The Nation Newspaper

Category: Travels on Saturday

  • Places to visit during Christmas

    Places to visit during Christmas

    The yuletide is with us once again; it is around the corner, just three days away. The world is in holiday mood. Many have been calling, asking for a place they can spend the yuletide holiday.

    There are some choice locations scattered all over the nation. The choice of location depends very much on the leisure seekers. Is it just a couple or family with children? Are they seeking for boisterous fun or solitude and a place to meditate? All these come into place.

    Experiencing Cross River

    The number one fun destination at this period is Calabar. It is for the simple reason that for the past one year, they have been preparing to receive people at this time of the year. It is better being in a place tailor-made for leisure. That is what the annual Calabar Festival is all about. It currently grinds towards its pick. That will be on December 27.

    For those truly in search of authentic holiday experience, Calabar has everything. One could, through Experiencing Cross River portal book an all-inclusive holiday that offers individuals, couples and families all- inclusive holiday to not only be part of the famous Calabar Carnival, but also visit fascinating destinations scattered all over the state with good and very competitive hotel rates.

    Outside the carnival, the Calabar waterfront with the amusement park, the Tinapa Resort, may confuse for choice of options. Outside the Cross River State capital, there are still Ikom Monolith, Obudu Ranch Resort and other places in the state that could be visited.

    Ikogosi Warm and Cold Spring Resort

    This unique nature’s profile has further been accentuated by building of resort. Before, the problem of recommending Ikogosi to tourists, both local and foreign, had been the issue of accommodation. The accommodation facilities had crumbled and were totally abandoned by the past administrations in Ekiti State. The current administration saw to its revamping. It is currently among the best in the side of the country. So, what a tourist gets is a cozy and standard accommodation within the alluring landscape. There are several things to do in Ikogosi: Enjoy bathing the warm and cold water, visit Arinta and explore the picturesque hills surrounding the landscape.

    Olumo Tourist Resort

    It is always a pleasure seeing the pristine Olumo Rock blinds with modernity. There is also the Yemoji Tourist Resort, Imagbon with its clean and refreshing natural pond.

    Osun State’s Olumirin Waterfalls in Erin- Ijesa is also there to captivate tourists.

    In Oyo State, Captain Bower’s Towers, Agodi Garden and University of Ibadan Botanical Gardens are there for leisure seekers. Although there are still some animals in the U.I Zoo, it has lost its appeal.

    Lagos, the city of acquatic splendour is always a delight to be in at this time. There are options of being on water, visiting isolated islands or the more popular ones like Takwa Bay. Even within the city centres, places like the Freedom Park offers quality leisure and chance to experience different creative groups performing. One does not need to travel a long distance for that.

    Further from the city, Ikegun community has La Campagne Tropicana. On the Badagry axis is Whispering Palms. These are seasoned resorts that like wine tend to be getting better with age. The Bar Beach front is still fun even though the water has been pushed back. But there a lot of fun in places like the Oniru, Alpha and other beaches. Near Alpha Beach is the NCF Conservation Centre. It is ideal for those who want to be in touch with nature.

    Abuja Amusement Park

    During festivities, Abuja is deserted. However, the city has many relaxation spots. Of course, the Millenium Park is always the number one for many. But one could also have some wonderful outdoor relaxation by Jabi dam facing the water. Further still, the Gurara Waterfalls and Ladi Kwali Pottery Centre are places to be visited.

    Abia

    In the East, there are so many eco-tourist sites to visit.Also,there are historical sites such as the War Museum in Umahia , the slave trade relics in Arochukwu, the Uturu carves and so on. For those interested in eco-tourism.

    Imo

    In Imo, although one could not vouch for the current state of facilities in Oguta Lake Resort, it offers beautiful environment for picnic and clean fun for the whole family.

    Nasarawa

    Farin Ruwa Waterfalls in Wamba, Nasarawa State is a place to visit, most especially in this dry season when the water level is low. But it might not be the best place because it is isolated from the town.

    Kano

    In Kano, the Bagauda Lake area would be a good experience . It would even be more exciting, if one could go on a cruise on the water. The views are surreal . It gives one the opprtunoty of seeing some rear species of birds.

