By Ejiofor Toochi
The vibrant city of Ikeja, situated within Lagos, Nigeria, has gained a significant amount of popularity among Lagosians as one of the most preferred on the mainland.
Ikeja is home to a thriving population of over 400,000 Lagosians, according to Britannica. It boasts of five areas, each contributing to the city’s growing reputation as a hub of activity and attraction.
In this article, we’ll explore these five areas in Ikeja: Maryland, Opebi/Allen, GRA, Alausa, and Computer Village, and discover what makes them so popular.
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1. MARYLAND
Maryland has become a popular spot among Nigerians because it houses one of the best shopping malls on the mainland. The mall, known as Maryland Mall or the Big Black Box, offers a wide range such as grocery stores, cinemas, workspace, bars, restaurants, virtual reality booths, game houses, spas, and numerous shopping stores. Many Nigerians, both adults and children, visit Maryland Mall on weekdays and especially on weekends.
Additionally, Maryland is renowned for its peaceful environment and stunning estate, including the Shonibare estate.
2. OPEBI/ALLEN
Another prominent area is Opebi/Allen, which is characterized by its bustling commercial activities. The streets of Opebi/Allen are filled with a variety of shops and businesses, including department stores, hotels, electronics shops, supermarkets, banks, local markets, and eateries.
Notably, Allen is home to the University of Suya, a popular suya spot in Lagos, and the renowned Kalakuta Museum.
3. GOVERNMENT RESERVED AREA (GRA)
Ikeja GRA, short for Ikeja Government Reserved Area, is a highly sought-after residential area in Lagos. It is popular for being a neighborhood of the rich, powerful, and high-ranking Nigerian officials.
Known as the “Island on the mainland,” Ikeja GRA has gained popularity not only for its high-class residents, but also for its abundance of famous stores, restaurants, and luxurious five-star hotels. These include Marriott Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel, Ocean Basket restaurant, Cubana Hut and Grill, Prince Ebeano Supermarket, the historical Ikeja golf club, just to mention a few.
4. ALAUSA
Alausa, the administrative heart of Lagos State, is yet another prominent area within Ikeja. It serves as a key district housing the historical Lagos State Secretariat. Alausa encompasses the administrative hub of the Lagos State Government along with numerous ministries and agencies.
Alausa also boasts of a range of recreational centers, including Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Johnson Jakande Tinubu (JJT) Park, and Ikeja City Mall (ICM). These structures make Alausa a tourist and recreational area, increasing its popularity in Ikeja.
5. COMPUTER VILLAGE
Lastly, Computer Village, located in the heart of Ikeja, specifically in Otigba community, is the largest and most popular IT market in Lagos. With over 5,000 traders and up to 2,000 daily visitors and buyers, it has become the go-to destination for all gadget needs, including sales of information and technology accessories, as well as mobile phone and computer repairs. Computer Village has emerged as the largest hub for gadget dealers and users across Nigeria.
Ikeja’s popularity among Lagosians can be attributed to its diverse range of areas. From the commercial buzz of Maryland and Opebi/Allen to the high-class residences of GRA, the administrative hub of Alausa, and the tech haven of Computer Village, Ikeja offers a mixed experience that caters to various interests and lifestyles.
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