Lagos State
Prior to the Portuguese name of Lagos being adopted, Lagos was originally called Eko, which stems from either Oko (Yoruba: "cassava farm") or Eko ("war camp"), by its Bini conquerors. History has it that the Oba of Bini sent various trade expeditions to Ghana where spices were traded and one of his traders complained about the way she was being treated by the Awori's. The Oba of Bini then sent a trade expedition by sea. Ironically, the leader of the expedition arrived in the evening at a time when the people who were predominantly fishermen were either wading into the water or getting into their boats to gather their catch. He declined to engage them further and returned to what is now called Benin City where he reported to the Oba of Bini that they were attacked. This prompted the Oba of Bini to constitute a war expedition led by Ado, a Bini Prince to go to Lagos and demand an explanation. This was over 650 years ago. However, on getting there, they were well received. The people were so enamoured with Ado they asked him to stay and lead them. He agreed on the condition that they surrendered their sovereignty to the Oba of Bini to which they agreed. The Oba of Bini was told this and he gave his permission for the expedition to remain. The Oba of Bini later sent some of his chiefs including the Eletu Odibo, Obanikoro and others to assist Ado in the running of Eko. Till today, the Oba of Lagos is the head of all the Kings in Lagos State and his status is different from other Oba's most of whom were later given back their crowns and staff of office only within the last 40 years and have various classifications. Suffice it to state that those who got their crowns back were the original landowners. These were Olofin's children. Moreover, modern day Lagosians have so intermingled that no single tribe or people can claim it even though the predominant language is Yoruba. The present-day Lagos state has a higher percent of this sub-group who allegedly migrated to the area from Isheri along the Ogun river.
History has it that the Awori were actually from Ife the cradle of Yorubaland. The Awori people are a peaceful people initially not taken to warfare. Due to war, those from the hinterlands, like the Ekiti ran towards Isheri which at that time had more than one Olofin (Alafin)who were heads of probably respective settlements about 1400AD. With the fleeing people from the hinterlands most of them scattered again to different places, some to Iro, to Otta, Ado, others to Ebute Metta i.e three landing places - Oyingbo, Iddo and Lagos Island (Eko). The Olofin that brought those who went to Ebute-Metta was Ogunfunminire later known as Agbodere. With the full commencement of the war about 2000 moved to the nearest island of Iddo, others to Otto Awori or Otto Ijanikin towards modern-day Badagry. Those from Ekiti Aramoko came to Ebute-Metta, Iddo and then Ijora. The Olofin was said to have 32 children. His own known children are Olumegbon, Aromire, Oloto, Oluwa, Oniru, Onisiwo, Onitoolo, and Elegushi. Ojora, Onikoyi and Mogiso were not his biological children. After the demise of Agbodere, the name Olofin became the name used to remember him while a title of Oloto was given to his seccessor. With one of his sons becoming the Oloto his other children parted ways to what is known as visible settlements in the present-day Lagos. Aromire whose name means defeated the river or became the river's friend is likely to be the first to cross being said to have swam across the river. It is possible that his real name is not Aromire but due to the feat he became known as such.
Until the coming of the Bini's, Lagos's geographic boundary was what is known now as Lagos Mainland. Lagos Island, the seat of the Oba of Lagos then consisted of a pepper farm and fishing posts. No one lived there though. The name Eko was given to it by its first King Oba Ado during its early history, it also saw periods of rule by the Kingdom of Benin.[1] Eko was the land area now known as Lagos Island where the king's palace was built. The Palace is called Iga Idunganran which, translated means Palace built on the pepper farm. Oba Ado and the warriors from Benin as well as some of the indigenous people who sought safety settled down in the southern part of Eko called "Isale Eko", Isale literarily meaning bottom, but must have been used to indicate downtown (as in Downtown Lagos).
Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (born June 25, 1965) is a Nigerian Politician and the current Governor of Lagos State. He was announced the governor under the platform of the All Progressives Congress after contesting and unexpectedly winning the gubernatorial primaries under the All Progressives Congress against incumbent governor, Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State in October 2018. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, as well as the London Business School, Lagos Business School, and the John F. Kennedy School of Government. Before his gubernatorial ambition, He was the Managing Director/CEO of Lagos State Property Development Corporation (LSPDC).
On 16 September 2018, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu formally declared his intention to run for the office of the governor of Lagos State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Party, making him a major contender to the incumbent governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
His declaration attracted endorsements from major stakeholders in Lagos State politics; including the Governor’s Advisory Council of the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress and members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, which led to withdrawal of Dr. Femi Hamzat, a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress APC in Lagos from the gubernatorial race.