  • South African tourism without Mandela

    South African tourism without Mandela

    SOUTH Africa, the Rainbow Nation, has enthralled the world with her vast tourist endowments-beautiful and alluring landscape, surreal beaches and coastline and exciting and safari experience.

    Little wonder that every year, looking at the numbers on the performance chart, the country’s tourism fortune continues to rise. Virtually everyone in the world wants to visit the country. But it was not these endowments that sold the country to the world. The world had already become enamoured with the country before it started unveiling its vast tourism assets for all to the see.

    The reason for that was one person-the late Dr Nelson Mandela. The world fell in love with the man before the country. Outside religious tourism, there hardly had been any singular person in history that has caused large number of in-bound tourists to flock to a particular destination. Although Mandela is dead and will be buried tomorrow, the enigmatic nature of the man would continue to be a major attraction for tourists coming to South Africa. This is the reason every day a large number of tourists troop to these sites that are associated with Mandela. They are the Robben Island, Vilakazi Street in Soweto and the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.

     

    Vilakazi Street, Soweto

    Soweto is an urban area of Johannesburg in Gauteng, South Africa. The town derived its name from an abbreviation of South West Townships. It was a black township under the defunct South Africa’s apartheid government. The town was built for those who worked there, but were not allowed to live inside the town during the apartheid regime.

    The population has historically been overwhelmingly black. Some of the events in the struggle against apartheid occurred in the township.

    Even in Soweto, initially, blacks were not allowed to own houses, but in the 80s, the law was repealed. Blacks started to own houses, but in Soweto only.

    With this, Soweto was officially divided into three areas. They are referred to as the good, the bad and the ugly. The area for the affluent (the good) is known as the millionaires’ side of Soweto. To buy a house in the good area, one must have about 1.5million Rands (about N30m) to about 2.5m rands (N45m) . The bad and the ugly areas are mostly for the middle class and the poor.

    Touring Soweto, one sees houses along the way which were once hostels for black workers.

    The most popular part of Soweto is the Orlando West where the famous Vilakazi Street is located. The street is almost synonymous with the struggle to liberate South Africa from the shackles of apartheid. The struggle came to an end in 1994 when apartheid was replaced by a democratic regime headed by Dr. Nelson Mandela. Due to the roles that personalities from Vilakazi Street played in the struggle, hardly is there a tourist on a visit to South Africa that would not take time out to go to the street.

    The street has two noble laureates in the late Dr. Nelson Mandela and Arch-bishop Desmond Tutu. Their houses are less than 50 metres apart on opposite sides of the street. Tutu still leaves there, while the late Mandela was living in the highbrow area of Pretoria. However, Mandela’s old home on Vilakazi is the biggest tourist attraction.

    Vilakazi Street is less than a kilometre. The road is tarred, but most of the houses have been taken for one commercial activity or the other. The history of the street has added value to it, as a lot of tourist related commercial activities take place. There are different eateries and joints along the street. Some use the front of their houses to sell souvenirs ranging from South African beads to simple tops for men popularized by the late Nelson Mandela.

    House number 8015 used to be the abode of Mandelas. It is now a kind of museum with some personal effects of the Mandelas on display. By paying some rands, a tourist could go in, see some of these personalized effects and take pictures in front of the house.

    Cape Town in South Africa is regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the world. But part from its allure for tourists to South Africa, it offers visitors opportunity to go on a trip to Robben Island. The island houses the prison where Mandela spent a large chunk of his 27 years’ incarceration.

    The island was used at various times between the 17th and 20th centuries as a prison, a hospital for socially unacceptable groups and a military base. Its buildings, in particular those of the late 20th century maximum security prison for political prisoners, are still in tact.

    Although Mandela spent his prison years in different places, the most popular is Robben Island where he was kept from 1964 to 1982. His prison number was 46664.

     

    Apartheid Museum Johannesburg

    Apartheid Museum Johannesburg is another must-visit for tourists interested in the story of Mandela. Some of the personal effects of Mandela like his Mercedes Benz made for him by the South Africa workers could be seen there.

    The museum captures the rise and fall of South Africa’s era of segregation and oppression. The museum uses film, text, audio and live accounts to provide a chilling insight into the architecture and implementation of the apartheid system, as well as inspiring accounts of the struggle towards democracy.

