Photo of the Week: Welcome to Ejirin

 

PZ's departure led to the construction of over one thousand shops at the old port.
PZ’s departure led to the construction of over one thousand shops at the old port.

Ejirin, a historical town located in Epe, Lagos, is rapidly emerging as a focal point for both environmental sustainability and cultural development. Nestled on the edge of the Lagos Lagoon, Ejirin is facing some of the most pressing climate challenges in Lagos, while simultaneously paving the way for modern economic growth through the Lagos Film City.

One of the oldest Post Offices in Nigeria, established in 1898 is situated in Ejirin, a significant milestone in the country’s communication history. The Post Office was part of the colonial administration’s efforts to expand the postal network across Lagos and the wider region, with Ejirin playing a key role due to its strategic position as a trade and transportation hub.

Ejirin flourished as a major commercial center in the early 20th century, functioning as Lagos’s easternmost trade hub and connecting merchants to Northern Nigeria and beyond. Multinational giants, including Unilever, John Holt, PZ and others conducted business in Ejirin. The town’s heritage is preserved through the centuries-old warehouses of these companies. As a lasting legacy, PZ‘s departure led to the construction of over one thousand shops at the old port.

Glory days are in the horizon, the coastal town’s potential as a cultural and economic hub is about to reach new heights with the introduction of the $100m Lagos Film City on 100-hectares in Ejirin. This ambitious development is set to become a central landmark in the Nigerian entertainment industry, offering state-of-the-art facilities for film production, training, and international collaborations. The world is coming back to Ejirin.

The proposed Film City in Ejirin is not just an entertainment project—it is a bold step towards transforming the local economy, creating thousands of jobs, and positioning Ejirin as a destination for film lovers, tourists, and international investors. With its proximity to Lagos, the Film City will also have a far-reaching impact on the broader Lagos economy, generating significant revenue and reinforcing Lagos’ growing stature as Africa’s leading creative capital.

Lagos State, one of Nigeria’s most vibrant and populous regions, is grappling with the impacts of climate change—especially in coastal and lagoon-side communities like Ejirin. Rising sea levels, flooding, and environmental degradation are serious challenges that demand innovative solutions.

As part of the Lagos Lagoon Climate Response strategy, Ejirin is on of the critical players in skills acquisition, enhanced public healthcare and educational support for secondary school students. By leveraging expertise in water hyacinth management, mangrove conservation and wetland protection can be achieved, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the lagoon environment and minimizing risks of coastal erosion and flooding.