He won the Lagos gubernatorial primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on 2 October 2018. At the APC flag-off campaign rally held on 8 January 2019, Governor of Lagos, Akinwunmi Ambode, and 63 political parties lent their support for the candidacy of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu. In a landslide victory over his opponent, Jimi Agbaje, Sanwo-Olu was elected to the Office of Governor of Lagos State at the 2019 General elections for Lagos State which held on 9 March 2019. He was sworn in as the 15th Governor of Lagos State at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Lagos Island on Wednesday May 29, 2019.
Lagos state government house
Lagos State House is the official residence of the Governor of Lagos State. Lagos State has two Governor's residences, one at Marina in Lagos Island and another at Ikeja on the Mainland. Both residences are used for official and residential purposes.
The Lagos State government house serves as the Official home to the state governor or chief state executive of the state and their families. It is the official venue for events such as the state's executive council meetings, government conferences, swearing in of cabinet members and of course the Governor's official business. It can also be used as receptions and functions hosted by individuals; some arms of the state government also have offices at the state government house.
Lagos State, with GDP currently estimated at $91bn (dropping from $131 due to forex fluctuations) is currently Africa's 5th largest economy. Lagos with an estimated population of 21 Million is the most populous city in Nigeria and the seventh fastest growing city in the world. Lagos State is the nation's economic and financial nerve is currently home to 65 per cent of Nigeria’s businesses, with a presence of over 2,000 manufacturing companies, 200 financial institutions and the largest collection of small and medium enterprises in Africa.
Lagos is also the major Information Communications and Telecommunications (ICT) hub of West Africa and potentially, the biggest ICT market in the continent. Lagos is developing a 24-hour economy in line of its goal to become a world class mega city.
Two of the nation's largest seaports -Apapa and Tin-Can Ports are in Lagos State. Lagos is also Nigeria's avaition hub Lagos is the centre of the Nigerian movie industry, often referred to as 'Nollywood'. Idumota market on Lagos Island is the primary distribution centre. Many films are shot in the Festac area of Lagos. Lagos is also home to Nigeria's growing music industry showcasing world class talents that are winning awards in Africa and the world stage.
- Agege
- Ajeromi-Ifelodun
- Alimosho
- Amuwo-Odofin
- Apapa
- Badagry
- Ejigbo, Lagos
- Epe, Lagos
- Eti-Osa
- Eti-Osa East
- Ibeju-Lekki
- Ifako-Ijaiye
- Ijede
- Ikeja
- Ikorodu
- Kosofe
- Lagos Island
- Lagos Mainland
- Mushin, Lagos
- Ojo, Lagos
- Ojuwoye, Mushin
- Oshodi-Isolo
- Somolu
- Surulere
- Glass-sand
- Clay
- Bitumen
- Sand
- Tar
- Oil and Gas
- Real Estate
- Cab Hire Services
- Event Planning
- Day Care for Kids
- Hair Styling and Sale of Cosmetics
- Fitness Canter
- Opening A Bar
- Start A Dry-Cleaning Service
- Phone Sales and Repairs
- Car Washing
- Clothing Business
- Domestic services
- Co-working spaces
- University of Lagos
- Lagos State College of Health Technology
- Lagos State University
- Lagos Business School
- Caleb University
- Yaba College of Technology
- Lagos State Polytechnic
- Pan Atlantic University
- Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education
- Lagos City Polytechnic
- Michael Otedola College of Primary Education
- National Open University of Nigeria, Lagos study centres[38]
- Federal College of Education, Akoka
- Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba
- Augustine University Ilara, Epe
- Construction of Re-in forced Concrete Dual Carriage Flyover at Abule-Egba Junction along
- Abeokuta Expressway Ifako-Ijaye LG
- Rehabilitation of Strategic Arterial/Inner Roads in Epe Phase 1 Epe LG
- Upgrading/Rehabilitation of New Market/Camp Davis/Ishefun (Section 1) Alimosho LG
- Upgrading/Rehabilitation of Aiyetoro road (section 1) Alimosho LG
- Rehabilitation of Oba Adeyinka Oyekan Road (Formerly Second Avenue) Ikoyi Eti-Osa LG
- Construction of Elegbede Street Alimosho LG
- Construction of Balogun/ Alade/Sunny/Adebisi/Adebosi/Adeyanju network of Roads Epe LG
- Completion of Igbo-nla Model College (Phase 2) Erodo Epe LG
- Construction of Leadforte Gate Avenue/Portion of Hon. Idowu Eletu/Ajelogo Street, Awoyaya Ibeju-Lekki LG
- Construction of Access Roads (Okusanya Network of Roads) to the Dana Plane crash location (Phase II) Ifako-Ijaye
- Construction of Arowojobe link Bridge and approach road at Mende Maryland Kosofe LG
- Construction of Harvey/Access to Grammar School Yaba, Lagos Mainland
- Construction of Bankole/Shodimu Streets with Bridge Shomolu LG
- Reconstruction of Lagos-Badagry Dual Carriageway (Lot 1)
- Construction of Ijegun-Isheri Osun-Isolo (Jakande Estate) Road Alimosho LG
- Dualization of Improvement of Isheri Olofin-Iba-Ojo(LASU) Road (Phase II) Alimosho LG
- Reconstruction of Lagos-Badagry carriageway (Lot 2A) Amuwo-Odofin/Ojo LGAs
- Construction of reinforced concrete flyover at Ajah and replacement of the existing roundabout with a signalized Intersection and rehabilitation of freedom road to Admiralty, Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge Roundabout in Eti-Osa LG
- Construction of Second Pedestrian Bridge, Ojota Kosofe LG
NATIONAL THEATRE
An architectural masterpiece and cultural landmark, the edifice is one of the few properties of the country that has stood the test of time. Being home to everything art, the National Theatre provides an avenue for you to learn a lot more about art while having fun in its lush environment.
