Nigeria was recently listed as the country in the world with the highest number of female entrepreneurs (40 percent according to BBC). One of its cities, Lagos is identified as the cultural capital for its cosmopolitan art, music and fashion vibes. When visiting Lagos, there are many ways to support local women, tap into the culture and get around easily, using the taxi-hailing app Taxipixi. This feminist city guide to Lagos celebrates the women of this vibrant city.
A Feminist City Guide to Lagos
Visit this Woman-Owned Art Gallery
Nike Art Gallery
Nike Art Gallery in Lagos | © Jeremy Weate/Flickr
Nike Art Gallery is a museum on Lekki Island, Lagos owned by Nike Davies- Okundaye. Inspired by ancient indigo weaving and dying techniques from her home-town in Western Nigeria, Okundaye created a four-story museum filled with textiles and art. If lucky, visitors can spot Nike and take a picture with her after she ties a gele for you (a traditional head-dress). The museum is open seven days a week.
Celebrate Underrepresented Art at this Female-Owned Center
The Contemporary Center for Art Lagos
© Courtesy of The Contemporary Center for Art Lagos
The Contemporary Center for Art Lagos (CCA Lagos) focuses on underrepresented forms of visual art in the country such as photography, performance, installation, and video. It was founded by the late curator Bisi Da Silva. Stop by for an exhibition, talk or workshop. CCA is in Yaba, Lagos and is open on weekdays.
Shop for Female-Owned Brands
Alara
Interior of Alara Lagos | © Alara Lagos / Instagram
At first glance, Alara may seem like a luxurious home, but it is a concept store owned by Reni Folawiyo and boasting high-end western and Nigerian brands including female owned brands such as Jewel By Lisa, Tiffany Amber and more. Alara is located on Victoria Island.
Shop for textiles from female traders
Balogun Market
Balogun Market in Lagos | © Lola Akinmade Åkerström
In addition to buying off-the-rack items, one can visit several open-air markets in Lagos such as Balogun, Iponkri and Oke Arin where mostly female traders sell Ankara (a printed cotton fabric that can be sewn into an outfit) and shoppers can wheel out their purchases in a wheelbarrow.
Sign up for a female led tour of Lagos
TVP Adventures Office
© Courtesy of TVP Adventures
There are several female-owned and operated travel and tour companies run and led by women in Lagos. Funmi Oyatogun runs TVP Adventures whose trips in Lagos include the ‘Soothe your Soul Yoga Retreat’ on Victoria Island, a historical tour of Badagry and more. Another tour company of note is Social Prefect Tours founded by Chiamaka Obuekwe who aims to promote tourism to Africa and Nigeria with affordable tours.
Taste traditional Nigerian food at this cultural center
Terra Kulture
Spicy snails dish | © Dyolf77/Wikipedia
Owned by Bolanle Austen- Peters, Terra Kulture is an art gallery, cultural center, library and food court all-in-one. The food lounge serves traditional Nigerian cuisine including goat pepper soup, pounded yam and spicy snails.
Enjoy lunch in a lush garden
NOK Restaurant
© Courtesy of NOK Restaurant
NOK Restaurant is a Pan African restaurant and an extension of the luxury retail store, Alara, owned by Reni Folawiyo. Situated in a lush garden, it is the perfect spot for brunch or dinner. Standout items on the menu include the hummus with suya (spicy skewered meat), jerk chicken, and jollof rice.
Stay at this Woman-Owned boutique hotel
Bogobiri Hotel
© Courtesy of Bogobiri Hotel
The Bogobori Hotel is a sixteen-room boutique hotel in Ikoyi, Lagos. It was founded by Tola Akerele whose love of design is evidenced in the individually decorated rooms. There are two restaurants/bars on the premises which offer live music on select evenings, as well as a gallery and gift shop and massage center.
A Guest house promising a lovely stay
Nike Guest House
The Nike Guest House in Lagos | © sassyfunke.com
Nike Okundaye of Nike Art Center operates a 10 roomed guest house equipped with kitchenettes and wifi. Have lunch in the garden on the premises and spot peacocks and tortoises.
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