If there is a city that embodies the heritage and future of Nigeria, it is no doubt Lagos. It is no surprising that the state’s slogan is ‘Centre Of Excellence”. Lagos was the capital of Nigeria before the position was moved to Abuja. In spite of that, Lagos state still continues to reign supreme as the heart and soul of development in Nigeria.
Here are 10 reasons why Lagos has been and is still the Center of Excellence.
Commercial Nerve Center
Lagos is the home of most of the headquarters o of companies and businesses in Nigeria. This is not by coincidence or sheer stroke of luck. The resources, enabling environment, audience and workforce are largely concentrated in Lagos. Banks, oil companies, media houses and other relevant companies in Nigeria know it is important to have a major branch in Lagos as the audience that will patronize the business is available.
Sea Port
sea port,
The Atlantic Ocean provides an opportunity for Nigeria to connect to the west especially in terms of trade and commerce. Lagos port is a hub of activities for import and export. Refined oil, food, second hand goods, etc. are some of the goods that come to the country in large quantities through Lagos.
Local Business
The developmental process and mega city vision of Lagos has not deterred local and small scale businesses from thriving which is a hallmark of a great city. A lot of people come with the intent of establishing their own business with the little capital at hand and they are able to succeed because the city has an environment that allows this. Unlike the capital, Abuja where one need a large capital base before a business is established, Lagos makes it easier for little beginnings to thrive.
Entertainment
Lagos is fast becoming the Los Angeles of Nigeria with its blooming entertainment industry. Lagos state is the go to place for actors, singers, dancers, comedians and other entertainment performers to find a success platform. Lagosians cherish and pay huge amounts to be entertained. This makes the industry very lucrative and no other city can boast of providing the best platform for the entertainment industry in Nigeria.
Festival
Who says culture is dead in the modern city of Lagos? Far from it. The Annual Eyo festival provides tourists with the opportunity of seeing the cultural aspect of Lagos and it is significantly set on the island. The festival is unique to Lagos only and it dynamically combines the cultural and modern spice that Lagos offers.
Transportation
Whether local, interstate or international transportation, Lagos offers varieties and class that no other city in Nigeria does. Road transportation provides different choices from the classy taxis to low cost Danfo. Rail transportation is also available while the water ways provide uninterrupted access to different parts of the city. The airport – both local and international –is a connecting point for Nigerians and visitors to get access to different parts of the country and the rest of the world.
Arts
Lagos offers a dynamics of arts and the opportunity for artist to show their works. Art lovers too find the place to enrich their desires and knowledge in different art centres that exist in the state. The National Museum, National Theatre, Tafawa Balewa Square, and even private owned art centres provide avenues for art lovers.
Market
Lagos has a lot of markets that no other city in Nigeria can rival. Some markets have grown so big that they represent the hub of specific product like the Alaba, Katanguwa and Mile 12 market that are known for electronics, second hand wears and food respectively. People come from different states of the federation and beyond the country to buy and sell in Lagos markets.
Eko Atlantic
Eko Atlantic is the first of its kind project in Nigeria giving Nigeria a Dubai-styled look. It’s a city within a city. It’s a city that is built on land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean and the projected city is expected to be a master piece. The possibility and prospect of the Eko Atlantic is largely resting on the shoulder of Lagos state to bring forth a project that will cement the city’s position as one of the formidable mega cities in the world.
Education
Lagos has some of the best schools in the country. From the crèche stage to the tertiary level, the city boasts academic centres that are top notch. The University of Lagos has the highest number of candidates that apply to it annually. The Lagos Business School is also recognized as one of the best places to get a business oriented degree. The whole city itself provides a sort of informal education and people learn to adapt to the complexity every day. No wonder people say if you are smart in Lagos, you are likely to replicate it anywhere in the world.
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