Lagos State is one of the largest and most urbanized states in Nigeria. It is a state in southwestern Nigeria. One amazing fun fact to know about Lagos is that it is the most populous and the smallest in area. It was formed from the Western Region and the former Federal Capital Territory on 27 May 1967. There are a lot of things to know about the beautiful and giant Lagos State.
In terms of development, Lagos State was formally made up of fishing villages and ports. But in the early 1800s till date, the city of Lagos had developed into a giant kingdom in its own right. Economically, Lagos State is one of the most productive and important states in Nigeria because it is a primary financial center and has one of the largest economies in Africa with a gross domestic product of $84 billion.
Additionally, One important thing to know is that Lagos State is also a key education, transportation, and culture hub for Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa. Lagos State has the highest literacy rate in Nigeria.
Lagosians are known to be industrious, hardworking, and peace-going. Also, Lagos is known to go by the slogan “Centre of Excellence” which is why the city is big on keeping the environment clean, good food, residential areas, exquisite hotels, recreational, parks, quality education and so much more.
There are a great number of thrilling facts and things to know about the beautiful Lagos state. From the history to the languages, the city and so much more.
History of Lagos State
Lagos means “lakes” in Portuguese, the language of the first Europeans to arrive at the land long inhabited by the Awori which belonged to the Yorubas. It was referred to by the Awori as “Oko” or “Eko” while the Portuguese referred to it as “Onim” and later Lagos. Lagos was created on 27th May 1967 according to the State Creation and Transitional Provisions Decree No. 14 of 1967, which made Nigeria into a federation of 12 states.
Formally, Lagos state served a dual role of being a Federal Capital and State until 1976 when the capital of the state was moved to Ikeja. Also after the full establishment of the Federal Capital Territory, based on the recommendations of Akinola Aguda-led committee by Murtala Muhammed the capital of Nigeria was reviewed and moved to Abuja on the 12th of December 1991. However, Lagos remains the financial center of Nigeria and grew to become the most populous city in the country.
7 Lesser Known Facts About Lagos State
Lagos State is one of the largest and most urbanized states in Nigeria. It is a state in southwestern Nigeria. One amazing fun fact to know about Lagos is that it is the most populous and the smallest in area.
Lagos is the Fastest Growing City in Africa
Lagos state is one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa in population, innovation, technological developments, education, finance and so much more. Popularly called “Eko, Lasgidi, and Lag” it is one of the 36 states of Nigeria. It was formally the capital of Nigeria in 1995 before it was moved to Abuja FCT. In terms of population, Lagos State has an estimated population of 12.4 million persons.
Lagos is a City for all people
Lagos state is a fun and loving place to be. It is a famous fact that the city of Lagos is one of the cities in Nigeria to accommodate natives from all tribes, religions, languages, and cultures in Nigeria. Additionally, Lagos state is a city where you can find people from all works and corners of Nigeria. Lagos State comprises the known “WAZOBIA” tribe and other ethnic groups in Nigeria.
Lagos is one of the best Commercial Cities in Africa
One known fact about Lagos State is that it is a giant of its own. Lagos has become a major commercial center in Nigeria. With the aid of all means of transportation, commercial activities are a popular entity in Lagos. There are several big and major markets in Lagos, and you can find a wide range of products and services in the state. Some of the commercial activities in Lagos include Transportation, Marketing, Industries, Buying and Selling, Real estate management, and so much more.
Lagos as Africa’s Entertainment Hub
Lagos state is also one of the states where you get all of Africa’s entertainment ranging from music to concerts, dance troupes, singing contests, cooking contests, book contests, fashion contests, and shows.
Food in Lagos
Are you a food enthusiast? There are varieties of food delicacies in Lagos. You cannot visit Lagos and not find our local dishes appetizing. From roasted plantain popularly called “Bole” to our Nigerian Jollof rice, Suya, Village rice, Efo Riro, Afang soup, and a wider range of delicacies. Lagos is the best place to start your food travel blog in Nigeria. One of the fun things to do in Lagos state is to visit local restaurants like Amala Joint, or other food outlets. This also includes international restaurants such as Chinese restaurants.
