INTRODUCTION
Kosofe is one of the twenty local governments in Lagos State.
However, in October 2003, the Lagos State government created 37 al Council Development areas (LCDAS) out of the original 20 local governments in the state as a solution to the political yearnings of the people. Thus, 2 LCDAS namely, Ikosi-lsheri and Agboyi-Ketu LCDAS were carved out of the old Kosofe Local Government though Lagos is no longer the political capital of Nigeria, it is still the commercial and economic nerve centre of this great African nation.
Kosofe means 'nothings is free'. This underscores the diverse commercial activities which characterized the indigenes and early settlers of the area in the mid-nineteenth century, the people were noted for massive trade in vegetables, fruits, maize, cassava and fish. Its location at the gateway to the metropolitan Lagos further entrenches Kosofe as an important name in commerce in the modern day Nigeria.
The present day kosofe is still a burstling commercial centre, being the terminal for all food items from all parts of the nation. This is understandable as Lagos State remains the major market for all agricultural products from the hinterland as a result, the present day Kosofe is mainly occupied by traders, civil servants and elites, no wonder Kosofe motto reads thus: "cradle of excellence"
HISTORY
On the 27th November, 1996 the birth of the entity called Kosofe Local Government was announced with four other new local governments in Lagos State.
Although first created in 1980 and later abolished in 1984, Kosofe Local Government was recreated along with other new councils all over the nation in line with the Federal Government's policy of bringing the government closer to the people and as a result of the yearnings and aspirations of inhabitants.
There is no doubting the fact that the birth of Kosofe was a step towards an improved welfare package for the citizens of the area. It is also a means of fostering unity among the indigenes and the residents of the area.
LOCATION
Kosofe is located at the Northern part of Lagos State. It is bounded by (3) other Local Governments namely: Ikeja, Ikorodu and Somolu. It also shares a boundary with Ogun State. Its jurisdiction comprises of seven wards and encompasses an area of about 17.85sq/km. its headquarters is at Ogudu Road, Ojota, Lagos, Presently, Kosofe falls under East Senatorial District.
OFFICES
Headquarters: Kosofe Local Government, 53 Ogudu Road, Ojota Lagos State.
Area Offices: 1. Ogudu Area Office, By Ogudu Round/About, Lagos state.
2. Oworonshoki Area Office by Papa Oworonshoki, Lagos State.
PEOPLE
The indigenous dwellers of Kosofe Local Government area were mainly the Aworis whose major occupation were mat weaving, farming and fishing. As expected being a Local Government carved out from Old Somolu L.G, Kosofe is populated with the UEBUS. However, due to its location as the gateway to the state and the hospitality of the indigenes, Kosofe houses people from the Northern and Eastern parts of the country who engage in commercial activities in the various markets such as Binukonu Market, Ojota and Bello Bakare Market. Another emergent class of dwellers in Kosofe are top civil servants and officials who live in Government Residential Areas in Ogudu.
Despite the diversity of its dwellers, the Local Government is very peaceful and the relationship between the different groups is very cordial. This give a favourable background for the development of the area.
SETTLEMENT
There are several settlements in Kosofe Local Government. These were delineated into seven wards by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The wards are as follows.
INDEX /AREAS
1. A Oworonshoki
2. B Oworonshoki
3. C Gbagada, Ifako Soluyi
4. D Anthony Village, Ajao Estate
5. E Mende
6. F Ojota
7. G Ogudu
CULTURE AND TRADITIONS
Among the tradition and cultures that are predominant in Kosofe Local Government Area are Igunuko, Egun masquerades, Oro, Osun and Ogun festivals are usually observed, appeased and worshipped.
Also, part of the people of Kosofe Local Government area believe in Ifa oracle divination especially when a new king is about to be nominated. They also believe in social interaction by dancing to interesting and enjoyable Bata drum, Agidigbo traditional drumming with Apepe which is a musical implement made from Bamboo tree. Gelede is also a recognized masquerade for the entertainment of the youth and aged people.
Members of the Obaship and chieftaincy committee in the Local Government include.
1. HRM Oba Bashir Olountoyin Olountodupefun the 1st Oba of Oworoshoki Land.
2. HRH Oba Waiheed Fashola Ologudu of Ogudu
3. Chief Dada Ojigan (Baale of Ojota)
4. Chief Sule Kadiri (Baaleoflfako)
5. Chief A. A. Ajose (Baale of Mende)
Based on the 2006 National Population census, Kosofe houses 682,772 people (358,935 males and 323,837 females). However, Kosofe Local Government as at today almost 1 million people.
WEATHERS CLIMATE
The vegetation of the area is the swamp forest which had made way for the construction of houses, markets and other infrastructure. However, the climatic condition of the area is influenced by the climatic seasons; dry season between November to March and wet season between April to October, The major water body in the Local Government is the Ogun River.
THE ENVIRONMENT
Kosofe Local Government is an environmentally friendly Local Government. The task of refuse clearing is being handled jointly by the Local Government, Private Sector Participation, Lagos State Waste Management Authority and Lagos State Highway Managers.
Though the Lagos State Government is in charge of Environmental Protection, Kosofe Local Government is conscious of the need to maintain a sustainably clean environment and an effectively managed waste disposal system. Hence the establishment of the environmental Sanitation Corps/ unit to monitor refuse disposal in the Local Government area.
