Lagos is the most populous city in Nigeria with over 7 million inhabitants at the last census, which was held in 2006. Lagos was created on May 27th, 1967 by a decree which restructured Nigeria into a Federation of twelve states.
Formerly the capital of Nigeria, it is a huge metropolis which originated on islands separated by creeks, such as Lagos Island, that fringe the southwest mouth of Lagos Lagoon. Situated in the southwestern corner of the country, this elongated state spans the Guinea coast of the Atlantic Ocean for over 180km., from the Republic of Benin on the west to its boundary with Ogun state in the east. It is significant to note that, of its total area of 3,577sq. km., about 787sq. km. or 22 percent is water.
Even though is no longer the capital of Nigeria, the city remains the economic hub and financial capital of Nigeria. People have actually described Lagos as exciting, addictive, noisy, welcoming and exhausting. Night life in Lagos is vibrant with an awesome choice of bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Lagos was a Yoruba settlement of Awori people initially called Oko. The name was later changed to Eko during the Kingdom of Benin occupation. The Yoruba still use the name Eko when they speak of 'Lagos', a name which never existed in the Yoruba language prior to that.
Lagos is currently estimated to be the second fastest growing city in Africa and the 7th fastest in the world.This population growth happened so quickly that the city had no effective institutions, engineering, planning, or traditions to guide the hypergrowth fueled by Nigeria's booming oil industry.
Overcrowding (averaging six people per room), poor sanitation, air and water pollution, clogged sewers, solid-waste contamination, and staggering traffic fester even as efforts are being made to improve the national and city infrastructures in a time of political turmoil. Residents survive all those conditions and have kept the food supply moving through the efforts of individual vendors who sell their wares in vast outdoor markets.
Lagos's economy includes railroad repair, motor vehicle assembly, food and beverage processing, metal products, textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, soap, furniture. Festivals are common to all communities in Nigeria, and Lagos is no exception. These traditional events are avenues of celebrating all aspects of life such as the agricultural seasons, religion, history, traditional sports, homage to the traditional rulers, music and dance among others.
During festivals, the rich cultural heritage and the creative industries of the communities are showcased. They are spaced throughout the year except for the rainy season from May to July when outdoor activities are hampered by frequent rainfalls. The Eyo Festival is is primarily a Lagosian festival that dates back to the twelfth century.
The festival celebrates the Important social roles of a town: its chiefs, known-families, sons and daughters, achievers that have made the town proud. Male dancers from various indigenous families covered in hooded flowing sheets, a top-hat, and a bat-like stick (Or-kpan-bata) yells out screeching sounds in approaching seated dignitaries and invitees. It is disloyal for a spectator to have on shoes, hats, or head-ties in the presence of an Eyo. Climax of festival occurs when dancers, in a procession-like format before invited dignitaries, in masked voices, raised bats and on one-foot, ushering salutations, praise names, and songs as they pass by.
The Olokun Festival is the name of two annual Yoruba cultural festivals: one in late February that takes place in Usonigbe, the site of the orisha Olokun's original shrine, in Edo State, and another, more modern festival that is held in Lagos State in November. The Olokun festival has over the years provided a veritable platform where the Yoruba cultural and traditional values and heritages can be showcased, adding that it is an avenue where thousands of tourists from different parts of the world come to celebrate one of the cherished deities, the Olokun.
The Lagos International Jazz Festival was first organized in 2008, based on similar festivals in Cape Town and London. The program includes approximately 20 jazz bands—both local and international jazz artists. The organizers have also developed workshops for schools, a photography and arts exhibition, and master classes.
