The Background For the last 173 years, Lagos has likely been home to Nigeria's oldest multi-story structure. The renowned white one-story structure in Badagry is thought to be Nigeria's earliest storey building. It may not be as ancient as England's Dover Castle. But it's probably the country's most important historic site.
Lagos was once part of a larger colony called Oyo that was ruled by the Spanish from their base in present-day Spain. In 1803, the British annexed Oyo and made it a province they called Yoruba Land. They left the culture and architecture of the Yorubas intact but began importing slaves from other parts of Africa to work on their farms and in their homes. By the time the British pulled out in 1914, many Lagosians were living like slaves in their own city. Today, more than 80 percent of Lagos residents live below the poverty line.
But even though it is among the most impoverished cities in Africa, with millions of people packed into its megacities alone, Lagos is famous for two things: oil and music. In fact, it could be said that without oil, there would be no modern Lagos because there would be no way to pay for all those cars and buildings powered by electricity. And the city's reputation as the birthplace of Afrobeat and highlife music continues to grow stronger every year.
The Story of Nigeria's First Storey Building It is situated in Badagry, a seaside town. A city on the West African coast that shares a border with the Benin Republic. There are two sitting rooms, six bedrooms, four shops, and a safe in the property. The owner built it in 1857.
Nigeria has one of the fastest growing economies in Africa and is also one of the most polluted countries on the continent. Around 70 percent of the population live in urban areas, and nearly all citizens use electricity on a daily basis.
Almost every Nigerian city or town has a story similar to that of Badagry. Although oil has been discovered in several states of Nigeria, it is not found in abundance there. Instead, the country's economy is based on agriculture and tourism.
Badagry may not be a famous name outside of Nigeria but it is known as the city of stories because of its many myths and legends. For example, it is said that if you throw a stone into the Badagry River, you will always find someone willing to give you information about people who have gone missing.
In fact, there are hundreds of stories like this one from around the world. Every city has a story that goes back thousands of years and helps people understand what lives behind the walls of their homes.
Badagry Badagry, Lagos State, is home to Nigeria's first multi-story structure. Every year, a large number of people visit. The house's foundation was established in 1842, and it was finished in 1845. The corrugated iron sheet roof of the one-story structure overlooks the marina shoreline. The building has eight rooms on each floor, with a total capacity for 60 guests.
If you ask most people around the world which country builds the largest buildings, they will probably say America. But in reality, China builds the biggest structures. China's skyscrapers are now so big that they are beginning to affect the Earth's climate!
The tallest building in Africa is still under construction and isn't expected to be completed until after 2020. The name of this building is "Cirrus" and it will be in Cairo, Egypt. At 2,079 feet (634 meters), it will be nearly 100 feet (30 meters) shorter than the current record holder, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. It will also be less tall than its closest competitor, the Nelson Mandela Gateway in Johannesburg, South Africa.
In fact, no other building in Africa is even close to being a contender for title of world's tallest building. No other building in Africa is even close to being a contender for title of world's tallest building.
Lagos's Jaekel House It was erected in 1898 and was named after Francis Jaekel, a previous NRC Superintendent. This makes it 119 years old, making it one of the oldest structures in Nigeria still standing!
The house has nine rooms: three bedrooms, a dining room, a drawing room, and a library. It also has large windows and doors which are made of wood.
In 1998, it was listed as one of the eleven best buildings in Africa by the National Heritage Institute. In 2001, it was added to the World Monuments Watch list of endangered sites.
Today, the Jaekel House is owned by the government who uses it for offices. It is not open to the public but you can walk through its empty rooms.
Lagos wasn't always part of Nigeria. It used to be a Portuguese colony called Lagos Colony. The city was founded by Portugal in 1688 when they sent out settlers to work on building ships for Brazil. After Portugal and Spain went to war in 1807, both countries sent their ships to Lagos to be repaired - this is how Portugal won Lagos Colony from Spain.
Portugal decided to sell Lagos Colony in 1815.
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