    It’s invaluable in understanding the inequalities and tensions that still exist today. It’s an overwhelming experience, particularly distressing is a small chamber which hangs 131 nooses, representative of the 131 government opponents who were executed under antiterrorism laws.

    Although the South African icon, Mandela, has completed his sojourn on earth, his legacy will continue to fuel the multi-billion dollar tourism industry he helped to build.

     

  • CARNIRIV begins tomorrow

    CARNIRIV begins tomorrow

    Preparations for this year’s edition of the Rivers State-owned tourism carnival,the Port Harcourt Carnival (CARNIRIV 2013),have gone upbeat as various groups from the 23 local government areas of the state conducted their final rehearsals during the week, days ahead of the carnival which begins tomorrow with the Kids’ Carnival.

    In the same manner, facelift and environmental enhancement of venues that have been designated to host specific events have been carried out to create nice ambience for the participants. For instance, the Liberation Stadium, which also doubles as the Carnival Village and host centre of most of the events, has undergone tremendous transformation in preparation for the carnival. Among the events that will take place at the stadium are Kids’ Carnival, CARNIRIV official opening ceremonies, Dance of Fireflies (DOFF), Cultural Arts Exhibition, Egelege: Champions of the Sand Arena, Ekere: Rhythm of the Tribes, HOSH Jam: Port Harcourt Exclusive, Black Africa Music Festival (BAMFest), Reggae 360 and the World Peace Concert/closing ceremonies.

    Stadium Road, venue of the Carnival Praise Jam, has also worn a new look while the Lagos Bus Stop/Aggrey Road, venue of the Pilgrimage ’88 and Old Port Harcourt Town Groove is not left out. The surrounding of the Port Harcourt Tourist Beach has also been enhanced in readiness for the International Aquatic Fiesta just as Rumuola Road down to Aggrey Road has also been prepared The Director-General, Rivers State Tourism Development Agency (RSTDA), Dr. Sam Dede, while providing update on CARNIRIV 2013, assured participants all over the world of the readiness of the government and people of Rivers State to host them to another glamorous cultural and tourism fiesta beginning from December 15 to Saturday 21 in Port Harcourt. He said everything was ready from the preparation of the venues for all the lined-up events to the confirmation of international guest artistes and their Nigerian counterparts. Besides, he said all the logistics such as the construction of booths and stages for specific events across locations as well as musical equipment and sound gadgets were also in place. He added that other critical success factors like traffic management, emergency and ambulance service, security and uninterrupted electricity at designated event venues had been taken care of, as part of plans to ensure a hitch-free CARNIRIV this year.

  • Fun on Lagos waters

    Fun on Lagos waters

    The saying that wherever there is sun and water, tourists flock there is trite in tourism. Sun and water have continued to be the basis for huge tourism revenue for many countries.

    La Campagne Tropicana recently upped the ante in the country’s leisure space by introducing the water sports leisure to the advantage of the enormous water endowments in Lagos State.

    Although the lives of many natives on the numerous islands scattered round the state revolve round the water, they see this gift of nature more as a means of livelihood than a source of exquisite leisure.

    Traditionally, the only period that most of the natives engage in collective and planned leisure on the water is mostly during the regattas that many of the islands and towns in Lagos State hold annually. Epe and Badagry that historically and culturally have deep romance with water normally organize colourful regattas. For Epe people, this could be seen during their annual Ebii Epe festival.

    However, this is changing. Organised leisure activities on water are gradually gaining popularity. Hitherto it used to be elitist with clubs like the Lagos Boat Club, having organized leisure activities on water. On weekends and during holiday periods, it is normally enchanting seeing the way boats from the Lagos Boat Club with with their colourful sail spread out on the lagoon, Along the lagoon behind Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, many who can afford boats go on cruises in their speed boats and water bikes.

    La Campagne Tropicana, however, has come up with an initiative to popularise water sport as a leisure activity without necessary paying so much. At its leisure resort in Ikegun, Lekki , off the Lagos-Epe Expressway, the resort has brought in different types of water sports facilities to offer options to those who may be willing to enjoy the experience.

    The proprietor of the resort, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, said it is part of the efforts of the resort, as a top player in the tourism industry in the country, to continue to offer leisure options for guests and tourists that would make them have an unforgettable experience in Nigeria.

