Lagos Island
| Lagos Island | |
|---|---|
| LGA | |
Lagos Island skyline
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 Lagos Island shown within Lagos |
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 Lagos Island
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| Coordinates: 6°27′N 3°24′E / 6.450°N 3.400°E | |
| Country |
 Nigeria
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| State | Lagos State |
| City | Lagos |
| Population (2006) | |
| • Total | 209,437 |
| Time zone | WAT (UTC+1) |
Lagos Island (Isale Eko) is the principal and central local government area in Lagos, Lagos State. It is part of the Lagos Division. As of the preliminary 2006 Nigerian census, the LGA had a population of 209,437 in an area of 8.7 km². The LGA only covers the western half of Lagos Island; the eastern half is under the jurisdiction of the LGA of Eti-Osa.
Lying in Lagos Lagoon, a large protected harbour 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 neighbouring islands as well as the adjoining mainland.
Lagos Island is connected to the mainland by three large bridges which cross Lagos Lagoon to the district of Ebute Metta. It is also linked to the neighbouring island of Ikoyi and to Victoria Island. The Lagos harbour district of Apapa faces the western side of the island. Forming the main commercial district of Lagos, Lagos Island 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 (Isale Eko) 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.
The poorer eastern side of the island contains the main markets and the poorer housing. The island is extremely crowded and congested and attempts have been made to build new roads out over the lagoon in order to improve traffic flows. It is also the part of Lagos which the Oba (King) of Lagos resides. It is also believed that the Eyo festival can only be held in this part of Lagos.
Most Nigerian banks' head offices are located on Lagos Island. First Bank of Nigeria is one of the Nigerian Banks with its head office in Marina, Lagos Island. Another bank that has it's head office situated in Lagos Island is United Bank for Africa (UBA). Other medium and large scale businesses such as real estate consultancy firms, electrical appliances manufacturers and retail stores are based in Marina, Lagos Island.
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Wikipedia