History of Lagos State – Basic 2 Nigerian History Lesson Note (Third Term)

Learning Objectives

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

1. Define the word state
2. Write the features of a state
3. Locate Lagos state on a map of Nigeria

Lesson Content

What is a State? A state is a large area of land with many towns and cities that work together under one government. It has its own leaders, laws, and capital city.

Features of a State

1. Land and Territory

• A state has borders (lines that show where it starts and ends)
• It has towns, cities, and villages inside it
• It has natural features like rivers, forests, or mountains

2. People

• Many people live in the state
• People from different ethnic groups can live together
• People work, go to school, and have families in the state

3. Government

• A state has a governor who leads it
• It has laws (rules) that everyone must follow
• It has a capital city where the government works

4. Services

• The state provides schools for children
• It builds hospitals for sick people
• It builds roads for people to travel
• It provides electricity and water

5. Flag and Symbol

• Every state has its own flag
• It has a logo (special picture) that represents it
• It may have a state song or anthem

Lagos State on the Map of Nigeria

Location of Lagos State:

• Lagos State is in the South West part of Nigeria
• It is located by the Atlantic Ocean (big sea)
• It shares borders with Ogun State on the north and east
• It shares border with Republic of Benin on the west
• The southern part touches the Atlantic Ocean

Size and Position:

• Lagos State is one of the smallest states in Nigeria by land size
• But it has the most people (most populated state)
• It looks like it’s “sitting” on the water because it has many lagoons and islands

Important Facts about Lagos State Location:

• It’s the closest Nigerian state to Europe by sea
• Many ships from other countries come to Lagos ports
• It has both mainland and island areas
• The Atlantic Ocean gives it a long coastline

Capital City:

• The capital of Lagos State is Ikeja
• This is where the state government offices are located
• The governor lives and works in Ikeja

Multiple Choice Exercise

1. What is a state? a) A small village b) A large area of land with many towns under one government c) A single house d) A river
2. What is the capital of Lagos State? a) Lagos Island b) Badagry c) Ikorodu d) Ikeja
3. Which ocean is Lagos State located by? a) Indian Ocean b) Pacific Ocean c) Atlantic Ocean d) Arctic Ocean
4. Which state shares a border with Lagos State? a) Kano State b) Rivers State c) Ogun State d) Kaduna State
5. What is one feature that every state must have? a) A mountain b) A desert c) A government d) A forest

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