This summer I had the opportunity to visit Lagos, Nigeria. My colleague Dhafar Al-Edani and I were hosted by Shola Ajayi, the Head Coordinator of UR4Africa, a social enterprise that focuses on coordinating safe spaces for creative learning. We were facilitators of design workshops for the organization mentors and students, with the aim of designing a more sustainable future for Lagos. The location gave us an opportunity to view everyday life in Lagos, from the neighboring towns to the bustling city life of Ikeja, in addition to Lekki and Victoria Island. Though this was my first time in Lagos, it felt like home. We visited many cultural sites such as the famous Nike Art Gallery, the late Fela Kuti home/museum, as well as Olumo Rock located in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Moved by the artisans, entrepreneurial, and cultural atmosphere of the locals, we are certain to go again in the near future.
