 2 June 2011 .
  40. Book: Akinsemoyin, ʼKunle . Building Lagos . 1977 . F. & A. Services: Pengrail Ltd., Jersey . English. 26014518.

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