Social and Political Development of the Major Towns in Lagos – Basic 2 Nigerian History Lesson Note (Second Term)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Explain the meaning of social development
2. Explain the meaning of political development
3. Examine the relationship among the settlers of the major towns in Lagos

Lesson Content

What is Social Development? Social development means how people in a community learn to live together, help each other, and make their lives better. It includes things like schools, hospitals, and good relationships.

What is Political Development? Political development means how people organize themselves to make rules, choose leaders, and govern their community. It’s about having kings, chiefs, or government to lead the people.

Social Development in Lagos Towns

Lagos Island:

• Family Life: Extended families lived together
• Education: Started traditional schools, later got formal schools
• Religion: Traditional worship, later Islam and Christianity came
• Community Help: People helped each other during festivals and problems

Badagry:

• Trade Relations: People from different places came to trade
• Cultural Exchange: Learned from Europeans, Brazilians, and others
• Mixed Communities: Egun people mixed with other settlers
• Education: Got first western school in Nigeria

Ikorodu:

• Farming Communities: People shared farming knowledge
• Craft Development: Pottery and other crafts improved
• Market Systems: Developed good trading relationships
• Cultural Festivals: Celebrated together as one community

Political Development in Lagos Towns

Traditional Leadership:

• Oba (King): Each town had a king as the highest ruler
• Chiefs: Helped the king make decisions
• Council of Elders: Wise old people gave advice
• Family Heads: Led their families and represented them

Lagos Island Political System:

• Oba of Lagos: The main king
• White Cap Chiefs: Important chiefs who advised the king
• Age Grade Systems: Young people organized into groups for community work

Badagry Political System:

• Akran of Badagry: The traditional ruler
• Village Heads: Led smaller communities
• Council System: People came together to discuss problems

Relationships Among Settlers

Good Relationships:

• Trade Partnerships: Bought and sold goods to each other
• Intermarriage: People married from different towns
• Shared Festivals: Celebrated important events together
• Mutual Help: Helped each other during wars or problems

How They Worked Together:

• Common Markets: Met in big markets to trade
• Shared Rivers: Used same lagoons and rivers for transport
• Cultural Exchange: Learned new foods, dances, and customs from each other
• Alliance System: Worked together against common enemies

Problem Solving:

• Peaceful Talks: When there were problems, leaders talked to solve them
• Fair Trading: Made rules for honest buying and selling
• Shared Resources: Agreed on how to use water and land
• Joint Festivals: Celebrated together to strengthen friendships

Multiple Choice Exercise

1. What is social development? a) Building houses only b) How people learn to live together and help each other c) Making money only d) Fighting with neighbors
2. What is political development? a) Playing games b) How people organize themselves and choose leaders c) Going to school d) Fishing in the river
3. What was the traditional ruler of Lagos Island called? a) Akran b) Emir c) Oba d) Chief
4. How did settlers from different towns relate to each other? a) They always fought b) They traded and helped each other c) They never talked d) They only met during wars
5. What helped strengthen relationships between towns? a) Building walls between them b) Shared festivals and intermarriage c) Refusing to trade d) Speaking different languages only

Answers: 1(b), 2(b), 3(c), 4(b), 5(b)