Our trip to Makoko

Makoko is a slum neighborhood located off Yaba close to the third mainland bridge . Established in the 18th century primarily as a fishing village, much of Makoko rests in structures constructed on stilts above Lagos Lagoon. Today the area is essentially self-governing with a very limited government presence in the community and local security being provided by the local area boys.In July 2012, Nigerian government officials destroyed dozens of residences after giving residents 72 hours notice of eviction. One resident was killed in the action. Lagos may continue the destruction of this historic community in order to redevelop what is now seen as prime waterfront.

My cousins and I heard of this photography exhibition and  thought it would be a fun and enlightening opportunity to visit Makoko, what else would we be doing on a Saturday afternoon?

Basically two Nigerian photographers picked five young people from the community; gave them cameras and taught them the basics on how to take pictures. With the support of a German organization (cant remember the name) they were able to bring about a creative exhibition. This whole idea is to empower and expose the youth and the struggles of their community.  

We took a few pictures of the community, we noticed that many of the people are not Nigerians as they didn't speak Yoruba or pidgin English. There were inscription of French on the walls and their music was very different.
This place is so interesting; young children know how to paddle canoes and they hawk items like food, clothing, snacks and even fresh water from the canoes through the narrow water ways between the stilts.  They  even have barber shops, churches and so on just like any normal community would.

All aboard!

line up of canoes

Errrr.... yea... (awful pic, but who cares) 

All the kids kept waving at the oyibos

" what can I do! am sorry "

Makoko floating school

les cousins

we invaded his or her privacy

proposed model of new Makoko, it will soon be come a tourist attraction

So close the third mainland bridge and power lines 

 It was so interesting to see how these people live on, by, in, from , of the water. Most of them were born there and may die there. They sustain them selves and don't really leave their community. 

Trust me to notice the weirdest things, but I observed that many of them have large wide feet like flippers. Their bodies probably adapting/evolving to their environment. Also they are all so agile and have incredible balance.

I think the Makoko people should organize themselves and start charging people money to go on the canoes and tour their community. It very well is a poor man's Venice