GEOFF IYATSE captures the decadence that characterises the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, which used to be a pride of Nigerian independence
At the Tafawa Balewa Square, there is, interestingly, something admirable to grin at. A sparkling painted Banqueting Hall now stands a few metres away from the old Defence Headquarters. It is within the neighbourhood of the TBS, a monument past leaders proudly named after the country’s first head of state. Though small and tucked away from the humming main arena of the complex, it is, somewhat, a sharp contrast to the other parts of the complex, which are in a deplorable condition.
Otherwise, the once adorned TBS is sickening memory of the hard-earned independence. As Nigerians across the country lament the dwindling fortune of the country, wondering whether it has not failed nearly five and half decades after it attained independence, the condition of the stand where the country’s flag was hoisted raised questions as to whether the subsequent generations valued the freedom beyond the ritual of lip service.
Whereas similar historic sites in different climes are preserved as tourist destinations, the TBS, which many agree, is about the most outstanding Nigeria’s heritage, now serves as petty traders centres and a parking lot.
It had been in this condition before the Federal Government put it up for lease in a controversial manner. The civil society community did move against the planned concession, arguing that it was a national heritage of unequal importance whose fate should not be decided by capitalists. But the government insisted a concession would improve its lot and better protect it against sundry abuses.
After years of squabble and even protest, the government dismissed dissenting voices as self-serving and went ahead with a concession plan that saw BHS International Limited emerging the winner. The company, under the chairmanship of the late Fred Archibong, secured an initial 30-year concession agreement.
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