Lekki: The Vibrant Jewel of Lagos

• HelloBawo ni
  [bah-woh nee]
• GoodbyeOdabo
  [oh-dah-boh]
• YesBee
  [bee]
• NoBe ko
  [beh koh]
• Please/You're welcomeAbeg
  [ah-beg]
• Thank youEse
  [eh-seh]
• Excuse me/SorryE jor
  [eh jaw]
• How are you?Kedu ka imere?
  [keh-doo kah ee-meh-reh]
• Fine. And you?Olee. Kedu ka imere?
  [oh-lee. keh-doo kah ee-meh-reh]
• Do you speak English?O nwere mmadu to si Bekee?
  [oh nweh-reh mmah-doo toh see beh-keh]
• I don't understandA si na m n'ihi aga
  [ah see nah m nee-hee ah-gah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseA ga eme ka m jide menu, biko
  [ah gah eh-meh kah m jee-deh menu, bee-koh]
• I don't eat meatA choo ka m were nna
  [ah choh kah m weh-reh nah]
• Cheers!Oyinbo
  [oh-yin-boh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseA ga eme ka m lee, biko
  [ah gah eh-meh kah m leh, bee-koh]

• Help!Kee ya m
  [keh yah m]
• Go away!Gba l'aya!
  [gbah lah-yah]
• Call the Police!Kee polis!
  [keh poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Kee docta!
  [keh doh-kah]
• I'm lostA di m agu
  [ah dee-m ah-goo]
• I'm illA na-eti
  [ah nah eh-tee]

• I'd like to buy...A ga eme ka m rie...
  [ah gah eh-meh kah m ree-eh]
• I'm just lookingA na-esi gbagi
  [ah nah-eh-see gah-gee]
• How much is it?Ebee ka i ga-enye?
  [eh-beh kah ee gah-ehn-yeh]
• That's too expensiveO dika akara
  [oh dee-kah ah-kah-rah]
• Can you lower the price?O nwere ike i hazi okpom?
  [oh nweh-reh ee-keh ee hah-zee oh-kpohm]

• What time is it?Kedu ka aga?
  [keh-doo kah ah-gah]
• It's one o'clockO bu otu agha
  [oh boo oh-too ah-gah]
• Half past (10)Usi n'ime (iri)
  [oo-see nee-meh ee-ree]
• MorningUtutu
  [oo-too-too]
• AfternoonEhihie
  [eh-hee-hee-eh]
• EveningIgwe
  [ee-gweh]
• YesterdayEkele
  [eh-keh-leh]
• TodayOnwa
  [ohn-wah]
• TomorrowAfo
  [ah-foh]
• 1Otu
  [oh-too]
• 2Abuo
  [ah-boo-oh]
• 3Ato
  [ah-toh]
• 4Ano
  [ah-noh]
• 5Ise
  [ee-seh]
• 6Isii
  [ee-see-ee]
• 7Asaa
  [ah-sah-ah]
• 8Ise-eni
  [ee-seh-eh-nee]
• 9Iwulu
  [ee-woo-loo]
• 10Iri
  [ee-ree]

• Where's a/the...?Ebee ka n'azu...
  [eh-beh-kah nah-zoo]
• What's the address?Kedu ka adreesi?
  [keh-doo kah ah-dree-see]
• Can you show me (on the map)?O nwere ike i weta m (na map)?
  [oh nweh-reh ee-keh ee weh-tah m (nah map)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kedu ka ime (bus) ebe a?
  [keh-doo kah ee-meh (boos) eh-beh ah]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiket (si ....)
  [tee-keh (see)]

The Lekki area is historically significant as part of the Lagos region, which was originally settled by the Awori people. The name 'Lekki' is derived from the local dialect, and the area developed as a fishing village before becoming a more prominent part of Lagos. It served as a coastal settlement, benefiting from the rich marine resources of the Atlantic Ocean.

During the colonial era in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lekki began to see infrastructural development as Lagos turned into a major port city under British colonial rule. This resulted in the establishment of roads and the introduction of Western education and governance systems in the area, which began to transform Lekki’s local economy.

After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, Lekki experienced a gradual transformation from a rural community to a suburban area. The government's focus on urban development led to the construction of residential estates and commercial properties, making it an attractive location for middle-class families and businesses.

In the early 2000s, the establishment of the Lekki Free Trade Zone was a pivotal moment for the area's economy. This initiative aimed to attract foreign investment and promote industrial growth, further enhancing Lekki's status as an economic hub within Lagos State. The zone has since attracted numerous multinational companies, boosting local employment opportunities.

Today, Lekki is a vibrant cultural melting pot, reflecting the diverse ethnicities and cultures of Lagos. The area hosts numerous festivals, art exhibitions, and culinary events that celebrate both local traditions and contemporary influences. The Lekki Arts and Crafts Market is a notable venue where artisans showcase traditional Nigerian crafts, underscoring the area’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

Lekki is accessible from various parts of Lagos. If you're coming from Victoria Island, you can take a taxi or an Uber, which takes about 30 minutes depending on traffic. From Ikeja, the journey may take around an hour by taxi. Buses, known as BRT, also operate routes to Lekki, providing an affordable option. Additionally, Lekki is served by major roads like the Lekki-Epe Expressway, making it convenient for travelers with private vehicles.

Once in Lekki, getting around is relatively easy. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Bolt are widely available. For a more local experience, you can use the yellow 'Danfo' buses, although they can be crowded. Bicycles are also a popular way to explore specific areas like Lekki Phase 1. Walking is feasible in certain parts, especially near Lekki Leisure Lake and the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge.

Lekki is generally safer than other neighborhoods in Lagos, but it is essential to remain vigilant. Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in less populated areas. Areas such as Ajah and the outskirts of Lekki are known for higher crime rates, including theft and scams targeting tourists. Always secure your belongings and avoid displaying expensive items in public.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police assistance or 07082830000 for medical emergencies. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospital, such as the Lekki General Hospital. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, and it's useful to keep a list of emergency contacts handy.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; covering your shoulders and knees is advisable in churches. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet with a handshake; a smile goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and drinks; don't refuse food offers, as it can be seen as impolite.

To experience Lekki like a local, explore the Lekki Arts and Crafts Market for handmade goods and souvenirs. Engage with local vendors for an authentic experience. Visit the Lekki Conservation Centre, where you can walk the canopy walkway and see wildlife. Attend local festivals or events if possible, as they often showcase the vibrant culture of the area. Lastly, enjoy the beaches, but be mindful of the tides and local advice on safety.