Lagos, Nigeria, is one of my favorite cities in the world and it just so happens to be home to me. So it’s no surprise that when summer holidays came, I packed up my luggage and my 3 children and headed to Lagos for the whole summer.
One of the places I always look forward to visiting is the Lekki Arts & Craft Market also known as Oba Elegushi International Market or Jakande Art Market. I always visit Lekki Arts & Craft market but have never written about it. The market is one of the hidden gems of Lagos sate but gets overlooked because of its hidden location and unless you are looking for it, you won’t find it.
Walking into the market one of the things that stands out is how well organized and clean the market is, compared to the normal Lagos markets like the popular Balogun and Mushin markets.
Like any other market, the best time to go is early in the morning to avoid the Lagos traffic. The beautiful thing about the market is the different shops that have different arts and crafts on sale. And what is unique about the arts is that each art represents a different part of Nigeria.
From the handcrafted raffia baskets, to lovely bags and purses made from African fabric prints to intricately handcrafted furniture, you will definitely find something that catches your eye. I went there for the fashion accessories, the woven baskets, the famous glass beads and bowls and I wasn’t disappointed, I was spoilt for choice.
The bags were well made and very fashionable, I was determined to get one because I had seen a lot of them on fashion blogs and websites. I ended up buying a couple of bags and also an amazing laptop bag. As with all Nigerian markets, I had to bargain to get a good price that I was happy with it.
A couple of rows from the arts and crafts section, is the food market where all sorts of vegetables are sold. I could not believe some of the fruits and vegetables I found there. No wonder, the market was filled with expatriates as they came in large groups, eager to get fruits and vegetables and also walk round and experience the beauty and culture of Nigerian arts on display.
It was fun going round the market window shopping and speaking to the different vendors about where they get their goods from. I intend to visit the Lekki Arts & Craft market again before I leave Lagos, this time in the company of my 5 year old daughter who is an avid art lover, I would love to see her reaction to all the arts and craft on display! Lekki Arts and Craft market is indeed a gem in Lagos State.
Finally, some tips on visiting the Lekki Arts & Craft Market
Avoid going weekends if you can and its always best to go early to avoid the Lekki traffic.
Don't buy from the first shop, its always best to look around so you can compare prices.
Don't be pressured into buying anything and always bargain so you get a good price!!
Finally, enjoy walking around the market, you will be amazed at what you can learn about art and crafts in Nigeria!
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