Slums in the City: Why these 3 “Urban” Slums in Lagos Thrive

A group of children run and skip excitedly on the street, oblivious to the denigrating environment around them. For them, the sights, smells and sounds around them have become the norm. This paints the picture of most slums in Nigeria, and of course around the world.

In the face of the deepening squalor however, many slums in Lagos, Nigeria have been able to thrive and contribute significantly to the economy of their respective states and country at large. These three slums in Lagos give credence to this fact.

Ajegunle

Located in the heart of Lagos, Ajegunle is perhaps the most popular slum of them all. This jungle city is notorious for its filthiness and criminal tendencies, which to some, is an undesired misfortune in the midst of a sprawling mega city. Simply called “AJ City,” this “urban” slum has managed to produce a sizable number of world class talents in various fields of endeavor- sports, music, arts, etc.

What makes Ajegunle thrive is the fact that it is a multi-ethnic community that throws tough challenges at its residents which molds them into the high achievers they turn out to be. Tenacity, drive and raw talent abound amongst residents who are able to soar to great heights when placed side by side with their contemporaries who may have had things easier for them.

Makoko

Dubbed the “floating Venice” by CNN, Makoko is a small neighborhood located across the popular Third Mainland Bridge on the Lagos lagoon. It houses approximately 85,000 to 250,000 residents who live in houses (sometimes canoes) made of stilts resting precariously on top of the lagoon.

Amidst the deplorable conditions that plague this floating community, it is indeed heartwarming to see some positive sides to Makoko. From the floating market and schools, to churches preaching salvation on the meandering waterway, Makoko is an example of rising against the odds.

Only recently, on June 25th, 2016, seventy (70) members from the community (50 women and 20 youths) were beneficiaries of an entrepreneurship program that was hosted by King’s Domain, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in collaboration with Global Environmental Facility (GEF) with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Under this scheme, the participants were trained on entrepreneurship in the areas of solar installation and clean energy. On completion of the program, they were furnished with tools to help them kick start their businesses. These are some of the successes that have been recorded in the Makoko community that cannot be overlooked despite its many shortcomings.

Agege

Agege, located in Agege Local Government of the state is a popular suburb in Lagos which is home to hardworking and dedicated Nigerians. Though there is a dearth of industries in Agege, it is the hub of the Popular Aluminium Village which connects with the popular Abeokuta Express road. Many cannot speak about Agege without mentioning the popular “Agege Bread,” a specially made bread that is sold across Nigeria and serves as a breakfast staple for many.

Some landmarks in Agege not to be missed are the Oba Agege Statue, National Youth Service Corps Permanent Orientation Camp which is located at Iyana-Ipaja Road, Agege and the Lagos suburban railway. Agege houses a sprawling market that gives rise to trading and commercial activities with buyers and sellers streaming in from all parts of Lagos state. It is instructive to recall that the defunct Dasab Airlines had its Lagos office in Agege.

A bustling community, Agege encourages education, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition which are some vital factors that contribute to the development of a Nation’s economy.

Lessons to be learned from these thriving “urban” slums are one too many. It would be great to see Nigerian government work hard to implement workable solutions to minimize the negative impact these living slums have on the lives of the average Nigerian. However, I choose to see the positives and amplify them as this will serve to keep the hope alive among the denizens of these “urban” slums.