Email: iads@unilag.edu.ng
Have any question? +234 8020518923

2025 LAGOS CONFERENCE PANELS

LC01

Lagos, Between Roots and Realities: Autochthony, Identity Politics and Power Dynamics in Nigeria’s 2023 Elections

Convener: Ibukunoluwa Akinola (IADS, University of Lagos)

Panel Abstract:

Lagos, often referred to as Nigeria’s commercial capital, is a microcosm of broader national identity struggles. Autochthonous -indigenous- divisions were heavily harnessed during the 2023 election campaign, influencing voter behaviour, political allegiances, and contestations over who has the right to wield political power in Lagos. This panel explores the interaction of identity, power and politics in Lagos, focusing on the 2023 elections. The panel seeks to interrogate how socio-political and ethnic groups used narratives of indigeneity to assert claims to Lagos; the role of political violence, voter suppression and thuggery in reinforcing ethnic tensions and shaping electoral outcomes; the role of social media in forming public ideas of autochthony and identity politics; and the long-term implications of this type of politics for Lagos as a metropolitan and economic centre in Nigeria. The panel will analyse the influence of regionalism and ethnic loyalties in shaping political strategies, especially in relation to key electoral outcomes, such as the gubernatorial and presidential races.

Additionally, the panel will look at how identity politics intersected with broader national issues such as migration, citizenship, and political representation and how youth activism, religious identity and economic divides influenced the 2023 elections. Through an interdisciplinary lens, this panel seeks to offer insights into how the politics of autochthony continue to shape contemporary Nigerian elections and their impact on national unity and democratic practices. Thus, this panel welcomes contributions from scholars, postgraduate students, civil society organisations, and practitioners on these subthemes and others, that may relate to them.

PRESENTING AUTHORS
  • Autochthony, Identity Politics and Power Dynamics in Nigeria’s 2023 Elections-  Bolajoko Alabi
  • Religious Pluralism and Power Relations in Lagos: Challenges and Opportunities- Oluwaseun Oyewole
  • The Socio-Cultural Dynamics of Politics, Ethnicity and Commerce: The Complexities in the Ownership of Lagos – John Uwa                               
  • The Concept of ‘Omo Eko’ and ‘Ara Eko’ in Lagos During Nigeria’s 2023 Election – Tolulope Olude & Adewale Enitan
  • Who Owns Lagos? Autochthony, Power, and the 2023 Electoral Reckoning – Blessing Kintuna
  • Resisting the Aggression of Late Arrivals: Indigeneity and Electoral Contestations in the 2023 Lagos Governorship Elections – Samuel Afolabi
  • Beyond Ethnic Crises: Rethinking Ownership of Lagos through Political Representations- Isaiah Olayode
  • Our Lagos, Their Lagos: Autochthony, Conflicted Identity and Structure of Power in 21st Century-  Motunrayo Adeosun

  • The Chinese in Lagos: The Power of Trade, Investment, and Cultural Influence – Adetoro Olaniyi BANWO

LC02

DORIME: Lagos’ Urban Soundscapes – A Multisensory Exploration of Noise, Identity, and Mental Health

Convener: Akorede Rasak

This panel explores the intersection of urban identity, media technologies, and mental health through the lens of DORIME: Lagos’ Urban Soundscapes. This immersive project uses XR, Dolby Atmos, and sound design to transport participants into Lagos’ diverse auditory environments—morning commutes, lively markets, and nightlife revelries. The project visualizes the impact of noise pollution on mental health, portraying the city’s transformation from chaotic to calm, and fostering a reimagination of Lagos’ socio-urban future.

