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Where is Makoko?
Makoko is located in Lagos, Nigeria’s biggest city. If you’ve ever crossed the famous 3rd Mainland Bridge in Lagos, you’ve probably seen Makoko without realizing it. It’s right there, spread out along the coast.Who Lives in Makoko?
Makoko is home to many people, but it’s hard to say exactly how many. Some say around 85,840 people live there, but others think it could be much more. The government didn’t officially count Makoko in their 2007 census, so we don’t have an exact number. The water part of Makoko is mostly home to the Egun people. They came from places called Badagry and the Republic of Benin. Many of them are fishermen, carrying on a tradition that goes back generations.A Bit of History
Makoko has been around for a long time. It started in the 19th century, which means it’s over 100 years old! Over time, people built more and more houses on stilts over the water. The name “Makoko” comes from the Yoruba language. In Yoruba, it means “Pick Akoko.” Akoko is a type of leaf that used to grow all over this area. In Yoruba tradition, these leaves are special. They’re used in ceremonies for new chiefs and are believed to help with having babies.Life in Makoko
Life in Makoko is very different from what most of us know. Instead of streets, there are waterways. People use boats instead of cars to get around. The houses on the water are built on tall wooden stilts to keep them safe when the water level rises. The people of Makoko have created a unique way of life. They’ve adapted to living with water all around them. There are floating markets where people sell fish, fruits, and other goods from their boats. Children often learn to paddle before they can walk!Sign up for the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter
Challenges Facing Makoko
Living in Makoko isn’t easy. The community faces many problems. Getting clean water is hard, and there’s no good way to get rid of trash. This means a lot of garbage ends up in the water. There aren’t many doctors or schools, which makes life tough for families.The Demolition of 2012
In July 2012, Makoko faced a big crisis. The government of Lagos State decided to tear down some of the houses on stilts. They said these houses were beyond the power lines and had to go. This happened very quickly – within 72 hours of telling people they had to leave. Almost 3,000 people lost their homes because of this. This demolition caused a lot of pain and anger in the community. It also got the attention of people around the world who were worried about what was happening to Makoko.Hope for the Future
After the demolition, some people started thinking about how to make life better in Makoko. A group called Urban Spaces Innovation came up with a plan to improve the community. They worked with local people, experts, and international helpers to create this plan. In January 2014, they gave their plan to the Lagos State Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning. The idea was to make Makoko a better place to live while keeping its unique character.Makoko Today
Today, Makoko is still facing challenges, but its people are strong and resilient. They’ve created a community unlike any other in the world. Makoko shows us how people can adapt to difficult conditions and create a home in unusual places. Many people are now interested in Makoko. Journalists, filmmakers, and researchers come to learn about this unique floating village. Some think that as climate change causes sea levels to rise, we might be able to learn from how Makoko’s people live with water.Register to attend the CN Business Mixer
Final Thoughts
Makoko isn’t just a place – it’s a symbol of human creativity and strength. It shows us that home isn’t just about having a house on solid ground. It’s about community, adapting to your environment, and making the best of what you have. As Lagos continues to grow and change, the hope is that Makoko can find a way to improve life for its residents while keeping its special floating world alive. The story of Makoko is still being written, and its future remains to be seen.Got a suggestion? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com
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