WELCOME TO LAGOS_Panoramic and picturesque views of Lagos

This photo documentary shall take a panoramic view of Lagos; its landscape, landmarks, People and Festivals.

Lagos (or Èkó in the Yoruba language) is a port and the most populous conurbation in Nigeria. It is currently the 2nd most populous city in Africa, behind Cairo, and is currently estimated to be the second fastest growing city in Africa (UN-HABITAT, 2008) and the 7th fastest in the world.



Portuguese explorer Rui de Sequeira visited the area in 1472, naming the area around the city Lago de Curamo; indeed the present name is Portuguese for "lakes”, sharing a semblance to Lagos, Portugal - a maritime town which at the time was the main centre of the Portuguese expeditions down the African coast and whose own name is derived from the Latin word Lacobriga.



Lagos was formally annexed as a British colony in 1861.This had the dual effect of crushing the slave trade & establishing British control over palm & other trades.
The remainder of modern-day Nigeria was seized in 1887,when the Colony & Protectorate of Nigeria was established in 1914,Lagos was declared its capital. It continued to be the capital when Nigeria gained its independence from Britain in 1960 until 1991.


Window To Lagos,as seen from the dock ▲









Aerial View Of Lagos ▲►▼◄

Lagos is Nigeria's most prosperous city,much of the nation's wealth & economic activities are concentrated here. Most commercial & financial business is transacted @ the C.B.D situated in the island. This is also where most of the country's commercial banks,financial institutions & major corporations are headquartered. Lagos has one of the highest standards of living as compared to other cities in Nigeria as well as in Africa.
The Port of Lagos is Nigeria's leading port & one of the largest and busiest in Africa.




Lagos is made up of; 1-The Lagos Mainland, where most of Lagos population lives, while most industries are located there too. It include Ebute-Meta, Surulere, Yaba and Ikeja, capital of Lagos State.2-Greater Lagos which include Mushin, Maryland, Somolu, Oshodi, Oworonsoki, Isolo, Ikotun, Agege,Iju Ishaga, Egbeda, Ketu, Bariga, Ipaja, and Ejigbo.And 3-The Islands of Lagos,Lagos Island,Ikoyi (which is connected to Victoria Island by a bridge carrying a main road over Five Cowries creek.and Victoria Island.


Victoria Island

The city has expensive real estate properties & for that reason, many new luxury condos & apartments are blooming up everywhere. Along with Ikoyi, Victoria Island occupies a major area in the suburbs of Lagos which boasts of several sizable shopping districts. On its sea shore along the Atlantic front, there is environmentally reconstructed Bar Beach.












VGC Apartments ▲


Ikoyi

-"Africa's most valuable real estate"

Ikoyi has some of the most opulent residential facilities in Nigeria & is thought to have the most expensive real estate on the entire African continent, with the average new apartment selling for N120 million (around US$1 million).However,due to the limited available land,many of these are vertical apartment buildings. Ikoyi is always refers to as an upmarket residential island separated by a narrow waterway from Lagos Island to the west inhabited by expatriates & Nigerian military rulers.

Aerial view of Ikoyi-Lagos Island

Apartment in lkoyi


Ikoyi also has a number of hotels, night clubs, a recreational park & one of Africa's largest golf courses.▼

Ikoyi Gulf Club ▲

-Banana Island,Ikoyi ▼



Banana Island ▲►▼◄
Zain Nig.Office,Banana Island

*Banana Island,an artificial island located in the Lagos Lagoon & attached to the North-Eastern Ikoyi Island by a dedicated road strip which is linked to the existing road network.The banana-shaped Island is approximately 1,630,000 square meters in size (less than a square mile)& is divided into 536 plots (of between 1000& 4000 square meters in size) mainly arranged along cul-de-sacs, designed in such a way to enhance the historically residential nature of Ikoyi. Residents are provided world class utilities including underground electrical systems (versus the overhead cabling common throughout Lagos), an underground water supply network, a central sewage system and treatment plant, and street lighting and satellite telecommunications networks.


Lagos Island

Lagos Island lies on the Lagos Lagoon, a large protected harbor 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 neighboring islands as well as the adjoining mainland.
Forming the main commercial district of Lagos, It 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 (Isaleko) 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.



Falomo @ Dawn ▲
Falomo @ Nite▲
CMS ▲


Lagos Lagoon @ Dawn ▲

Lagos Island contains a CBD.This district is characterized by high-rise buildings as shown here.It also contains many of the city's largest wholesale market places(such as the popular Idumota & Balogun markets). It also has the National Museum of Nigeria,a Central mosque,Glover Memorial Hall,Christ's Cathedral(CMS)& the Oba palace.The Tinubu Square on the island is a site of historical importance;it was here that the Amalgamation ceremony that unified the North & South protectorate to form Nigeria took place in 1914.

