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Ikorodu

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Ikorodu is a major city located in Lagos State, Nigeria. It sits approximately 37 km north of the city of Lagos. The city lies along the shores of the Lagos Lagoon. To its north, it shares a border with Ogun State. To the east, it borders the town of Agbowa-Ikosi. Ikorodu is currently the 12th largest city in Nigeria. It is also the second largest local government area in Lagos State. The city is growing very quickly. It has an annual growth rate of 5.26%. Experts project the population will reach 1.7 million people by 2035.

The history of Ikorodu involves migration from neighboring regions. The indigenous settlers emigrated from Sagamu and parts of Ijebu in Ogun State. Because of these roots, the Ijebu dialect is widely spoken in the area. The city has grown significantly over the last 40 years. It is now divided into sixteen or seventeen minor areas called "Ituns." These areas form part of the larger Ikorodu Division. This division includes several major towns like Imota, Isiu, Liadi, Egbin, Ijede, Ibeshe, Igbogbo, and Bayeku. Each of these towns has its own traditional ruler, known as an Oba.

Administratively, Ikorodu was reorganized in 2003. The existing Local Government Area was split into several Local Council Development Areas, or LCDAs. These smaller units help manage the growing population. The current LCDAs include Imota, Igbogbo/Bayeku, Ijede, Ikorodu North, Ikorodu West, and the Ikorodu Local Government Area. This structure allows for more local control over the different parts of the division. The town is a fast-growing part-exurb of the Lagos metropolis. Many people move here from surrounding villages because it is close to Lagos.

The economy of Ikorodu is built on several key sectors. Trading, farming, and manufacturing are the main industries. The Ikorodu Division contains a large industrial area with many factories. In the town itself, several established Nigerian banks have branches. A very important part of the local economy is the Imota rice mill. This agricultural plant was built in 2021. It was designed to begin full production in the second quarter of 2022. The government is also developing an industrial park near the mill to help businesses thrive.

The Imota rice mill is a massive facility with global significance. It has the capacity to produce 2.8 million bags of rice every year. Each bag weighs 50 kg. This production capacity makes it one of the largest mills in the world. It is also the largest in sub-Saharan Africa. The mill creates 1,500 direct jobs and 254,000 indirect jobs. The technical process involves a method called dehusking. This means the mill removes the tough husks attached to the grain. These husks are indigestible and would ruin the taste of the rice. The mill may also roll or polish the grains during processing.

This rice mill has a major impact on Nigeria's trade and food prices. Currently, Nigeria produces husk rice but must import polished rice at a higher price. By processing the rice locally, the country can improve its trade balance. Governor Sanwo-Olu stated that full production will reduce the price of rice. This makes the national staple food more affordable for everyone. The facility helps move the country toward processing its own food rather than buying it from abroad. This is a key part of the local economic strategy.

Ikorodu offers many resources for education and culture. There are 69 public primary schools and 12 secondary schools in the greater area. Students can attend tertiary institutions like Caleb University or the Lagos State University of Science & Technology. There are also several public libraries, such as the Ikorodu Town Hall library and the Ijede Reading Room. For culture, visitors can see the Palace of the Ayangburen. There are also many tourist centers like Cradoo Lake Waterfront and the beaches at Ijede. The city is home to many different religions, including Christianity, Islam, and traditional worship.

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