Our next port of call in this series of profiling what makes the different parts of Lagos tick, is Ibeju-Lekki.
The name Ibeju-Lekki is derived from the name of two autonomous communities: Ibeju and Lekki. Ibeju-Lekki shares boundaries with Ogun state to the north, Eti-Osa local government to the west, Epe local government to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Some of the prominent communities in Ibeju-Lekki include: Abijo, Awoyaya, Lakowe, Bogije, Sapati, Igando-Oloja, Arapagi, oke-odo Elemoro, Akodo, Magbon-Alade, Eleko, Debojo, Solu-Alade, Iwerekun amongst others.
Ibeju-Lekki sit along the Lagos-Epe expressway and offers a window to the Atlantic Ocean. It boasts of natural beaches extending from bar beach, in Victoria Island to Eleko beach. There are a good number of tourist attractions in this area such as the Eko tourist centre, hermitage resort centre, Lakowe Lakes Golf resort and host of others.
Ibeju-Lekki axis is part of what is popularly referred to as the 'New Lagos'. The roads are okay and it is a relatively safe place at least by Nigerian standard. It is home to the Lekki Free Trade Zone and other massive infrastructural projects, the proposed Dangote Refinery, an international airport and so on and so forth.
Perhaps to cater for the class of individuals living in this part of Lagos, International grade schools are located in this area. They include: Lekki British School, Greensprings Schools, Reading ton School, Meadow Hall School, not forgetting Pan Atlantic University (formerly Pan African University) situated along the Lekki-Epe expressway amongst others.
Popular hotels and bars in Ibeju-Lekki include: Nicon Hotels (VGC), Peninsula Hotel, The Dover Hotel, Parktonian Hotels, Spicery Hotel (Oniru Estate), Bukka Hut (Lekki Phase 1), E-Bar (Lekki Phase 1) etc.
A lot of expatriates and affluent Nigerians are attracted to Ibeju-Lekki because of the serene nature of the environment. Some schools of thought believe that property prices in this area are on the high side and may be unsustainable in the long run. To meet with the growing attractiveness and demand for accommodation in this area of Lagos, there is a roll call of exquisite residential estates such as Lekki Phase 1 & Phase II Estates, Amen Estate, Golden Park estate, Beachwood Estate, Emperor Estate, Chois Gardens, Sapphire Gardens, Mayfair Gardens, Chevy View Estate Chevron, Crown Estate, Lovely Pearls Estate, Graceland Estate, Fidiso Estate to mention but a few. A typical 1-3 bedroom flat in this area ranges from N700,000 to N4 million. Not to worry if you desire to live in this area for one reason or the other but don't have a fat wallet because cheaper apartments can be gotten around Ajah, Awoyaya, Bogije, Abijo, Sangotedo, Alaguntan, Olokonla areas.
Ibeju-Lekki is a place to buy or rent an apartment if you desire to run away from the noise and chaos associated with many parts of Lagos.