Lagos Mainland, magic lives and breathes in everything, the food, culture, nightlife, and history; it never sleeps nor does it slumber.
The Ultimate Hub of Vibes
Lagos Mainland stretches far and wide like an ancient kingdom with several vassal states, yes, it’s that massive. It’s the nurturing mother of several energetic and lively local government areas serving as her beloved babies. Some of which are Yaba, Ikeja, Mushin, Oshodi, Agege, Surelere, Iyana-Ipaja, and Gbagada, among others. These children might not be fully clothed in luxury from head to toe, but they deliver the heat and energy from every angle.
Each area has its distinct features:
Yaba: student environment, techies, flea markets.
Surulere: Residential area, commercial and recreational hub.
Ikeja: the capital of Lagos State, a commercial area and residential terrain.
Mushin/Agege: Street vibes
Like it or not, as long as you live in its terrain, you’ll grow to love the mainland energy.
If the lifestyle still irks you, then you’re new here.
Hub of Real Hustle
Look in any direction, you see street vendors trying so hard to sell, it could be the evergreen gala and cold drinks, or hawkers also trying to navigate through the traffic with a whole shop fitted on their heads. Lagos mainland is like a training ground because this is where children below the age of 10 are already street smart, give them a chance and you’ll see their negotiation skills and confidence supersede that of some CEOs.
On a work day, the scene is insane, from the danfo bus conductors who never stop cursing, especially in Yoruba, to the traffic that never seems to end; this portrays Lagos in its truest form.
Markets of Madness (and Magic)
Markets on the mainland are legendary in all ramifications. A visit to the market feels like an adventure you never paid for every blessed time. The problem begins when your ability to haggle isn’t at the top tier level because here, we haggle like that’s our last cash on earth.
Some Markets to Visit
Tejuosho Market, Yaba– specializes in the sales of thrift clothing, beauty supplies, jewelry, sport accessories, etc.
Ladipo Market, Mushin– Lagos’ highest-ranking auto part hub. Purchase your gearbox, windscreen, engine, radiator, lamps, compressors, mirrors, bumpers, and many more from her at reasonable prices.
Mike 12 Market– For the freshest food produce, such as peppers, onions, tomatoes, vegetables, cabbage, plantains, and others.
Computer Village, Ikeja– Get your technology goods like mobile phones, plus accessories, computer hardware and software, and others.
Oshodi Market– you can get anything here, from household appliances to foodstuffs and clothing.
Legends Born and Made
Let’s face this undeniable fact: Lagos Mainland has nurtured and produced some of the best living legends of music in Nigeria. The big wizard, Wizkid, grew up in Ojuelegba, Olamide in Bariga, Adekunle Gold in Ifako Ijaye, and many more.
“Ojuelegba” by Wizkid is an example of a song that tells the story of an individual’s life on the mainland, his struggle, hustle, and triumph.
This gives the mainland more claim as the most authentic part of Lagos.
Mainland may not offer many clubs and lounges that scream opulence or give jaw-dropping moments like those on the Island would, but they never fail to deliver vibes and put you in the best mood.
A few of them are:
Rumors Night Club, Ikeja GRA
Lust the Club, Surulere
The Nest Lounge, Yaba
Club Royale, Ikeja
Lounge 38, Surulere
And a myriad of others.
The mainland features a mix of afrobeats, Fuji, gospel, and street hop, making it the heartbeat of Nigerian music.
The Real Lagos ‘Wahala’
If you want to live on the Mainland, you must brace yourself for the traffic because it’s not for the weak. Your patience and mental strength must be at top-level, if not, it will every last ounce of energy you have in you. The craziest part is how the routes link, meaning the beast called traffic affects everyone.
Although discomforting, this creates a chaotic beauty.
The okada riders riding recklessly like they kept nine lives somewhere, they turn a deaf ear to your “oga, small small” pleas, and all you have to do is either start praying low-key that it won’t be the end of you or get just get off the bike to avoid pitiful stories.
The street vendors are energetic, resilient, and always alert as they follow the flow of traffic. You can get almost anything you need here, they practically sell everything at great speed, the true hustlers.
Living at An Affordable Cost
It’s a known fact, houses on the mainland are cheaper than those on the island.
In areas like Iyana-Ipaja, Ikotun, and Ketu, you’d get bedroom apartments way lower than Lekki/Victoria Island’s high-end rents. The same goes for the local services, transportation, and food, which are way cheaper. The priority here is convenience, and once you get a perfect place for that at a reasonable price, you’re good to go.
On the mainland:
You can find a mini flat in Agege for as low as ₦250,000 per annum
You get to enjoy the savory Amala with several meat options for ₦1,500, compared to luxurious restaurants on the island.
Second-hand clothing and accessories in Yaba and Oshodi at pocket-friendly prices.
Haircut is within the range of ₦1,000- ₦2,000
This is where families, students, and young executives are determined to develop and thrive.
Where Education Thrives
Just like every other state in Nigeria, Lagos mainland blends both private and public schools when it comes to education. From the constant task of “cutting bush” in public schools to the endless rules and regulations that follow you around in private schools, you’d realize each has its unique drama.
Schools in some areas like Ikeja, Surelere, and Yaba, among others, engage students in extracurricular activities like academic clubs, sports, creative arts, religious and entrepreneurial activities, among others.
Some of the best are: Grange School, Lagos (Ikeja), CMS Grammar School (Yaba), Igbobi College (Yaba) Princeton Schools(Surulere).
Lagos Mainland also serves as an educational landmark, housing major higher institutions in Lagos State, like the University of Lagos, the Lagos State University, Trinity University Campus, Yaba College of Technology, and Federal College of Education (Technical), among others.
Center of Premium Action
One thing about the mainland is that it remains the centre of numerous activities; it remains active every blessed day. The weekends aren’t for resting here, they’re for:
The ultimate owanbe at Balmoral Hall or The Zone, you can literary run into a party without knowing the celebrants and still leave feeling fuller than the guests, with a takeaway in hand.
Power-packed crusades at Mountain of Fire or Deeper Life Bible Church
Burials or naming ceremonies
Street parties with speakers loud enough to blow out your eardrums.
What to Expect in the Future
The mainland teems with so many Nigerian youngsters who prefer to start and develop their lives here. From fashion designers, tech gurus, to makeup artists, upcoming chefs, and food plug vendors, the future of Lagos mainland has never been brighter.
With numerous efforts to achieve growth in entertainment and tech, the Mainland continues to stand as a progressive and relentless commercial hub.
Lagos Island might carry the beauty and elegance, but the Mainland is the very soul of the great city of Lagos.
