Lagos Island
About
Lagos Island is an island and local government area of Lagos State, Nigeria. It is the principal and central area of Lagos and was the capital of Lagos State until 1957. The local government area covers the western half of the island, while the eastern half is referred to as Lagos Island East LCDA. The island hosts main government buildings, shops, offices, banks and the main commercial district of Lagos. The name Lagos Island is also used informally to refer to the affluent part of Lagos separated by creeks, lagoons and rivers, distinct from the Mainland. The island is connected to the mainland by three large bridges and is home to landmarks such as Freedom Park, Tom Jones Memorial Hall and Library, and the Marina area.
History
Lagos Island is the site of the Yoruba fishing village of Eko, which grew into the modern city of Lagos and has since spread to neighbouring islands and the adjoining mainland. Historically, the Isale Eko area was home to the Brazilian Quarter, where many slave trade returnees from Brazil settled. Freedom Park was opened in 2010 on the site of a former colonial prison yard, known as Her Majesty's Broad Street Prisons, to commemorate Nigeria's founding fathers and celebrate the nation's 50th independence anniversary.
Source: Wikipedia: Lagos Island
Key Facts
State
Lagos State
Area
9.26 km²
Population
314,900