Introduction to Lagos

Lagos is a vibrant city located along Nigeria’s southwestern coast, on the Atlantic Ocean. It serves as an economic hub for Nigeria and Africa at large, offering visitors opportunities to explore its diverse attractions such as historical sites, cultural festivals, markets, and restaurants. Lagos has become one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities with significant influence over commerce, entertainment, technology, education, politics, art, and fashion in the continent.

Key Attractions and Points of Interest

# Awori Settlement Area (Yoruba: Èkó)

The Awori subgroup of Yoruba settled Lagos’s present-day Local Government Areas – Lagos Island, Eti-Osa, Amuwo-Odofin, Apapa. This settlement area translates to ‘Ereko’, from which comes Lagos’s indigenous name “Eko”. The Awori worked and lived in farmsteads along the coastal line, protected by barrier islands such as Bar Beach spanning 100 km east and west of Lagos Lagoon’s mouth.

# University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Established during Nigeria’s first generation universities, UNILAG is a prestigious institution offering courses in arts, applied sciences, engineering, law, pharmacy, and social science departments. Its Faculty of Pharmacy houses one of Africa’s largest medical centers for students seeking to specialize in medicine or pharmaceutical studies.

# Tinubu Square Business District

Named after Efunroye Tinabu, the slave trader Efunroye Tinabu’s aristocratic wife who was instrumental during Lagos’s colonial era, Tinabu Square is located within Lagos Island. Visitors can explore this historic site and walk through the city streets of Lagos City Council to understand its significance in Nigeria’s history.

Cultural and Historical Context

Lagos houses Africa’s largest museum – Lagos Museum – displaying artwork from across Africa, including Nigerian artists’ works. UNILAG hosts festivals celebrating African culture with traditional Yoruba cuisine served at restaurants like Ewa Oja Sisi. Festivals such as the Lagos Festival showcase Nigeria’s vibrant arts scene and promote local talent in music, dance, poetry, theatre, painting, sculpture, photography, filmmaking, architecture, fashion design, jewelry making, etc., highlighting Africa’s creative heritage.

Practical Information for Visitors

Lagos has become one of Nigeria’s most populous cities with 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) contributing to Lagos Metropolitan Area. Navigating the bustling city streets requires caution, especially during festivals when markets and restaurants are packed with locals seeking traditional Yoruba cuisine like Egusso’s Nigerian pepper soup or Amala served at food stalls called ‘Amala’. English is widely spoken in Lagos City Council alongside Yoruba.

Conclusion: Why Lagos Is Worth a Visit

Lagos offers visitors opportunities to explore its diverse attractions such as historical sites, cultural festivals, markets, restaurants, and museums that celebrate Africa’s vibrant arts scene highlighting Nigeria’s creative heritage. With Lagos City Council managing Lagos Island’s bustling city streets alongside Yoruba cuisine served at food stalls called ‘Amala’, visitors can immerse themselves in local culture while exploring UNILAG, offering courses across various departments like medicine or pharmaceutical studies for students seeking specialized medical knowledge.

Source: Lagos Wikipedia