By Ejiofor Toochi
Christmas is a highly anticipated season that includes vacations, family bonding, attending events, shopping, and lots of eating. However, it is also an opportunity to explore new activities and experiences.
Ikeja, the vibrant capital of Lagos State, offers a plethora of places and activities for individuals to explore this Christmas. It serves not only as a bustling commercial hub but also as a home to notable attractions within Lagos State.
With its array of malls, cinemas, parks, and eateries, Ikeja offers residents and non residents a range of recreational activities to bask in as they relieve the stress from the year 2023.
READ ALSO: Three notable historical tourist attractions in Ikeja
Here’s a list of 5 things to do in Ikeja this Christmas:
1. HAVE A PICNIC:
One fun activity you can enjoy with your friends or family in Ikeja is a picnic. Organizing picnics offer an affordable and convenient way to socialize, bond, and have a great time with friends and family. In Ikeja, you can find three public parks managed by the Lagos State Parks and Garden Agency. These parks include Johnson Jakande Tinubu Park (JJT) in Alausa, Kanu Ndubuisi Park in Mobolaji Johnson Ave, Oregun, and Dr Oluyomi Abayomi Finnih recreational park in Opebi, Allen.
Inside these parks, you’ll find playgrounds, mini zoos, seating areas, benches, trees, lounges, and snack stands. These parks are renowned for their family-friendly atmosphere and tend to be particularly vibrant during weekends.
2. CATCH A PERFORMANCE AT THE FELA SHRINE:
The Fela Shrine, also known as the New Afrika Shrine, is a well-known entertainment and tourist center located in Agidingbi, Ikeja. It is dedicated to the late Nigerian musician and activist, Fela Kuti, who was a pioneer of the Afrobeat genre. The shrine hosts captivating evening performances that pay homage to Fela Kuti’s music and legacy. Artists such as Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti, and Made Kuti, along with their bands, perform at the shrine.
These performances provide an opportunity to experience the vibrant Afrobeat music and engage in a lively atmosphere. The shows usually take place on Sundays at 7pm, and sometimes on Thursdays and Saturdays too. Attending a performance at the Fela Shrine this festive season will allow you to immerse yourself in the dynamic music and dance, as well as socialize.
3. EXPLORE SUYA JOINTS:
Another unique activity to try in Ikeja this Christmas is exploring the suya joints. Ikeja proudly boasts of two of the most popular suya spots in Lagos State. First is the Mende Suya Spot located in Maryland. And then we have the University of Suya, famously known as the “Faculty of Meatology,” situated in Allen.
These suya joints are known for their mouthwatering suya and they offer a wide variety of meat options to satisfy your cravings this festive season. Also, unlike many other suya spots, both of these joints are open during the day, making it perfect for a lunchtime treat or an early dinner.
4. VISIT THE KALAKUTA MUSEUM:
Holidays become even more exciting when you embark on short trips, go on excursions, or indulge in sightseeing. In Allen, Ikeja, there’s a fascinating three-storey house called the Kalakuta Museum. It’s a must-visit spot that showcases the vibrant history and cultural heritage of Fela Kuti.
Inside the museum, you’ll discover a treasure trove of personal artifacts, historic photographs, posters, paintings, album covers, and even Fela’s clothes and shoes. You can also explore his bedroom, living room, tomb, and even see his musical instruments. Additionally, the Fela Shrine in Agidingbi, Ikeja, also has its own museum. Visiting the museum this Christmas period is a fun adventure that’s best shared with loved ones.
5. GO SHOPPING:
Ikeja is home to two of the best malls in Lagos State: the Ikeja City Mall (ICM) and Maryland Mall (the Big Black Box). ICM, one of the largest malls, is located in Alausa, while Maryland Mall is in Maryland.
These malls offer a variety of entertainment options like cinemas, shopping stores, bars, restaurants, virtual reality booths, game houses, spas, and plenty of shops. Both ICM and Maryland Mall cater to both adults and children, ensuring that everyone has a great time this period.
READ ALSO: Rediscovering Ikeja’s Historical Landmarks”
