Lagos Island, the historic heart of Lagos, is the ancestral home of revered figures like Oba Akiolu, Alhaja Pelewura, Herbert Macaulay, and many others who shaped the city’s vibrant heritage. It is the birthplace of iconic markets like Pelewura and Jankara, now marred by decay, neglect, and economic hardship.
From Lafiaji to Apongbon, the island’s once-vibrant neighborhoods are deteriorating. Clogged drainages, septic waters, and crumbling streets plague homes, schools, and markets. Poverty is stark, with unemployed youth turning to drugs and illicit activities, and despair gripping both young and old.
We, at De Renaissance Foundation, urge Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to undertake a hands-on tour of Lagos Island—not in a distant convoy, but in a Keke Marwa, connecting directly with the people. We seek restoration, not demolition, of our cherished heritage. Modernization should not erase history, as seen in preserved global landmarks like the Vatican City, Stonehenge, or the Colosseum.
We call for the renovation of Lagos Island’s markets and streets, preserving their cultural significance while addressing decay. The government must act swiftly to protect this ancestral homeland, honoring the ingenuity of our forebears and restoring Lagos Island’s pride of place.
