Ikoyi | |
---|---|
Neighborhood | |
Southernsun Ikoyi Hotel
|
|
Location in Lagos | |
Coordinates: 6°27′N 3°26′E / 6.450°N 3.433°ECoordinates: 6°27′N 3°26′E / 6.450°N 3.433°E | |
Country | Nigeria |
State | Lagos State |
City | Lagos |
LGA | Eti-Osa |
Time zone | WAT (UTC+1) |
Climate | Aw |
Ikoyi is the most affluent neighborhood of Lagos, located in Eti-Osa Local Government Area. It lies to the northeast of Obalende and adjoins Lagos Island to the west, and at the edge of the Lagos Lagoon . Popular with the upper class residents of Nigerian society, Ikoyi is arguably the wealthiest community within Lagos State.
The area that makes up Ikoyi was originally a continuous land mass with Lagos Island, until it was separated from by a narrow waterway that was dug by the British colonial government. This canal has now been built over or filled so that the island is fused with Lagos Island once again.
During the colonial era, the island was developed as a residential cantonment for the expatriate British community and still retains many of the large colonial residences built between 1900 and 1950.
Upmarket residential properties continued to be built after the colonial period, and the Island and its Dodan Barracks became the residence of some of Nigeria's military rulers. Ikoyi now contains many other government buildings as well as, businesses, hotels, schools, and the famous social club - Ikoyi Club 1938 and golf club - Ikoyi Golf Club.
One of the main attractions in Ikoyi is Awolowo Road, which is a high street lined with upscale shops and boutiques. Due to its proximity to Victoria Island and Lagos Island, much of Lagos's business tourism is centred on Ikoyi, which has a mix of excellent 4-star hotels.
Owing to recent unrest in the Niger Delta, several oil companies have moved their expatriate staff to Ikoyi. The area is now home to several large luxury apartments, estates, and upscale office developments. Lagos Preparatory School (13+), regarded as Africa's most highly accredited British School, is located in Ikoyi.
Google Nigeria is headquartered in Ikoyi.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is headquartered in Ikoyi.