    He talked about the reason behind the acquisition of these sports facilities for leisure on water.

    “Lagos State is a state of aquatic splendour. I believe that we must take advantage of our advantage so that we can have an advantage over other people. One of the advantages we have in Lagos is that of aquatic beauty. We must not only utilize this for transportation alone, but for tourism activities in the area of water sports. That is the reason why we at La Campagne Beach Resort are taking advantage of the fact that we are sandwiched between two different water bodies- the fresh lagoon water and the salty sea water from the Atlantic Ocean- to make sure we create something totally unique that we add to the tourism product delivery of Lagos State and Nigeria in general.

    “Water sport is a tourism activity that most of us partake in when we travel to the United States of America, Europe, Dubai and so on. We believe strongly that we must strive on a regular basis to be at par in order to be competitive with the international tourism delivery by providing as many activities as possible for tourists. It is not only about comfortable hotel rooms. They all have comfort in their homes because it is a middle-class activity. It is not only about good food. We are not saying all these other aspects are not important, but we must create activities for tourists that will keep them busy from the minute they land till their departure. As a matter of fact, we must make sure that they borrow money to stay an extra day by creating as many activities as possible.”

    Wanle said there are different kinds of water sports fracilities available. He said: “We have virtually everything: jet ski, hydro-bikes, towables and many others. We have towables for one person; there are also towable for two and so on.These towables come in different sizes and shapes and give different feels on top of water. Some of them have a gliding feel; some will take you above the water slightly, you fly in the air and land back safely on the water. This is for the more adventurous traveller and leisure seekers.

    “We also have all the safety devices for these sports and kayaking too. We have the special kayak vest and helmet for safety purposes. We are doing this in accordance with international standards .

    “Although the idea is to offer exciting holiday and leisure experience to inbound tourists, the whole idea is also to make Nigerians have the opportunity to enjoy some of the natural endowments in their country.

    “Before you start talking about international tourism, you must develop your local tourism. I am glad to mention that a lot of people have come to the resort for the past one week-local tourists, business tourists and those on conference tourism. During their leisure time, what they have enjoyed the most at the resort are the water sports. After their retreat and bonding exercises, they have enjoyed gliding on the lagoon water and other water sports.

    “I will expect that during the yuletide season, many local tourists visiting the resort will enjoy these facilities. That is why we are introducing them now so that a lot of Nigerians and Africans that are in Lagos and even those in Ibadan, Kaduna and Port Harcourt, should come and experience water sports.”

    La Campagne Tropicana is one of the unique resorts in the country with upscale accommodation facilities and numerous options for relaxation, ranging from relaxation at the beach front facing the Atlantic ocean, engaging in outdoor pleasure like horse riding, swimming both in the swimming pool and fresh water, outdoor barbecuing and many others.

     

  • Southern Sun Hotel unveils Xmas package

    Southern Sun Hotel unveils Xmas package

    Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel has packaged a holiday season promo that is sure to delight its numerous customers.

    According to Ubong Nseobot, the hotel’s Public Relations Manager, the essence of the promo is to create an atmosphere of fun and at an affordable rate to its customers as they share in the joy of the season.

    According to her, “for loyal customers who have patronized the hotel all year, it was the hotel’s little way of showing gratitude for their patronage. The promo runs from December 15 to January 12 and guest can book and pay N35, 000 in advance for a minimum of two nights and enjoy complimentary breakfast for one, complimentary gym sauna and steam room facility, complimentary upgrade to executive rooms, high speed internet , VJP grading and a 20% discount on laundry and dry cleaning . The room cost is inclusive of 5% VAT and 10% service charge”

    She further added that guests can upgrade to executive rooms as well as enjoy early check-in and late check-out privileges upon availability.

    She said: “We are pleased to be able to continuously offer guests improved services to enhance their overall guest experience during their stay with us”

    Renowned for its culinary expertise and five-star services experience, Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel has a tradition of quality service delivery and customer satisfaction. Its facilities offer modern comfort, perfect for business.

