Olodi Apapa is a little, charming slice of Northern Nigeria which is alive in Lagos. It is majorly a residential area. The road network and the power supply in Olodi Apapa is fair. The popular ‘Hausa line’, located within Olodi Apapa in Lagos State, has been inhabited by Hausas for some one hundred years now and, like a magnet, it continually attracts persons of Hausa descent from the North.
Olodi-Apapa is in close proximity to Aliayabiagba and Ajegunle. This neighbourhood is a hub for artisans, who are majorly Hausas. There is a central mosque in Olodi Apapa which has been there for decades.
This unique neighbourhood is the hub for Hausas in Lagos. It is famous for its suya spots, its architecture and the friendliness of its inhabitants. There are many Hausa men here whose first home is Lagos, as they were born in Olodi Apapa. There is a high level of intermarriage and mixing of cultures going on in the community thus the long history of Hausa settlement. There are also people of other tribes such as; Igalas, Itsekiris, Igbos and Yorubas. Some of the residents are food sellers, clerics, tea sellers, cobblers, tailors, local barbers (wanzamai) and countless other folks who help define and give colour to Olodi Apapa.
The heavy transference of culture from one part of Nigeria to another and the happy faces of low class and middle-class Nigerians in this area is appealing.
Olodi Apapa in itself is a market that hosts a lot of Hausa artisans who trade in other markets. The environment is always lively and it is the major hub of suya sellers, in Lagos. There are also a number of cow sellers in the neighbourhood of Olodi Apapa. Westminster Market is not far away from here.
The fun generated from the individual energy and liveliness of the residents of Olodi Apapa is unmatched. Although there are no major recreational centres in the neighbourhood, there is no dull moment at Olodi Apapa as Hausa people have brought their culture alive in this abode. Hotels in this area are; Top Star Hotel, De Crown, and Ten Plus Suite.
