Makoko, often called the “Venice of Africa,” floats gently on the waters of Lagos Lagoon. At first glance, its stilt houses and wooden canoes tell a story of survival, but look closer and you’ll see so much more—a thriving community filled with warmth, resilience, and hope.
We the fine art department of Yaba college of technology were challenged to make colourful sketches on this topic which I will be sharing with you my audience
Here, children paddle to school on little canoes, their laughter echoing across the waters. Families gather in the evenings, sharing meals and stories as the sun sets, painting the sky with fiery orange and soft purple hues. The lagoon, though modest, reflects the spirit of Makoko: ever-flowing, enduring, and deeply connected to its people.
Makoko isn’t just about challenges—it’s about ingenuity. The community has built a world where life thrives on water, proving that beauty can rise even in the most unexpected places. It is a place where music, smiles, and dreams float as freely as the canoes that glide across its surface.
To know Makoko is to understand the heartbeat of Lagos itself—raw, resilient, and endlessly inspiring. It is not just a settlement; it is a reminder that humanity’s greatest strength lies in togetherness, creativity, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.