Panel Objectives:

  • To analyze how soundscapes shape perceptions of identity in a rapidly urbanizing Lagos.
  • To demonstrate innovative uses of media technologies like XR and TouchDesigner for cultural exploration.
  • To advocate for sustainable urban living and increased mental health awareness.
PRESENTING AUTHORS
  1. Rasak Akorede (XR Specialist, AI Enthusiast) – Immersive Frameworks in Urban Storytelling: Rasak will discuss the integration of XR technologies and the visualization of soundwaves, illustrating how technology enhances cultural narratives.
  2. Noah Okwudini (Sound Artist) – The Sonic Identity of Lagos: Noah will present the challenges and strategies of capturing and mastering Lagos’ unique soundscapes using Dolby Atmos.
  3. Peace Olatunji (3D Environment Artist) – Visualizing the Urban Noise: Peace will explain the process of crafting immersive 3D environments, highlighting the interplay of sound, space, and user interaction.
  4. Timilehin Oludare (Multimedia Artist) – Designing for Emotional Impact: Timilehin will discuss the role of sound archiving and audio transitions in fostering empathy and engagement in immersive media.

This panel aligns with conference themes such as Media and New Technologies, Urbanity and New Communities, and Mental Health and the Urban Landscape. Through a mix of presentation and interactive demonstration, it invites the audience to rethink Lagos as a space where sound, identity, and technology converge.

LC03

Exploring the Dynamics of Land Policy and Politics in Lagos

Convener – Dr. Maryam Quadri

The intersection of land policy and politics in Lagos is generating interest among diverse stakeholders. The nature and character of land policy and politics in Lagos demonstrate intricate interactions between power, identity, and autochthony. With policy being the intentionality of governments to address societal issues, it becomes imperative to unfreeze social actions on land policy and politics in Lagos. As the economic nerve center of the nation, the conurbation’s socioeconomic reality brings conflict and contestation for land among actors to the fore. To grapple with this situation, the government has brought about a retinue of land policies and reforms. This begs the question, how are the different land policies and reforms by the Lagos State Government able to address the contestation for power between conflicting social actors? and to what extent have they been able to ameliorate the conditions of those with feelings of perceived injustice and powerlessness within the state?  In this panel, we will discuss our respective explanations of land policy and politics in Lagos and their implications for the development of the city.

PRESENTING AUTHORS
  • We Are All Sons of The Soil”: The Lagos, The Lagosed and the Lagosians, Who Owns the Land? – S. Adeleke
  • Land Governance in Lagos state: Political Dynamics and Their Impact on Urban Development and Climate Resilience –  Abiodun Adejumo
  • Land, Power, and Urbanization: The Evolution of Land Ownership and Political Indigeneity in Lagos –  Opeyemi Balogun & Roland Akpe    
  • Exploring migration and crimes at the Lagos state border areas – Oluwasegun Ogunsakin
  • Igbo Migrants’ Entrepreneurship in Lagos: Navigating Post-Colonial Spaces in Nigeria- Boniface Orji
  • Land Contestation, Money Ritual and Ritual Money. A Lagos Heritage? – H. Olanrewaju, I. Olayode, A. Adejumo, K. Eesuola

LC04

Contemporary Connections, Indigeneity and Identity(ies) Formation for stakeholder Call to Action on preserving indigenous heritage assets in Lagos

Convener: Mogbolahan Ajala

This panel explores the dynamic role of Lagos’s heritage assets in shaping contemporary connections, strengthening indigenous identity, and fostering evolving identities amidst rapid urbanization and cultural globalization. These assets face mounting pressure, necessitating immediate and sustained stakeholder engagement. Preservation efforts, however, are hindered by significant challenges, notably custodians’ struggles with managing rapid urban development and changes, and government support. This abstract emphasizes the critical need for collaborative action to protect and revitalize Lagos cultural heritage, recognizing the state role in fostering community resilience and the multitude of opportunities that can arise from effective preservation efforts across other Nigeria states. It highlights the urgency of stakeholder involvement in safeguarding Lagos heritage assets amidst the evolving dynamics of contemporary connections, indigeneity, and the formation of identities. As Lagos continues to evolve into a dynamic cultural hub, the preservation of indigenous heritage is increasingly threatened by urbanization, socio-economic pressures, and the city’s growing cosmopolitan character. The state is Nigeria’s most populous and dense city, and home to a rich variety of tangible and intangible cultural components, from festivals that happen all year round to heritage sites that reflect the deep-rooted histories of its indigenous communities. These cultural expressions range from traditional music, dance, and oral storytelling to arts, royal palaces, and crafts that form the backbone of local identity and community cohesion. The call to action for stakeholders, governments, cultural institutions, community leaders, and the private sector must be rooted in a contemporary understanding of identity, indigeneity, and the dynamic connections between past and present. This abstract explores the urgent need to preserve indigenous heritage assets in Lagos by examining the role of cultural continuity, identity formation, and inclusive development in safeguarding the city’s intangible and tangible heritage.

