As one of Africa’s largest metropolises, Lagos has evolved into a city of sharp contrasts reflecting the socioeconomic divisions penetrating Nigerian society. With an estimated 21 million residents and counting, yea, we are that overpopulated, still, people migrate to the city daily looking for greener pastures even though Lagos might not be up to other African urban centers in sheer scale and complexity.

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Lagos, the coastal port city was Nigeria's capital not until 1991 when that political distinction our president's residence, "Aso Rock" moved to Abuja and the Federal Capital Territory. Yet in many ways, Lagos still tops as the most known and bustling city in the country from cultural to economic activities.

This massive megacity another name it is known for, encompasses two very distinct sections, like they are two worlds on one planet, city/State in this case. Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island, each carrying its own vibe and demographic attributes that set them apart, my recent Visit to the Island inspired this post, thankfully, the #FebruaryINLEO topic, though I couldn't meet up with the time writing this, the topic also complements this post, about writing about a rare gem in our city, without further ado, I will be writing about the contrasting attributes of the two parts of Lagos, what sets them apart, but picture focus will be on the Island, Just so you know, I was born and bred in Lagos, though not my home town/state of origin, I feel Lagos to be a home to me than any other places, I've literally spent my whole life year, but mostly on the Mainland.

Get to know about Lagos Mainland

Comprising the initial historic heart of Lagos, the mainland constitutes the city’s heart, the most populated part of Lagos, densely populated by working class, middle and income families. Neighborhoods across the mainland harbor industrial zones, major markets, residential districts, and business hubs, like the Computer Village known for the import and sales of phones and gadgets, primary schools, and religious centers. Lagos mainland is also known for congested traffic, here one finds endless streams of cars honking down pothole-riddled streets lined with roadside food vendors, hawkers peddling goods from wheelbarrows, and kids playing improvised games amidst the organized urban commotion.

While often overlooked by tourists and high society Nigerians, because they consider Lagos mainland a rough place, no doubt about that, though not all locations on the mainland, as there are still some high-class neighborhoods within. Lagos Mainland is filled with the striving, creative lifeblood of everyday people that keeps the city running. You can eat in the open air also known as “mama put” with the lowest amount you can afford, although this is changing as inflation takes the shine these days, cafes serving authentic local cuisine, ride public buses to any location, tricycle or bike, popularly known as Okada and observe what daily existence looks like for average Lagosians.

Crossing Over to Lagos Island

In contrast, Lagos Island holds status as the city’s posh center of affluence and home to celebrities, magnates, and cultural elites. The Island landscape glitters with beach resorts, luxury high-rise condominiums, designer boutique shops, contemporary art galleries, the biggest cinema(Silver Bird Cinemas), nodes of high finance, and foreign consulates. Land on the Island costs exponentially more, attracting those with means seeking exclusivity and upper-crust amenities within secured compounds. Parallel to their immense wealth,

I recently crossed the Third Mainland Bridge over Lagos Lagoon to meet a friend on the Island who was in the city on business, he requested we meet as it's been a while at the dazzling Eko Hotel and Suites. As one of Nigeria's premier five-star hotels, Eko Hotel exudes world-class sophistication drawing global business travelers, socialites, and celebrities through its gleaming doors.

Stepping Inside Opulence
From the uniformed guards at the entrance to the lobby’s soaring marble columns and crystal chandeliers, Eko Hotel envelops visitors in old-world Nigerian grandeur meets modern indulgence. My eyes swept over the lavish interiors from the bouquets to the imported Italian furniture and stunning traditional Uli art peppering the expansive lounge where a pianist played a polished melody.

I spotted my friend waving from a cozy corner of the Nile Garden, after having crossed the hotel's exquisite restaurant and bar, without being told, you know you are in to spend a huge amount of money for whatever you desire to purchase, moving on to the large swimming pool, the most beautiful scene of all, bathed in glorious natural light.

This palm oasis offers an escapist atmosphere for the perfect relaxation and sunbath, that I couldn't resist taking a shot of my tired self there lol. I wonder why I only found foreigners there both male and female, I guess the white appreciates sun bath than we Nigerians.

Meeting my friend, I learned the Nile Garden is just one of several upscale dining options within Eko Hotel. Guests can savor Japanese delicacies at the sushi bar, indulge in Indian flavors at Viceroy Restaurant or experience continental cuisine at the 14th Floor Restaurant overlooking the city. True to his words, I began to see some people who probably had booked a part of the garden for an event troop in, the garden also had a basket ball court and children playground, some Nannys came with their little ones to relax and play in the garden,

which had a simple cultural decorations yet very beautiful and very relaxing feeling the cool breeze as well, I almost felt like not going back to the Mainland, enjoying all these beautiful views, which only reminded me why I needed to work harder to afford this luxury.If time hadn’t been a factor, I would have loved exploring more of Lagos Island’s attractions on this rare solo trip across the lagoon from my regular mainland neighborhood.

Two Worlds, One City

As the afternoon sunshine dipped lower, I bid my friend goodbye with promises to meet up again soon on this side of the water whenever he comes on another trip, but one thing is sure, I'm coming back here.

It struck me how just six miles of lagoon separates two incredibly disparate worlds within Lagos, yet interconnected through commerce and a shared cultural lineage. While the glittering smiles of Eko Hotel felt oceans away from the resilient hustle of my mainland neighborhood, Lagos Island ultimately relies on that mainland energy, as I also learned that most of their staff are from the mainland. Together, the different districts make Nigeria’s largest megacity the financial and creative dynamo she is today.