About Us -
The Ibileeko Summit
Lagos: Preserving Our Heritage While Shaping a Thriving Future
We, the indigenous Lagosians, hold firm as custodians of what was passed down by our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. For centuries, our people have been the heartbeat of Lagos, shaping its traditions, governance, and economic foundations. From its early days as a strategic coastal settlement in the 17th century to the vibrant and thriving city it is today, we have played a fundamental role in its story. Lagos has always been a land of opportunity, drawing people from across Nigeria and beyond. While we embrace growth and inclusivity, we must also confront a stark reality—indigenous Lagosians are fast becoming minorities in our own ancestral land. Our rights, opportunities, and influence are shrinking, even as the city we built continues to expand. This is why we, the members of IBILE Eko Summit Group, stand united with a renewed sense of purpose. We refuse to let our heritage fade into the background. We are committed to ensuring that the indigenes of Lagos reclaim their rightful place in governance, economic development, and cultural preservation
Our Mission at IBILE Eko Summit Group
Over the past two decades, we have observed troubling shifts that threaten the balance of our shared heritage. While Lagos continues to prosper, we, its original inhabitants, are being sidelined in key areas of governance, business, and socio-economic progress. This is not the Lagos our ancestors envisioned, nor the one we want to pass down to future generations. Our mission is clear: We do not seek division, but fairness. We believe in an inclusive Lagos where growth benefits all, but that growth must also honor the people who built and nurtured this land. It is time to correct the imbalance and ensure that indigenous Lagosians have a seat at the table in shaping the future of our state.
Our Core Objectives
- Restoring Balance and Indigenous Rights : We must address the increasing marginalization of indigenous Lagosians and put a stop to the dwindling opportunities available to us at all levels. Our heritage, culture, and identity must be protected and celebrated.
- Mobilizing Indigenous Expertise: We are assembling committees of indigenous professionals and volunteers from diverse sectors to develop and implement sustainable solutions that will restore our rightful place in Lagos’ development.
- Engaging with the Government : We will establish a platform for direct and ongoing engagement with the Lagos State Government, ensuring that the interests of indigenous Lagosians are consistently represented in policymaking and infrastructure development.
- Building a Global Network : We are bringing together IBILE Eko organizations across Nigeria and the diaspora, creating a unified voice to tackle the challenges facing Lagos and advocating for meaningful change.
- Empowering Women, Youth, and Traditional Institutions: We recognize that the future of Lagos rests in the hands of our women and young people. We will champion initiatives that equip them with the skills, opportunities, and platforms to thrive. At the same time, we will work to restore the authority and influence of our traditional institutions, ensuring they remain an integral part of governance and cultural preservation.
- Implementing Actionable Solutions: We are not just talking—we are taking action. Through collective endorsements, stakeholder engagement, and clear timelines, we will ensure that the outcomes of our initiatives lead to real, measurable progress for indigenous Lagosians
Lagos: A City That Thrives on Heritage and Progress
Lagos is a city of strength, resilience, and opportunity. But true progress cannot come at the expense of its indigenous people. We, the original inhabitants of Lagos, are not against development—we welcome it. But we will not stand by and watch as our history, contributions, and rights are erased.
Join Us
We call on all Lagosians—indigenous and non-indigenous—to join us in creating a future where history and progress go hand in hand. Together, we can build a Lagos where its original custodians are empowered, where culture and development coexist, and where every Lagosian, regardless of background, thrives in a city that remains true to its roots.
We are Lagos. We are IBILE Eko. We stand for our heritage, and we stand for the future.