PRESENTING AUTHORS
  • Autochthony and urban identity in Lagos: Navigating Diverse Heritage – Fehintola Olusanya
  • Gender Dynamism in Àyìnlá Ọmọwúrà and Halimot Ọmọwúrà’s Àpàlà Music – Owolabi Akegbeyale
  • Descent and Territorialism: Two Contrasting Discourses on the Making of Lagos – Oluwatosin Orimolade
  • Mapping Lagos through Literature: Cultural Identity, Heritage Contestation, and Digital Preservation –Henry John
  • Ẹtùnrènrèn: a boundary object and heritage site for indigenous communities of Ikorodu, Lagos State – Adebayo Akinyemi
  • Keep Walking Nigeria: Space Colonization and Space Transformation in the Lagos Independence Tunnel – Shina Stephen & Alimi Adewale
  • Beyond Ethnic Boundaries- Recreation as a Site of Identity Formation in a Cosmopolitan Lagos – Sesede Gbewa & Oluwapelumi Adekanye 

LC05

Lagos and its Diaspora

Convener: Shupo Shasore, SAN

This panel speaks to the discourse on Lagos and her diaspora, the diverse diasporic engagements from the locations such as Freetown, Bahia, USA, UK, and other African and European nationalities.

PRESENTING AUTHORS
  • The Left Behind: Interrogating Social Media Mediation in Extalgia Relations In Lagos, Nigeria –               Deborah Jayeoba
  • Digital Lagos: Igbo Separatism and Online Identity Politics in Diaspora – Oge Okonkwo
  • Levinas, Lagos and the Ethics of Becoming – Abiodun Afolabi
  • People of Caribbean Heritage and Their Contribution to the Landscape of Lagos – Historical Legacies and Impact (19th, 20th, and 21st Centuries) – Feyi Raimi-Abraham
  • Lagos and Its Diaspora: Migration, Identity, and the Question of Belonging – Chidiogo Akaelu
  • Migrations And Integrations in Lagos: Migrants Intelligence Gathering In Lagos Under Governor Babatunde Fashola – Titilayo Alade

LC06

Lagos as a Linguistic Melting Pot: Exploring Multilingualism in an Urban Metropolis

Convener: Dr. Feyi Ademola-Adeoye

Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and cultural hub, is one of the most linguistically diverse cities in Africa. A center of migration, trade, and globalization, the city hosts a rich linguistic landscape where English, Nigerian Pidgin, Yoruba, and numerous indigenous and foreign languages coexist and interact. This panel seeks to examine how multilingualism shapes social interactions, identity, and power dynamics in Lagos, influencing key sectors such as education, business, media, and everyday communication.

We invite interdisciplinary contributions that explore the complexities of multilingualism in Lagos, addressing topics such as:

  • The Linguistic Landscape of Lagos: Patterns of language distribution and usage across different spaces.
  • Drivers of Linguistic Diversity: The historical, economic, and migratory forces shaping language use in Lagos.
  • Multilingualism in Social Interactions: Code-switching, code-mixing, and linguistic adaptation in daily life.
  • Language, Identity, and Social Relations: Language as a marker of belonging, inclusion, and exclusion.
  • Language in Key Sectors: The role of language in education, media, commerce, and governance.
  • Challenges and Opportunities: Language barriers, indigenous language preservation, and policy frameworks for inclusive multilingual governance.