Traffic in Lagos
Aside from all the beautiful things to say about Lagos, traffic in Lagos can be overwhelming due to the traffic congestion which can be very tiring. As I said earlier, Lagos is a fast-growing and populated city in Nigeria. Hence, individuals from all works of life reside in Lagos. To avoid this, you will have to always wake up early to beat the morning traffic congestion. One thing about Lagos is that you will learn many things the easy or hard way without anyone teaching you.
Stay Clear Trouble and Public Wahala
If you want to enjoy a peaceful and calm stay in Lagos, one of the ways to do that is to stay away from troubles and disagreements. Learn to say you are sorry to avoid any fights or disagreements. Also, never engage in a fight with a bus conductor because most of them can frustrate you, just learn to keep your calm. Also, be very watchful when using public transport so you don’t fall victim to evil happenings. Always pray before entering a public transport system to be safe.
Local Government Area | Things to know about Lagos State
Lagos state has evolved in terms of development and creation of Local government areas. Presently, Lagos State is divided into five administrative divisions, which are further divided into twenty (20) local government areas. They are;
- Agege
- Alimosho
- Ifako-Ijaye
- Ikeja
- Kosofer
- Mushin
- Oshodi-Isolo
- Shomolu
- Apapa
- Eti-Osa
- Lagos Island
- Lagos Mainland
- Surulere
- Ajeromi-Ifelodun
- Amuwo-Odofin
- Ojo
- Badagry
- Ikorodu
- Ibeju Lekki
- Epe
Cities and Towns
Ikeja
Ikeja is the State capital of Lagos State. It is worthwhile to know that Ikeja is a residential and commercial town with tons of shopping malls, luxurious hotels, pharmacies, and government. The popular Murtala Mohammed International Airport is located in Lagos. Ikeja also has the largest shopping center on the mainland and also the largest computer village.
Lekki
Lekki is a city in the southeastern part of the state. That was formed as a peninsula. It is one of the most luxurious places to live or visit in the city of Lagos. It currently houses several estates, agricultural farmlands, and residential areas.
Ikorodu
Ikorodu is the third largest city in the southwest after Ibadan and Lagos. It is also the 12th largest city in Nigeria with over 1,041,066 populations as of 2022. Currently, Ikorodu is known to be undergoing developments because more people are beginning to build commercial and residential areas.
Other Cities and Towns include; Victoria Island, Ojuelegba, Epe, Surulere, Somolu, Mushin, Yaba, Lagos Island, Makoko, and others.
Governor of Lagos State
The current governor of Lagos State is Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who won the March 11, 2023 election for a second term in office.
Educational Institutions in Lagos State
- Adeniran Ogunsanya College if Education
- Anchor University
- Augustine University IIara, Epe
- Caleb University
- Federal College of Education, Akoka
- Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology
- Lagos Business School
- Lagos City Polytechnic
- Lagos State College of Health Technology
- Lagos State University of Science and Technology
- Lagos State University
- Lagos State\ University College of Medicine
- Micheal Otedola College of Primary Education
- National Open Univertsity of Nigberia
- Nigeria Institute of Journalism
- Pan Atlantic University
- University of Lagos
- Yaba College of Technology
- Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education
Tourism Center
There are lots of tourist centers and recreational parks that you can visit in Lagos State. Lagos houses the most commercial, residential, and recreational centers in Nigeria. Here is a list of some of the tourist places in Lagos.
- Atlas Cove, Apapa
- Bar Beach, Victoria Island
- Elegushi Beach
- Tarkwa Bay Beach
- Topo Island, Badagry
- King Ado Statue, Lagos Island
- Tafawa Balewa Square
Languages in Lagos State
It is no news that the official language in Nigeria is English Language. Hence, the most spoken language in Lagos State is the English Language. However, it is spoken less frequently in rural areas. Other major languages spoken in Lagos state include Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Ibibio, Tiv, Kanuri, and Pidgin.
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