Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal, is set to launch his memoir: “From City to Megacity: A Memoir of Lagos Urbanisation (1999–2023),” which captures transformation of Lagos State over a 24-year period, offering a powerful blend of history, policy reflection and personal experience.
He noted that the book is an attempt at answering the question, “Is Lagos ready for the urban future?” which arose during a conference and sparked his resolve to reflect, document the facts, and engage leaders and citizens in an honest conversation about the state’s urban development journey.
The monarch said the narrative is built on a temporal and thematic structure that describes the city before 1999, marked by chaotic urban development, weak infrastructure, poor waste disposal and a failing public transport system.
He said the book focuses on transportation, waste management, housing, security, agriculture, and public opinion.
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“From City to Megacity” is a book for everyone who cares about Lagos. It invites development partners, future leaders, civil servants, and community members to reflect, learn, and act.
“This work argues that the city’s transformation deserves thoughtful documentation, critical analysis, and sustained engagement. It invites readers to see Lagos not only for what it is, but for what it strives to become,” he said.
He added that the book presents the gains made across several administrations, such as the introduction of LAMATA, BRT, LagosHoms housing schemes, improved waste management through LAWMA and PSP, and strengthened security networks and highlights the vision for the next decade.
