Major Towns in Lagos State – Basic 2 Nigerian History Lesson Note (Second Term)

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

1. Define town and city
2. Discuss the origin of major towns in Lagos state
3. List the three major occupations in these towns
4. List some educational institutions found in these towns

Lesson Content

What is a Town? A town is a place where many people live and work together. It has houses, shops, schools, and roads.

What is a City? A city is a very big town with many people, tall buildings, hospitals, universities, and lots of businesses.

Major Towns and Cities in Lagos State

1. Lagos Island

• Origin: This is where Lagos started long ago
• How it began: Awori people settled here first because it was surrounded by water (safe from enemies)
• Major Occupations:
  1. Banking and business
  2. Trading (buying and selling)
  3. Government work
• Educational Institutions:
  1. CMS Grammar School
  2. Methodist Girls High School
  3. Various primary schools

2. Ikeja

• Origin: Started by Egun people
• How it began: Good place for fishing and close to other countries
• Major Occupations:
  1. Fishing
  2. Border trading
  3. Tourism (people visiting historical places)
• Educational Institutions:
  1. First primary school in Nigeria was built here
  2. Secondary schools
  3. Primary schools

4. Ikorodu

• Origin: Started by Ijebu people
• How it began: Good place for farming and trading
• Major Occupations:
  1. Farming
  2. Trading
  3. Pottery (making pots)
• Educational Institutions:
  1. Secondary schools
  2. Primary schools
  3. Adult education centers

5. Epe

• Origin: Started by fishing communities
• How it began: Good lagoon for fishing
• Major Occupations:
  1. Fishing
  2. Farming
  3. Canoe making
• Educational Institutions:
  1. Primary schools
  2. Secondary schools

Multiple Choice Exercise

1. What is a city? a) A small village b) A very big town with many people and tall buildings c) A forest d) A river
2. Which town is the capital of Lagos State? a) Lagos Island b) Badagry c) Ikeja d) Epe
3. What are people in Badagry mostly known for? a) Banking b) Fishing and border trading c) Government work only d) Making cars
4. Where was the first primary school in Nigeria built? a) Lagos Island b) Ikeja c) Ikorodu d) Badagry
5. Which people first settled on Lagos Island? a) Egun people b) Ijebu people c) Awori people d) Hausa people

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