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Map of Lagos State | Executive Governor Akinwunmi Ambode | Coat of Arms |
Official Website: http://www.lagosstate.gov.ng | ||
Population: 9,013,534** (2006 Estimate) Alias: Centre of Excellence | ||
Local Governments | ||
Agege Ajeromi-Ifelodun Alimosho Amuwo-Odofin Apapa Badagry Epe | Eti-Osa Ibeju/Lekki Ifako-Ijaye Ikeja Ikorodu Kosofe Lagos Island | Lagos Mainland Mushin Ojo Oshodi-Isolo Shomolu Surulere |
![]() | GENERAL INFORMATION Lagos State was created out of the former western region by the then regime of General Yakubu Gowon. It's capital is Ikeja. Prior to this, Lagos Municipality had been administered by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Lagos Affairs as the regional authority, while the Lagos City Council (LCC) governed the City of Lagos. Equally, the metropolitan areas (Colony Province) of Ikeja, Agege, Mushin, Ikorodu, Epe and Badagry were administered by the Western Region. |
The State took off as an administrative entity on April 11, 1968 with Lagos Island serving the dual role of being the State and Federal Capital.
However, with the creation of the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja in 1976, Lagos ceased to be the capital of the State which was moved to Ikeja. Equally, with the formal relocation of the seat of the Federal Government to Abuja on 12 December 1991, Lagos ceased to be Nigeria�€™s political capital.
Nevertheless, Lagos remains the nation�€™s economic and commercial capital.
Lagos State is inhabited by the Aworis and Ogus in Ikeja and Badagry Divisions respectively, with the Ogus being found mainly in Badagry.
While the indigenous population of Lagos are Aworis, there is, nevertheless, an admixture of other pioneer immigrant settlers collectively called Lagosians but more appropriately the Ekos.
The indigenes of Ikorodu and Epe Divisions are mainly the Ijebus with pockets of Ek-o-Awori settlers along the coastland and riverine areas.
While the State is essentially a Yoruba speaking environment, it is nevertheless a socio-cultural melting pot attracting both Nigerians and foreigners alike.
ECONOMY
Lagos State is the nation's economic nerve centre with over 2,000 industries. 65% of the country's commercial activities are carried out in the state. Two of the nation's largest seaports -Apapa and Tin-Can Ports are located in Lagos State.
TOURISM
The state has a Tourism Policy which recognises six tourism zones, namely: Bar Beach Water Argentinad recreational zone; Lekki-Maiyegun resort Argentinad zone; Kuramo Water Argentinad tourism zone; Epe-Marina Cultural tourism zone; Badagry Marina Recreational and Cultural zone.
Prominent tourist attractions in the state include; City Hall (headquarters of the Lagos Island Local Government); the National Theatre, National Museum, Onikan; Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, the seat of Catholic Archdiocese; Relics of Brazilian and other colonial quarters; the site of the fallen Agia tree, Badagry, where Christianity was first preached in Nigeria in 1842; Oso-Lekki Breakwaters; First storey building in Nigeria (1845) at Badagry. Others are the Bar Beach. Tarkwa Bay, Badagry Beach and Lekki Peninsula. There is also the Eyo festival which is held to mark important events in the state.
Badagry town houses the first storey building in Nigeria, built in 1845 and still standing on its original site.
** Lagos Population figures are being disputed by the State Government. Based on all known parameters and previous figures, Lagos State has always been the most populous state in Nigeria.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Atican BeachBar Beach
Elegushi Beach
Eleko Beach
Eko International Film Festival
First Storey Building in Nigeria
Holy Cross Cathedral
Lekki Conservation Centre
National Arts Theatre
National Museum
Tarkwa Bay
FESTIVALS AND CARNIVALS
Boat Regattas
Eyo Festival
Festival of India-Lagos
Lagos Black Heritage Festival
Lagos Crossover Festival
Lagos Food Festival
Lagos Festival of Lights
Lagos Photo Festival
Lagos International Film Festival
Lagos International Jazz Festival
Lagos Seafood Festival
Yoruba Arts Festival