By Samuel Ogunsona
Lagos, one of the most populous city by inhabitants in Africa with over 15 million people has been ranked among top 20 best cities in the world.
According to a recent report by British media group, Time Out, has ranked Lagos ahead of Dubai, Singapore, Montreal and Hong Kong respectively.
The report which ranked Lagos at 19th position out of fifty listed cities worldwide explained reasons.
“Whether you’re a staunch mainlander or from Lekki, there’s something for everyone in Lagos, Africa’s most populous city. Posh Victoria Island continues to deliver a trifecta of swanky resorts, food haunts, and nightlife. Lekki is for the brunchers – make Maple Lagos your first stop. On the mainland, Kuti’s Bistro in Ikeja, owned by the legendary afrobeat family, serves up reliably delicious food and hosts parties, karaoke and games nights. And then there are the beaches – hit up Oniru Beach for some fun in the sun, but be sure to bring naira for this private beach. For those who live for the night, Hard Rock Cafe Lagos provides a massive indoor-outdoor playground with top artists including DJ Obi (‘Obi’s House’ on Mondays), who set a Guinness World Record in 2016 for a 240-hour marathon set”
It also stated that in terms of standard of living, high percentage of Lagos residents are cheerful and delighted.
“When it comes to standard of living, Lagos has a lot going for it – 96 percent of locals are happy, 98 percent would call Lagos beautiful and the city got a 92 percent friendliness rating, too”
Both the city and its suburbs are expanding – just check out live-work-play concept Eko Atlantic City. Just out of town, Epe, on the north side of Lekki Lagoon, is experiencing a boom. The town is home to the legendary Oluwo Fish Market, the biggest in Lagos state, where almost all traders are women. Fittingly, there’s a giant two-fish statue in the centre of town.
Lagos state under the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has signed a lot of multibillion projects for the development of the state.
Some of the projects include but not limited to African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and Nigeria’s Access Bank for US$1.35 billion-worth of infrastructure investment which was signed at the 2nd AfriCarribean Trade and Investment Forum in Guyana on 31 October, the agreement is for local currency funding.
It will be used to deliver five legacy projects;
-The Fourth Mainland Bridge, phase 1
-The Omu Creek project
Lekki
-Epe International airport
-Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line, phase 2
-Lagos State Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Hub
All of this investment and advancement of the state makes it the only smart city in Nigeria