This panel encourages discussions from linguistic, sociological, cultural, and policy perspectives to deepen our understanding of how language functions in Lagos’ dynamic urban environment.

PRESENTING AUTHORS
  • University Students’ Attitude Towards the Utilization of Artifical Intelligence for Language Learning in Lagos State – Adams Onivehu
  • Family Language Policy Among Igbo Migrants in Lagos State, Nigeria – Azuka Achumie
  • Revisiting Distinctions Between Ìsàlẹ̀ Èkó Yorùbá Code and Standard Yorùbá – Babatunde Popoola
  • Open City, Open Mic: Inward Migration and its Implications for Radio Broadcast Language Distribution in Lagos – Adedoyinsola Eleshin
  • “Sonic Aggression”: Exploring Linguistic Harassment of Passengers by Bus Conductors in Lagos – Kenneth Obiorah
  • Language Use in an Era of Ni Hao—Informal Translators and Linguistic Adaptation in Everyday Sino-Nigerian Interactions – Maryam Owodunni
  • Push ‘n’ Pressure: A Linguistic, Narrative, and Discursive Exploration of Lagos Traffic – J. Omoru, F. Oke, S. Israel
  • Language and Pragmatic Engagements in Damilare Kuku’s Nearly All the Men in Lagos Are Mad – Olusegun Jegede
  • Lagos as a Lingustic Melting Pot: Exploring Multi-lingualism in an Urban Metropolis – Nkechinyere Aguobi

LC07

Living in Lagos: Navigating Its Ever-Changing Transportation and Mobility System

Conveners:     Prof. Oluranti Ojo (University of Abuja),

Olawale Abiola (Anchor University, Lagos)

Dr. Saibu Israel (Anchor University Lagos)

Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and cultural powerhouse, is a city on the move. With a population of over 20 million, its transportation and mobility systems are constantly evolving to meet the demands of its growing population. From the chaotic energy of danfos (the yellow buses) and okadas (motorcycles) to the introduction of modern infrastructure like the Lagos Blue Line Rail, the inland waterways system, and BRT corridors, Lagos offers a unique case study in urban mobility innovation and resilience. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, Lagos’ transportation system is a critical determinant of its economic viability, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability. This panel will provide a space to discuss practical solutions, foster collaboration, and envision a Lagos where mobility is accessible and sustainable for all. This panel will explore how Lagos’s populace navigates the city’s ever-changing transportation landscape, the policies shaping its future, and the innovations addressing its challenges.

This panel welcomes submissions that address but are not limited to the following themes:

  • The Complexity of Lagos Mobility: Formal vs Informal Systems.
  • Infrastructure Development and Policy
  • Technological Disruption
  • Environmental and Social Considerations
  • Community Leaders/Commuters Experiences
PRESENTING AUTHORS
  • Challenges faced by Road Transport Workers in Lagos Nigeria – Bolanle Atanda
  • Danfo: Visual Aesthetics of Lagos’ Urban Mobility – Akintunde Akinleye
  • Smart Mobility and Digital Transformation: The Role of Technology in Enhancing Lagos Transportation System – Mary Ayemhoba
  • Transportation Technology: Reimagining the Mobility Landscape in an Urbanised Lagos City – Abiola Olawale
  • Living in Lagos: Navigating its Ever-Changing Transportation and Mobility System – Olufemi Omotoso
  • Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships for Sustainable Development in Lagos, Nigeria – Olanjumoke Amoo
  • Connecting Lagos Against All Odds – Hope Orivri
  • Evaluating the Effectiveness of Multimodal Transport System in Lagos State – Adeleke Akinpelu
  • Socioeconomic Impact of Mobility in Lagos: Analyzing Accessibility, Affordability, and Economic Impact (1967–2023) – Oluwole Ojo
  • Owó dà? Nightmare of Commercial bus drivers from ‘Agbero’ in Lagos Metropolis – Oluwadamilare Ajala

LC08

Our Lagos, Their Lagos: Narratives of Identity, Power, and Continuity in a City of Contrasts

Convener: Ezeani Richard Emmanuel

Lagos stands as a microcosm of transformation, where the past intertwines with the present to define the trajectory of its future. From its pre-colonial origins as a vibrant trading post to its evolution under colonial rule and eventual emergence as a post-colonial megacity, Lagos has consistently been a melting pot of cultures, identities, and ambitions.

