Lagos Island

Lagos Island
Isale Eko
LGA
Lagos Island skyline
Nickname(s): Lasgidi

Lagos Island shown within Lagos
Lagos Island
Lagos Island shown within Lagos
Coordinates: 6°27′N 3°24′E / 6.450°N 3.400°E / 6.450; 3.400
Country  Nigeria
State Lagos State
City Lagos
Population (2006)
 • Total 212,700
Time zone UTC+1 (WAT)

Lagos Island (Isale Eko) is the principal and central local government area (LGA) in Lagos, Lagos State. It is part of the Lagos Division. As of the preliminary 2006 Nigerian census, the LGA had a population of 209,437 in an area of 8.7 km². The LGA only covers the western half of Lagos Island; the eastern half is under the jurisdiction of the LGA of Eti-Osa.

Overview

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

Lagos Island is connected to the mainland by three large bridges which cross Lagos Lagoon to the district of Ebute Metta. It is also linked to the neighbouring island of Ikoyi and to Victoria Island. The Lagos harbour 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. The Catholic and Anglican Cathedrals as well as the Central Mosque are located here.

Historically, Lagos Island (Isale Eko) was home to the Brazilian Quarter of Lagos where the majority of the slave trade returnees from Brazil settled. Many families lived on Broad Street in the Marina.

Detailed map of Lagos Island

The poorer eastern side of the island contains the main markets and the poorer housing. The island is extremely crowded and congested and attempts have been made to build new roads out over the lagoon in order to improve traffic flows. It is the part of Lagos where the Oba (or king) of Lagos resides. It is also believed that the Eyo festival can only be held in this part of Lagos.

Economy

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

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.[1]

Marina road

The Lagos Marina host a number of office buildings, Bookshop House, formerly 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, occupied by Shell, this was the first tall office building at Marina. Former Central Bank headquarters and Investment House, headquarters of Bank of Industry were built in 1960. The Investment House land previously housed 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 located along the marina.[2]



References

  1. ↑ "Judicial Committee of the Privy Council". Western Weekly Reports. Burroughs. 1920.
  2. ↑ Akinsemoyin, ʼKunle (1977). Building lagos. F. & A. Services : Pengrail Ltd., Jersey.

Media related to Lagos Island at Wikimedia Commons

Coordinates: 6°27′N 3°24′E / 6.450°N 3.400°E / 6.450; 3.400

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