Lagos Island-Broad street ▲


Ikeja ►▼◄


With the upgrading of Lagos into a State in 1967,Ikeja became the Capital City.And hence,signaled the commencement of the construction of a well planned city on the Lagos Mainland.The city presently boast of some of the best hotels in Nigeria, coupled with several number of massive industrial complex,Television & Radio stations,super markets among others.

Alausa,Ikeja ▲
Allen Avenue,Ikeja ▲
Alausa▲



Others Cities

Tincan Island▼

Apapa Port ▼ ►









Land-Marks ►▼◄

@Tinubu Square▲
@Tinubu Square▲
The Tinubu Square.▲►▼◄
*Here the Amalgamation ceremony that unified the North & South protectorate to form Nigeria took place in 1914.
Remembrance Arcade ▲
Tafawa Balewa Square ▲
@ National Art Theatre ▲
National Art Theatre,Iganmu ▲
Cms Cathedral ▲
Anglican Cathedral
Civic Center ▲
Nitel Buildimg ▲
University of Lagos ▲
St.Gregory College,Obalende ▲
V.I Mall ▲

Stratosphere-60-floor Bld,V.I ▲

Royal Residence,Ikoyi ▲
Water House,Ijora ▲

Flats 1004 Estate ▲

Sterling Towers▲
Sheraton Hotel ▲

Eko Hotel& Suite,Ikoyi ▲►
Protea Hotel ▲
Eko Le Meridian Hotel ▲
Federal Palace Hotel ▲
Welcome Centre & Hotels,Oshodi▲
Rebeca Court ▲
Motor Boat Club ▲

Silverbird Galleria ▲►▼◄
AZ BUILDING ▲
MIKE Adenuga Tower ▲
UBA-WEMA Tower ▲
Aqua Towers-Atlantic Royal Garden ▲
South Atlantic Tower ▲
Exxon Mobil ▲
InterContinental Bank HQ ▲
Union Bank Building ▲
CMS Bookshop ▲
Lagos Court Residential Apartment ▲
Moshood Abiola SquareM.K.O Abiola Cenotaph ▲►
First Story Building in Nigeria ▲.*1st Christian Mission in Badagry.This is located @ the museum of slavery.
Six-Million-Seater Rccg AuditoriumPart of The Auditorium ▲►

Religion is a very major integral part of Lagos. Little wonder the largest of the world’s Churches are found in and around Lagos. It is always a sight to behold every Sunday as all roads lead to Churches. Quote this-NO-WHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD CAN SUCH SIGHT BE SEEN.
The 110-year-old lighthouse at the entrance to Lagos harbour ▲
Prevalent Residential Housing Design in Lagos ▲





Streets

Oshodi Oke Axis ▲
Lagos Street-V.I ▲
Lagos Street-btw V.I & Lekki ▲


Marina Street ▲
Marina Street ▲
Marina Street ▲
Lekki Street ▲















Customs Street ▲

3rd Mainland Bridge ▲►.*The Third Mainland Bridge is the longest of three bridges connecting Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria to the mainland, the other two being the Eko and Carter bridges. It is the longest bridge in Africa.It measures about 11.8km in length.
Ikosi Motor-Way ▲





Adeyemo Alakija Street ▲

Adeola Odeku ▲




Oyinkan Abayomi Drive ▲
Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way ▲

Apongbon ▲
Julius Berger Express Way,Isheri ▲


Adeniji Adele Street ▲

Lagos As usual-Always on The Move-Always A MOVIE




Lagos has one of the largest and most extensive road networks in West Africa.It has suburban terrains and has some ferry services. Highways are usually congested in peak hours, due in part to the geography of the city, as well as to its explosive population growth. Lagos is also linked by many highways and bridges.



Like any other mega cities of the world Lagos has its own fair share of highly erratic transportation and road networks. Transportation here, can best be described as a ’hell-hole’.

Lagos BRT buses ▲►
Brt Buses @ Ojota Depot ▲

However, conscious efforts are being put in place to check this and it is working as planned and speculated. With the introduction of BRT-Bus Rapid Transport, things are fast getting better.BRT is a transport option, which relies on the use of dedicated ‘interference’ free segregated lanes to guarantee fast and reliable bus travel. The BRT buses run on physically segregated lanes and thus make them run faster in a situation where there is traffic congestion.It is one of the several options available for tackling the huge public transport predicaments of Lagos.


Lagos Bus stop ▲

The Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA), agency was recently created in order to solve the transport issues in the state. The Bus Rapid Transit scheme was launched on 4 June 2006. It has been estimated that the system will transport about 10,000 passengers in each direction per hour during peak travel times. The LAMATA BRT corridor covers a distance of about 22 kilometers in length.


Dedicated lines for BRT ▲►▼◄

Public transportation in Lagos consist of 'Danfo' (yellow painted with black stripes mini-bus), 'molue' (911-truck-vehicle) and 'okada' (commercial motorcycle).Plan is under way by the government to establish what is to be known as Lagos Light Rail . The system will be operated by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and envisioned to consist of seven lines upon its initial completion. The rolling stock will be provided through the private sector, with LAMATA providing for policy direction, regulation and infrastructure for the network.