The proposed panel, aligned with the theme “Our Lagos, Their Lagos: Autochthonous, Conflicted Identity and Structures of Power in the 21st Century,” seeks to unravel the multifaceted history, present realities, and global connections of this iconic city.

This panel will explore four pivotal areas: (1) Lagos: Past, Present, and the Future – A chronological journey through Lagos’ transformation, examining the interplay between indigenous heritage, colonial disruptions, and contemporary urbanization. (2) Lagos and the History of Cities – Situating Lagos within global urban histories, highlighting its unique resilience and adaptability in shaping urban identity. (3) Lagos and Its Diaspora – Investigating the reciprocal relationship between Lagos and its global diaspora, showcasing how diasporic networks influence the city’s cultural, political, and economic frameworks. (4) Migrations and Integrations in Lagos – Analyzing the impact of internal and external migrations on the city’s demographic, social fabric, and contested notions of belonging and identity. Through a multidisciplinary lens, this sessional panel will bring together historians, sociologists, urban planners, and cultural theorists to interrogate how Lagos navigates the tensions between autochthonous claims and the forces of globalization. Discussions will delve into the city’s contested structures of power, from the indigenous elites to colonial administrators and contemporary political actors, shedding light on the complexities of identity in a rapidly evolving urban space.

By critically engaging with Lagos’ layered narratives, this panel aims to inspire a reimagining of the city as a symbol of resilience, conflict, and interconnectedness, contributing valuable insights into the broader discourse on African urbanism and identity in the 21st century.

PRESENTING AUTHORS
  • Our Lagos, Their Lagos: Narratives of Identity, Power, and Continuity in a City of Contrast –  Aniobi Uchenna
  • Our Lagos, Their Lagos: Narratives of Identity, Power, and Continuity in a City of Contrast – Ezeani Emmanuel
  • Our Lagos, Their Lagos: Narratives of Identity, Power, and Continuity in a City of Contrast – Barrister Apih Godswill
  • Between Borders and Bridges: Migration, Identity, and Cultural Contestations in the Lagos Metropolis – Mistura Bello
  • Urban Imagery and the Duality of Lagos in Toni Kan’s The Carnivorous City and Leye Adenle’s When Trouble Sleeps – Omoh Giwa
  • Identities and Existence: The Multicultural Dynamism of Lagos – Deborah Ajibola
  • Power and Identity in Lagos: The Struggle for Cultural Dominance and the Definition of a Yoruba Lagosian in a Multicultural City – Adedolapo Adewuni
  • Our Lagos, their Lagos: Narratives of identity, Power, and continuity in a City of Contrast – Onyebuchi Emeakayi
  • Igo lo ju omo odaran: Our Lagos, Contemporary Connections and Social Identity amongst the Youths – Isoken Onoyona-Ekeocha
  • Post-“Gangs of Lagos”: Discourse and Indigeneity Questions in Lagos – Adeleke Ogunfeyimi
  • Lagos as a Vector of Madness in Kuku’s Nearly All the Men in Lagos are Mad and Ugonna’s Who Drove Nearly All Lagos Men Mad? – Ekikereobong Usoro
  • State of Origin and Sense of Belonging: A Case for the Ará Èkó – Faithful Oluokun

LC09

Socio-Cultural Heritage of Lagos State in Transition: Cuisines, Festivals, Dress Patterns, and Socio-Religious Activities in Perspective

Convener:       Prof. Habeeb Abiodun Sanni (Lagos State University)

