EJINRIN — The Trading Hub

Ejinrin might not be prominent on the map of Nigeria, but it has a unique place in the development history of Nigeria. Lying about 49.1 kilometres between Ijebu-Ode and Epe, it was a notable trading hub of the old Lagos colony and one of Nigeria’s prominent and historic towns. As a result of its endowments, the colonialists established their business empires which impacted positively on the economic life of the people.

In the 19th century, while Lagos was noted for its slave trade exit, Ejinrin was noted for trading. Because of its proximity to the lagoon, Ejinrin enjoyed a tremendous influence in both trade and commerce.

During its economic boom, a Post Office and Postmaster-General quarters, the first in the country, were established in 1810 while a jetty was constructed around 1830. The first Comprehensive College in Lagos State built in 1978 is also said to be in Ejinrin. The Comprehensive College, Lofi-Ogunmude, was named after the founder of Ejinrin-Epe community. According to local history, a hunter called Lofi founded Ejinrin about 400 years ago and it was named after a herbal leaf called, (Ejinrin leaf) use to cure different types of diseases.

The first post office which was established by the British in Ejirin. It was considered to be a part of the British postal system. It was a branch of London General Post Office and this was the situation till 1874. (1862) when the Post Office began its career as a full fledge Department, the Royal Niger Company (RNC) .

When the Europeans came to Ejinrin in the 19th Century, they constructed a sea port, which is today the second oldest sea port in Nigeria, built the largest market containing over 1,800 stalls. The market was known for trading in commodities such as cocoa, fabric, herbs, fish and other consumable and exports alike. Ejinrin has one of the oldest roads, which link Lagos to Kano State. The oldest Anglican Church, built in 1892 by the Europeans is still standing in the community. All these buildings are still in their original form.

With the abolition of slave trade, commodities like Timber, Farm Produce, Textiles, building materials etc surfaced and many companies established warehouses and offices in Ejinrin, from 1920s. The companies included John Holt, Lever Brothers, UAC, PZ, GB Ollivant, Round Tree, CFAO and many others. The Ejinrin market was rebuilt in the 1950s with the help of World Bank as the biggest and largest market in the then Western region with over 1,628 open and lock up shops.

Economic Activities

Farming, fishing, timber merchandising, trading and palm wine tapping etc.

Economic Potentials

• Waterfront for Tourism

• Ejinrin has been found within the bitumen belt.

• Availability of large market for Seafood

Sources:

LASPARK ARCHIVE

https://eleniyancares.com/ejinrin-district/

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/inside-ejirin-a-lagos-community-living-on-past-glory.html