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Ikoyi is the most affluent neighborhood of Lagos, located in Eti-Osa Local Government Area.[1][2] 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 extreme upper class residents of Nigerian society, Ikoyi is arguably one of the wealthiest communities within Nigeria.
Ikoyi | |
|---|---|
Neighborhood | |
 Ikoyi with Lekki in the background | |
  Ikoyi Location in Lagos | |
| Coordinates: 6°27′N 3°26′E / 6.450°N 3.433°E | |
| Country | Nigeria |
| State | Lagos State |
| City | Lagos |
| LGA | Eti-Osa |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (WAT) |
| Climate | Aw |
The area that makes up Ikoyi was originally a continuous land mass with Lagos Island, until it was separated from it by the MacGregor canal, a narrow waterway that was dug by the British colonial government. This canal has now been built over or filled in, so that the island is fused with Lagos Island once again. It has been called in derogatory terms the "Beverly Hills by the slum" or the Belgravia of Lagos.
The area is often referred to as Ikoyi I and Ikoyi II. Ikoyi I is the area is typically closer to the original, older part of Ikoyi, which includes some of the most historic and well-established neighborhoods. Ikoyi I often features more traditional architecture and older buildings, though many have been renovated or repurposed for modern use. This part of Ikoyi might house some of the well-known landmarks and historic sites, like the Ikoyi Club and some of the older colonial-era structure. Ikoyi II generally refers to the newer developments and extensions of the original Ikoyi, sometimes encompassing areas that have seen significant recent growth. Ikoyi II is often characterized by more contemporary developments, high-rise luxury apartments, and new commercial properties. This section might include new shopping complexes, office buildings, and modern infrastructure developments. The primary differences between Ikoyi I and Ikoyi II lie in their location within Ikoyi, the age and style of development, and the type of landmarks or facilities present in each area.
History
editDuring 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.[3]
In the 1920s and 1930s, about 250 acres of land within South West Ikoyi and Obalende were reclaimed and redeveloped. The scheme also led to the redevelopment of a road to connect Onikan with Bourdillon Rd.[4]
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, the famous social club Ikoyi Club, and Ikoyi Golf Club.
Modern history
editOne 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.[5][6]
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,[7] estates, and upscale office developments. Lagos Preparatory School (13+), regarded as Africa's most highly accredited British School, is located in Ikoyi.[8]
Nov 2021 Building Collapse
editOn November 1, 2021, a 21-storey building on Gerrard Road collapsed during its construction, killing several workers.[9]
Economy and sites
editThe Greenhouse Premium City Club, exclusive club home to an outdoor terrace lounge, adult and kids pools, a pool bar, cabanas, indoor sports bar with top chefs.
Google Nigeria is headquartered in Ikoyi.[10]
The Lagos Jet Ski Riders Club, an elite club for the wealthiest of Nigerians is located in Ikoyi.
Ikoyi Golf Club
The Falamo garden
Government and infrastructure
editThe National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is headquartered in Ikoyi.[11]
The World Health Organization (WHO) has its Lagos office in Ikoyi.[citation needed]
The Nigerian Government Presidential Secretariat is headquartered in Ikoyi.[citation needed]
The Deputy-Governor of Lagos State lives in Ikoyi.[citation needed]
All of Nigeria's billionaires maintain property in Ikoyi.[citation needed]
Climate
editIkoyi is one of the regions with the highest amount of rainfall in Lagos, with rain often exceeding 3000 mm every year.[12] Flooding is frequent during the rainy season on parts of the major road. Areas such as Dolphin Estates are plagued with chronic flooding.[13]
References
edit
- ^ Google Maps (Map). Google.
- ^ Bing Maps (Map). Microsoft and Harris Corporation Earthstar Geographics LLC.
- ^ "Where to live in | Wanted in Africa". Lagos.wantedinafrica.com. Archived from the original on 18 February 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
- ^ "Nigeria year book". Nigeria Year Book.: 127. 1960. ISSN 0078-0685. OCLC 1141891.
- ^ "Hotel in LAGOS - Book your hotel The Moorhouse Ikoyi Lagos - MGallery Collection". Sofitel.com. 30 January 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
- ^ "สมัครใหม่ รับเครดิตฟรี 100 ล่าสุด – ikoyihotel.com". www.ikoyihotel.com. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
- ^ [1] Archived 7 August 2007 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "LPS". Lagosprepikoyi.com.ng. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
- ^ Busari, Stephanie; Mackintosh, Eliza; Mezzofiore, Gianluca. "Multi-story building collapses in Lagos, Nigeria". CNN. Retrieved 1 November 2021.
- ^ "Google locations." Google. Retrieved on 25 May 2016. "Google Nigeria 3rd Floor, Mulliner Towers 39 Kingsway Road, Ikoyi Lagos, Nigeria "
- ^ "Contact Is Archived 13 January 2018 at the Wayback Machine." National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. Retrieved on 7 July 2016. "Address: 4, Shaw Road (Onilegbale Road)" - Full address is "4, Shaw Road (Onilegbale Road) Ikoyi, Lagos Nigeria"
- ^ NREH (7 July 2015). "What you should know about Ikoyi". Nigeria Real Estate Hub. Archived from the original on 12 September 2022. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
- ^ Ogunsakin, Damilola (28 September 2023). "People Talk: 'There's always water', residents bemoan perennial Dolphin Estate flood". Vanguard. Retrieved 5 June 2024.