Lagos State, Nigeria - Family Health International

In-Depth Assessment Report
8.7 Ethnographic Account
Ikeja LGA, one of the 20 LGAs in Lagos State, is uniquely
located in the heart of Lagos metropolis. It is one of the
most populous and urban parts of Nigeria, with a truly
heterogeneous population. Indigenes are Awori, a Yoruba
subgroup. There are fairly defined communities such as
Onigbongbo, Ipodo, Ogba, Ojodu, Onilekere and part of
Ojota.
The LGA is a typical urban centre in terms of size, density
and heterogeneity. It has derived tremendous infrastructural
benefits from the past political and administrative
facilities – notably roads, pipe-borne water, telecommunications,
health and educational facilities. Five subsites
were selected for the study: Ikeja Central, Ogba,
Onigbongbo, Ojodu/Berger and Onilekere.
8.7.1 Ikeja Central
The site includes the GRA and Ipodo/Isale Awori, about
4km from the state capital (Alausa). There are five public
primary schools and one public secondary school.
Residential characteristics vary sharply from the very
dense and congested areas of Ipodo to the low density of
the GRA. Female sex workers are concentrated in Ipodo,
where there are large numbers of low-class brothels, hotels
and hostels for their operation. Visiting FSW are also
found in Allen Avenue, Mandarin Casino and the Country
Club. The Ikeja bus stop is a major traffic route for small
and large buses carrying commuters to other parts of the
metropolis.
The General Hospital is the most visible public health
facility. A secondary facility has been recently converted
to a teaching hospital for LASU medical school. There are
a number of primary healthcare centres and large private
hospitals. The diverse characteristics of the permanent
and transient population – in terms of economic status,
occupations, religions and ethnicity – give rise to a complex
socio-economic/socio-cultural environment in which
the active players are employees, informal sectors, soldiers,
FSWs, transporters and low-income earners.
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8.7.2 Ogba
Ogba is a mixed community of residential and commercial
activities. A large number of public primary schools, secondary
schools and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (a
post-secondary institution) are located here. Shonola and
Ogba/Aguda roads are notorious for sex trade. FSW are
found in the Aimasiko hostels. They also operate in the
evening in Maru Gruel House in Ogba, charging N200
per round and N500 overnight. Healthcare facilities
include PHC, private hospitals, pharmacies and drug
stores scattered throughout the community. These also
provide outlets for condoms (about 85 such outlets were
identified).
8.7.3 Onigbongbo/Barracks
The community, largely residential except for the Nigerian
Army Barracks, is about 6km from the state capital. It is
a traditional community headed by a 78-year-old Baale.
There are six primary schools and many religious institutions.
It is striking to note that there are no permanent
FSW in the community; the leadership has successfully
outlawed them. A few, however, sneak in at night and
operate in Lasiyet Hotel, Mammy Market in the barracks,
NICA and other hotels. Drivers and concealed sex workers
meet in Mosafejo Park, where an average of 30 trucks
and buses park overnight. These FSW also sell food,
drinks and illegal drugs. The drivers also frequent
Acadian Hotel and Orelope food canteen for sexual entertainment.
8.7.4 Ojodu/Berger
This community, 3km from the state capital, is largely residential
with a major motor garage (Berger) linking directly
to the expressway between Lagos and other parts of the
country. Hundreds of transport workers are found here
and sex work thrives. The National Union of Road
Transport Workers has a strong foothold in Berger
because it serves as a focal point for truck, bus and taxi
drivers. Sex workers are found as permanent residents in
Crown Hotel, Africana Hotel and Seaside Hotel. Other
bars and guest houses frequented by bus and truck drivers
are Charity Hotel, Acadian House, Mojoyin Restaurant,
Alubarikaloju and Denglo hotels. Out-of-school youths
can be seen performing menial jobs around the garage, or
simply roaming and picking pockets.