Culture in its various forms has been one of the distinguishing elements of the autochthonous people of Lagos State, the way it is for aborigines in several parts of the world. Though the cultural aspects of the people have been exposed to a series of interpolation, assimilation, and bastardization owing to the continuous influx of migrants from across the globe into the State and the persistent trends in globalization, Lagos State is still blessed with a series of cultural resilience. The changing climatic and demographical conditions coupled with the conspicuous presence of Western and Eastern religious practices in the State have also affected the people’s culture and traditions in many ways. However, the custodians of the people’s traditions and culture have endeavoured in the preservation and revival of the cultural heritage of the State. Apart from the pre-existing socio-cultural attributes, there have evolved some cultural elements that are as a result of acculturation from other regions of the world. In other words, modernity has given birth to some cultural traits in Lagos State while some traditions and customs have been modified. These modifications could be seen in the people’s food, dress patterns, music, festivals, and religious activities among others. The period of colonial rule marked the period of massive socio-cultural change and this has been sustained in the post-colonial period.

            The panel seeks to examine the history of the socio-cultural activities of the people of Lagos State. It seeks to reappraise the impact of colonisation, immigration, modernity, and globalisation on the traditional cultural characteristics of Lagos State. It also seeks to unravel the factors behind socio-cultural survivability in Lagos State. Major socio-cultural elements such as traditional cuisines, music, dress, worship system, games and sport, festivals, naming and marriage ceremonies and others are expected to be historicised and analysed using a multidisciplinary approach. Interest scholars, commentators, and practitioners are invited to submit abstract.

PRESENTING AUTHORS
  • Interfaith Dynamics and Cultural Aesthetics in Egungun Festival Of Egbe Town, Lagos State – Toheeb Raji
  • Weaving Tradition and Transition: Socio-Cultural Heritage in 21st-Century Lagos – Deborah Oluwabiyi
  • Digital Revival: The Hallelujah Challenge and the Reinvention of Religious Experience in Lagos – Christiana Banja
  • Enu Owa’s Sacred Confluence: Religious Tolerance in Isale Eko –  Bola Oguntade
  • Re-Thinking the Dynamics of Traditional Institutions in the Sustainability of Traditional Practices in Ikorodu – Kolawole Omotayo
  • “Eko For Show”: A Study of Contemporary Artistic Trends in Lagos – Wale Kofoworola
  • Aspects of some indigenous foods and delicacies in Lagos State – Habeeb Sanni
  • Non-religious Ideascapes in Lagos’ Religious Potpourri – Gbọ́láhàn Adebiyi
  • Cultural heritage and its empowerment – Oluwakemi Amupitan
  • A critical analysis of the mystery of Egungun masquerade and its relevance in 21st century Lagos – Mabel Akpokwe
  • Oro Festival: An Evolution from an Indigenous Spiritual Practice to a Political Tool in Nigeria’s 2023 Elections – Adedolapo Adewuni

LC10

Street Hustlers, Homeless People, and ‘Agbero’ in Lagos: The Making and/or Unmaking of a Metropolitan City

Convener: Moses Yakubu

Short Abstract

Street workers, homeless populations, and agberos represent three major groups that engage in various activities and risky behaviours on the streets and highways of Lagos. This panel aims to explore these groups’ experiences, challenges, and socio-economic activities and examine how their actions contribute to or impact the development of the metropolitan city.

Long Abstract

In Lagos, three major groups are particularly prominent on the streets and highways: street hustlers, homeless individuals, and agberos. Their visibility stems from the nature and patterns of their activities. Street hustlers include load carriers, truck pushers, and vendors operating under bridges. Homeless individuals are those without shelter who live in incomplete buildings, under bridges, in markets, and other unhealthy open spaces. Agberos, associated with the Roads Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), are responsible for collecting certain fees from commercial transport operators. These groups engage in various socio-economic activities and sometimes risky behaviors that can impact both their lives and society as a whole. Studies suggest that these groups may pose a security threat to lives and property in Lagos, and they are often labeled with negative terms like ‘omo ‘ta,’ ‘omo‘le,’ ‘omo buruku,’ and ‘agbero.’This panel invites papers that address, but are not limited to, the political economy of agberos, their structure and operations, the experiences and challenges of street workers and homeless individuals, housing policies, issues of poverty and unemployment, the mental health challenges faced by these groups, and government interventions aimed at promoting inclusivity and sustainable development.

