Happy TravellerWelcome to Ikeja, the capital city of Lagos State in southwestern Nigeria. With a population of 313,196 as of the 2006 census, Ikeja is a bustling metropolis that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. Prior to the emergence of military rule in the early 1980s, Ikeja was a well-planned, clean, and quiet residential and commercial town with shopping malls, pharmacies, and government reservation areas. Today, it is a thriving hub of commerce, industry, and entertainment that attracts visitors from all over the world.
History:
Ikeja, which was formally called Akeja, was named after a deity of the Awori people of Ota. It was originally settled by the Awori people, and the area was raided for slaves until the mid-19th century. Early in the 20th century, it became an agricultural hinterland for Lagos. The opening of the Lagos-Ibadan railway in 1901 and the growth of Lagos as a port transformed Ikeja into a residential and industrial suburb of that city. In the mid-1960s, an industrial estate was established, and in 1976 Ikeja became the capital of Lagos state.
Government and Infrastructure:
The local government administrative headquarters of Ikeja is located within the Ikeja Local Government premises. As of June 2019, the Chairman (Mayor) of Ikeja’s local government is Engr. Mojeed Balogun. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has its headquarters in Ikeja on the grounds of Murtala Muhammad Airport. The Accident Investigation Bureau of the Nigerian government is headquartered in Ikeja. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has its head office in Aviation House on the grounds of the airport; this was formerly just the Lagos office.
Economy:
Several airlines have their head offices located in Ikeja. Arik Air’s head office is in the Arik Air Aviation Centre on the grounds of Murtala Muhammed Airport. Aero Contractors has its head office on the grounds of Murtala Muhammed Airport. Other airlines with Ikeja head offices include Overland Airways, Air Peace, Associated Aviation, and Dana Air. In addition, Virgin Atlantic has its Nigerian office in The Place in Ikeja. Ikeja is also home to the largest mall on the Lagos State mainland, the Ikeja City Mall.
Computer Village:
Ikeja is home to a large computer market, popularly known as Otigba. Begun in 1997 as a small market of only 10 shops, the current market now has well over 3000. While most vendors provide the expected computer sales and repair services, it is also possible to find sales and repair services for various types of office equipment and electronic devices. By 2019, the little shops at Computer Village had grown to multiple-storey shopping malls. Many of the single-floor buildings have been developed into larger buildings, housing several shops that distribute and repair mobile phones, laptops, printers, and other electronic devices. Nearly all the major Nigerian banks have branches around the market.
Tourist Centres:
Isheri/River Ogun – Cradle of Awori and Lagos indigenous population
Lagos State Government Secretariat Ikeja House, Alausa, Ikeja
Lagos State House of Assembly Complex [Parliament Building], Alausa, Ikeja
Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau, PSSDC Road, Magodo, Kosofe
Lagos Television and Radio Lagos/Eko F.M, Agidingbi, Ikeja
LASU Ethnography Museum, Oba Ogunji Road, Ogba, Agege
Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja [Hub of aviation in West Africa]
Statue of Lagos Idejo Chiefs – megacity’s traditional land gentry
Third Mainland Bridge/Outer Ring Road Complex.
Whether you’re a history buff, a tech enthusiast, or a lover of culture and entertainment, Ikeja has something for everyone. Come and experience the vibrant energy and rich diversity of this amazing city for yourself!
