Surulere

The local government area is bordered by Yaba, Mushin, and Ebute-Metta.

• Official Name — Surulere • Settlement Type — * LGA • Settlement • Mapsize — 250px • Subdivision Type — Country • Subdivision Name — Nigeria • Subdivision Type1 — State • Subdivision Name1 — Lagos State • Subdivision Type2 — Metropolitan Area • Subdivision Name2 — Lagos • Area Total Km2 — 23 • Population As Of — 2022 • Population Total — 744,400 • Population Density Km2 — auto • Postal Code Type — Postal code • Postal Code — 101283 • Timezone — CET/WAT • Utc Offset — +1

During the rapid urbanization of Lagos, the city expanded to the west of its lagoon, which included present-day Surulere. Families from different regions of the country have historically settled in Surulere. In addition to the local settlers of Lagos, during the nineteenth century, various emancipated African Brazilians and Cubans, who were referred to as Aguda or Saros, settled in Surulere. Nigerians from the Northern region initially ended at Idi-Araba, while many people from the eastern part were in various quarters but predominantly at Obele, Ikate, and Aguda areas. Residents of Lagos Island who bought or leased land from the government and Aworis settled in New Lagos. In contrast, others lived in the neighborhoods of Itire, Lawanson, Ojuelegba, Animashaun, and Shitta. The New Lagos neighborhood, also known as the Surulere Re-Housing Estate, is among the first public housing projects in Nigeria. Itire, one of the quarters in Surulere, has a recognized traditional authority in the Onitire of Itire.

• Illustration — Amikanle Market, Surulere community

In 1977, Surulere was the host location of a cultural festival, FESTAC 77, also known as the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture. The event held between 15 January 1977 and 12 February 1977. Surulere is home to the 55,000-spectator capacity Lagos National Stadium built in 1972 for the 1973 All-Africa Games, now abandoned and dilapidated.. However, in preparation for the 2009 Under 17 FIFA World Cup the facilities were improved, and the event kicked off successfully in October 2009. Surulere also houses the Teslim Balogun Stadium, a multi-use stadium with capacity in excess of 24,000 where mainly football matches are staged. The main commercial streets in Surulere are Western Avenue, Adeniran Ogunsanya, Adelabu, Ogunalana Drive, and Aguda, while various open markets are dispersed in different neighborhoods. Industrial establishments are predominantly located at Iponri, Coker, and Iganmu.

• Illustration — Ayodeji Balogun, Wizkid.

• Illustration — Statue in hommage of NYSC • Illustration — Lagos National Stadium