10 Surprising Facts About Ikeja You Probably Didn't Know
so here's the deal with Ikeja. it's not just lagos's administrative capital, it's got layers. like, actual hidden layers. i moved here for a gig last year and thought i knew what i was getting into. spoiler: i didn't. first off, Ikeja's got this weird mix of corporate high-rises and local markets that somehow works. you'll see suits grabbing suya from roadside vendors like it's the most normal thing in the world. which, i guess, it is here.
*fact 1: Ikeja is home to lagos's largest mall, Ikeja City Mall. but here's the kicker-it's not just about shopping. there's a cinema, a bowling alley, and even a mini-amusement park. locals call it "the oasis" because it's one of the few places you can escape the chaos outside.
fact 2: the computer village in Ikeja is africa's largest tech market. i'm talking thousands of shops selling everything from phone parts to drones. it's like silicon valley met a flea market and had a baby. prices are negotiable, so bring your haggling game.
fact 3: Ikeja was once a railway town. the old lagos railway line used to pass through here, and you can still see remnants of it near the Ikeja cantonment. history nerds, this one's for you.
fact 4: the safety index here is surprisingly decent for a big city. numbeo rates it around 45/100, which isn't perfect but beats some other parts of lagos. still, lock your car doors and don't flash cash. common sense, right?
fact 5: rent in Ikeja is a rollercoaster. a one-bedroom apartment in a decent area can cost anywhere from 400,000 to 800,000 naira per year. that's about $260 to $520 usd. not cheap, but not as brutal as victoria island.
fact 6: Ikeja's got a thriving art scene. check out the national gallery of art if you're into that. or just wander around and you'll find street artists selling their work near the secretariat. i bought a painting for 15,000 naira once. still one of my favorite pieces.
fact 7: the weather here is a mood. it's hot, like 30°c (86°f) most of the year, but the rainy season? forget it. floods are real. locals joke that you need a boat more than a car during june-july.
fact 8: Ikeja is a foodie's dream. from local joints serving pounded yam and egusi to upscale restaurants with sushi, it's all here. my go-to is terra kulture-it's not in Ikeja but just a short drive away. worth it for the vibe and the jollof rice.
fact 9: the job market is surprisingly diverse. sure, there's a lot of government work, but tech startups are popping up too. computer village isn't just for buying stuff-it's a hub for repairs and tech services. perfect if you're into that scene.
fact 10:* Ikeja's got secrets. like, literal secrets. there's a hidden garden near the police college that only locals seem to know about. it's quiet, green, and perfect for a break from the madness.
now, here's some "drunk advice" i overheard at a bar: "never trust a mechanic from computer village who doesn't have grease under his nails." take it or leave it.
and if you're planning to visit, check out TripAdvisor for reviews on hotels and attractions. or hit up Reddit's Nigeria community for real talk from locals.
Ikeja's not perfect, but it's got character. and honestly, that's what makes it worth exploring.
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