PRESENTING AUTHORS
  • Lagos’ Unseen Architects: Hustlers, Outcasts, and the City That won’t Claim Them – Blessing Kintuna
  • Our work is a noble one”: Interrogating the Changing Dynamics of Agbero and Security in Modern Lagos – Elizabeth Obada
  • The Autochthony of Egbon Adugbo and Security in Shomolu, Lagos – Ayomide Madojutimi
  • Street hustlers, Homeless people, and ‘Agbero’ in Lagos:The making and/or unmaking of a Metropolitan City – Sulaimon Adisa
  • Rethinking ‘Order’ in Lagos: Cooperation and Tensions in Bariga Streets – Catherine Nkulume
  • Street Hustlers, Homeless People, and ‘Agbero’ in Lagos: The Making and/or Unmaking of a Metropolitan City – Oluwatomisin Clement
  • Understanding Peculiarity of Lagos State and Ease of Doing Business: Insights from Small Businesses – Timilehin Olubiyi
  • The Agberos on the Ground for Indigenes: Lagos 2023 Elections in Retrospect and Prospects – Abayomi Sharomi

LC11

Urbanisation and the Practice of Traditional Medicine in Lagos State

Conveners: Dr. Akinmayowa Akin-Otiko (aakin-otiko@iads.unilag.edu.ng)

       Ibukunoluwa Akinola (ikakinola@gmail.com)

The rapid urbanisation of Lagos makes it imperative to plan for and evaluate the state of Traditional Medicine in Lagos. As cities expand, traditional knowledge is exposed to the threat of extinction. Traditional medicine, deeply rooted in local ecosystems and cultural practices, is facing increasing challenges as Lagos expands and its natural environment disappears. The focus of this panel is the practice of traditional medicine in Lagos as the World Health Organisation say that 80% of Africans are returning to the use of herbal medicine and Lagos is not an exception. Interestingly, there is a Law in Lagos State that allows for the practice of Traditional Medicine in the urban space. Although the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board has licensed over seven thousand traditional medicine practitioners, there are still little signs of the practice in Lagos State. This panel invites papers that will explore the impact of environmental and climate shifts on the practice of Traditional Medicine in Lagos. Authors will be expected to: i) evaluate the practice of traditional medicine in Lagos and propose efficient ways in which this practice can fit into the Lagos urban space. ii) interrogate whether traditional healers are adapting to the shift or abandoning their healing practices because of the dearth of healing materials in Lagos. iii) consider if there is a risk of a generational gap in passing down traditional healing knowledge due to the impacts of urbanisation in Lagos. iv) analyse what engagements practitioners of traditional medicine have with practitioners of western medicine. v) explore the role of policies in protecting traditional medicine and integrating sustainable practices in urban planning and climate strategies in Lagos State. Thus, this panel welcomes contributions from scholars, postgraduate students and practitioners on these sub-themes and others that may relate to them.

PRESENTING AUTHORS
  • Urbanisation, Land Commercialisation, and the Future of Traditional Medicine in Lagos – Deborah Oluwabiyi
  • Healing the Megacity: Can Lagos Preserve Traditional Medicine Amid Urban Chaos? – Opeyemi Opeagbe
  • Urbanisation and the Practice of Traditional Medicine in Lagos State – Kehinde Alabi
  • Urbanization and Cultural Heritage: Navigating the Challenges to Survival of Traditional Medicine in Lagos State – Amenaghawon Idawu
  • Cultural Narratives and Women Health Choices in. Lagos – Loveth Ogbonna