Constructed in 1976 by the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon and completely by General Olusegun Obasanjo, the National Theatre has continued to house ancient art, while progressively inviting modern works by new artists. One major dynamics of the theatre is its fascinating interior and exterior design.
NIGERIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM
Representing a country overflowing with diverse cultural heritage, the Nigerian national museum is the perfect expo of Nigerian history. Showcasing works of art dating back to the pre-independence era, the museum tells the story of Nigeria’s journey through years of progressive growth.
The museum also houses the bullet-riddled car in which the country’s former Head of State – late General Murtala Mohammed – was assassinated in 1976. The museum is also home to a fine range of intricately decorated calabashes from across Nigeria. The National Museum Lagos has a small crafts village with woodcarvings and other handicrafts for sale at fixed prices; you might also see a demonstration of adire – cloth-making from Abeokuta.
THE NEW AFRIKA SHRINE
Thinking about taking your nightlife escapades to the next level? Then think Fela Shrine a.k.a The New Afrika Shrine. From the genre of music to the inspirational story-telling lyrics, not forgetting the sacrosanct palm-wine, get ready to get a political education, a lesson in ‘shakin-it’ and a contact high!
The New Afrika Shrine is an open-air entertainment centre located in Ikeja, Lagos State. It serves as the host location of the annual Felabration music festival. Currently managed by Femi Kuti and Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti, it is the replacement of the old Afrika Shrine created in 1970 by Fela Kuti until it was burnt down in 1977. The New Afrika Shrine showcases photo galleries of Fela and musical performances by Femi Kuti and Seun Kuti, thus making it a tourist attraction.
HI IMPACT PLANET
Hi-Impact Planet offers world-class fun for the young and old, friends and families. There are games, rides, and other entertaining attractions for the young and young at heart. You and your family will enjoy a good time and form magical memories. You can grab a snack or a pastry during your day of fun or enjoy full-blown intercontinental meals at the parks 3 food court.
Built in 1990, Lekki conservation centre covers a land area of 78 hectares. This nature hub is run by the Nigerian conservation foundation (NCF) and If you appreciate the sight of plants and animals in their natural habitat, then this place is a must visit for you. The NCF was set aside to sustain the natural habitation of plants, and animals as urbanization began leading to the intrusion of areas meant for them. The conservation centre is in Lekki, immediately after Chevron, before the 2nd Lekki Toll Gate.
Tarkwa Bay is sheltered beach located near the Lagos Harbour. It’s a popular with swimmers and water-sports enthusiasts, also home to a welcoming resident community. You’ll love this beautiful island that far removed from the hustle and bustle of Lagos. Tarkwa Bay Beach, unlike most public beaches in Lagos, isn’t often noisy or overcrowded. This makes it a great place for some alone time with your significant other or perhaps a fun day out with your friends.
If you are looking for a quiet romantic time, you should visit Tarkwa Bay Beach on a weekday. Though Tarkwa Bay Beach is a small and lesser visited beach, many fun seekers visit it during the weekends, public holidays, and festive season.
Located opposite the three-story Vantage Beach Hotel, Lekki Leisure Lake is the best destination authentic outdoor fun in Lagos. The resort is a safe and tranquil destination suitable for a family outing, a group adventure or even a fun day out with your significant other.
At Lekki Leisure Lake you can partake in thrilling adventurous activities like quad biking, jet skiing, zip lining and much more.
The internationally acclaimed art house, Terra Kulture is the home of contemporary visual and theatre arts in Nigeria. It stands as one of only 2 art auction houses in Nigeria, with a collection of over a thousand art pieces from across the country. The Terra Kulture building is home to a restaurant, a craft shop, a library, a language school and theatre and its central feature, the art gallery. It is proud to have hosted readings by renowned Nigerian authors such as Wole Soyinka, Sefi Atta, Chimamanda Adichie and others for book readings. Annual events at Terra Kulture includes an art auction and the Taruwa Festival of Performing arts (which is often held in January).
Lagos State
Slogan
Centre of Excellence
Capital: Ikeja

Governor