For an intending tourist, one of the fastest and adventurous ways of moving round Lagos is by using motorbike taxis called Okada.These motorbikes are quick,cheap & save a lot of traffic stress.To use this an older driver should be preferred & not the younger ones who behave like cowboys.




Lagos is well known as a land of aquatic beauty and marine splendor. Everything in Lagos has to do with water, water and water. There are places far below sea level; others are almost at par with sea level. Little wonder even the shrubs, plants and other vegetations are water personified. Let take a look at the land and its many breath taking beaches.

The Fauna of lagos

LAGOS BEACHES



Lagos has more than ten beaches all with pretty features – white sand, palm trees and the rough unforgiving waves of the Bight of Benin.i.e Lekki Beach, Alpha Beach, Eleko Beach and Akodo Beach (to the East) and Tarkwa Bay, Ogogoro Island, Atlas Cove, Lighthouse beach, Ilashe Beach, Agaja Beach and Badagry beach (to the West). The beaches are relatively quiet most weekdays and weekends, considering the size of the city. However, all the beaches are besieged on public holidays, when Lagos residents suddenly seem to remember they have a beach on their doorsteps! A sight of any of the beach during its peak hours is always pulsating, breath taking and enchanting

Kuramo Beach ▲
Kuramo Waters ▲
Sun Tan Beach ▲
Beach by Eko Hotel
Badagry Beach ▲
Alpha Beach ▲


Bar Beach ▲
Tarkwa Beach ▲




Festivals in Lagos offer a bit of culture for travelers to this region in Nigeria. It is always a medium that provide entertainment of dances & songs.It is always a life time experience to witness a festival in Lagos.Here,a visitor can learn more about the Nigerian people,culture & be entertained by their traditions.
Among the variuos festivals that are popularly celebrated in Lagos are;Eyo Festival, Lagos International Jazz Festival, Lagos Black Heritage Festival, Lagos Black Heritage Festival, Lagos International Film Festival,Lagos Carnival among others.

EYO


Adamu Orisha play or Eyo (pronounced err-your) festival—the soul of the city’s traditional life. Its original appearance has been dated back to 1750.And since it happens so infrequently, sometimes four or eight years apart, each occasion it does it is a must-see ‘exhibition’ for several thousands; and to observe one is enough to leave the culture tourist reminiscing for a lifetime.

Potray Of Eyo ▲

Eyo Chiefs ▲
Eyo festival is always an occasion to mark. One came along last August. Only this time around, it would be the paramount activity that marks the final rites of passage for the deceased immediate past king of Lagos. “If this is not done the chosen successor can’t be crowned king.” However, there is the honorary version, which is exclusively done for visiting VIPs (international or indigenous) to the city of Lagos or any late individual who had improved the lot of Lagos while he lived.
Eyo Ladies ▲
So when indigenous Lagosians speak of the Eyo tradition, they do so with affecting pride and relish. Everyone—from the most elderly to the five-year-olds—spends quality time preparing for the big day; and when the day does finally come a major milestone is achieved.
Eyo Girls ▲
“This is about the only tradition we still cherish as natives,” a blue blood and deputy secretary to one of the core eyo groups, the Laba Ekun, once said. “Our people believe that each time the festival holds the barren will conceive and a variety of private problems get solved.” Little wonder then that others resident overseas return to join in the festivities. And then spend: The obligatory appeasements alone may run into six-digit figures. “Though it is just a day’s programme, it costs so much in Naira and Kobo to be practically involved”
Eyo Boys ▲
A full week before the festival (always a Sunday), the ‘senior’ eyo group, the Adimu (identified by a black broad-rimmed hat), goes public with a staff (“when this happens nothing on earth can stop the festival from taking place the coming Saturday”). Each of the four other ‘important’ ones—Laba (Red), Oniko (yellow), Ologede (Green), Agere (Purple)— in this very order takes their turns from Monday to Thursday without fail. This strictness with cadre and other old established rules before, during and after the celebration is what perhaps appeals the most about the eyo heritage.







Lagos State Govt.Gov.In Eyo Regalia ▲

»‘The Eyo festival is the foremost cultural event in Lagos and it is a play of pageantry, grace and beauty in honour of a prominent citizen or a deceased monarch.’ Reuters.


Boat Regatta ▲
Lagos Carnival ▲
Lagos Carnival

Lagos Carnival ▲►▼◄

Lagos carnival was held on Easter Monday,2010 as part of activities to mark the Black Heritage Festival.It is part of a bid at turning the metropolis into a preferred tourism destination thru arts an culture.

»The traditional Fanti or Carretta carnival which started around the turn of the 19th century was held around the Campos Square area of Lagos Island as a result of historical links with emancipados and their descendants from Brazil and the West Indies .The foot prints of the returnees are to this day not only evident in Lagos’s festivals but also in architecture, cuisine and street parties or carnivals.

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Suggestions and additions are highly welcomed