  • CARNIRIV makes Shaggy, Beenie Man, others ambassadors

    CARNIRIV makes Shaggy, Beenie Man, others ambassadors

    The Rivers State Tourism Development Agency (RSTDA) in pursuit of its mandate to position the internationally acclaimed state-owned Port Harcourt Carnival (CARNIRIV) as ”a carnival brand of reckon and arecognizable global brand” has no doubt covered many great grounds since the rebranding and packaging of the annual carnival in 2008.

    Through CARNIRIV, the state has etched its name in gold among global carnival and tourism brands. One of the things that stand CARNIRIV out is also its ownership, participation and involvement by the Rivers people. Another major distinctive element is the music performances by renowned international and local acts in all editions of the carnival.

    In another celebration of the Port Harcourt Carnival’s many score cards, RSTDA recently appointed some acts as CARNIRIV Global Ambassadors, in recognition of the significant roles they have played in making CARNIRIV vibrant through their participation and success of past editions of the carnival. Among those presented with plaques of ambassadorship were Shaggy, Beenie Man, Busta Rhymes, Luciano, Patra and Morgan Heritage.

    Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the Director-General of RSTDA, Dr. Sam Dede, underscored the importance of good music as an integral activity at any carnival, and more importantly reggae.

    According to him, “reggae had to be at the forefront as the world over; music is hardly complete without a solid mention of reggae. For us at RSTDA, Reggae 360 holds the balance and offers a uniquely cathartic entertainment value through an exhaustive week of uninhibited festivities.”

    Also honoured was events coordinator and booking agent, Ms. Lexy Brooks of VIP Connected Entertainment who has been a part of CARNIRIV for many years.

    “The participation of the international community has become an integral part of CARNIRIV and the carnival owes this feat in large part to the contributions of these artistes we have elected to honour and appoint as CARNIRIV Ambassadors”, Dede said.

    This year’s edition of CARNIRIV is billed for Port Harcourt from December 15 to 21 to showcase the cultural uniqueness of Rivers people.

  • NCPC to extend pilgrimage to Turkey, Uganda

    The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Mr. John Kennedy Opara has said the commission would explore the possibility of extending the scope of pilgrimage operations to Ephesus, Turkey and Uganda next year.

    He disclosed this recently while hosting the executive members of the Knight of Saint Mulumba who were on a visit to his office in Abuja.

    The NCPC boss informed the knights that the commission had extended the scope of pilgrimage operations from Israel to Rome and Greece. He explained that the commission would continue to explore the possibility of expanding pilgrimage operations by identifying worthy holy sites in the world where Christians could visit for spiritual rejuvenation.

    According to the NCPC helmsman, “NCPC will be able to partner knights to include it in our pilgrimage programme next year.”

    He adde: “The extending our pilgrimage to Uganda will not be a bad idea”, he assured.

    He hinted that both the Christian and Muslim pilgrims enjoy the concessionary exchange rate of 146 naira to 1 US Dollar approved by the Federal Government through the NCPC and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria and this has helped reduced the costs of pilgrimage packages. He, therefore, called on the church to fully maximize this opportunity to encourage their members to go on holy pilgrimage.

    He intimated his guests that the commission has been airlifting intending pilgrims from about six to seven airports in Nigeria which has helped in reducing the stress the pilgrims go through.

  • Oya: Harbinger of positive change

    Oya: Harbinger of positive change

    There is no doubt that encouraging the cultural heritage is an incentive for investment in cultural tourism.

    Little wonder, advocates of the Yoruba cultural heritage and other cultural aficionados recently converged on the sleepy and predominantly agrarian community of Ira in the Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State for this anniversary of the Oya Day.

    Oya in Yoruba pantheon is the goddess of change. In deed, tornados and violent thunderstorms are attributable to Oya.

    The guest speaker at the event, who is the Director, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) Archives and Documentation Centre, Prof Adebayo Olaoye, said the celebration of Oya is also the celebration of the cultural dignity of the blacks and people of African descent.

    In his lecture entitled: Oya: The harbinger of positive change, the university teacher maintained that “religious and socio-cultural event, like the Oya festival which we are celebrating today, has a long memory in history. By way of refreshing our memory, the objective of Pan-Africanism championed by African nationalist fighters was to restore the heritage and dignity of the blacks and people of African descent.

    “The Pan-African movement was domesticated in Africa by its leaders. It is equally germane to note that in Nigeria, official support was given to the African traditional religion and festivals through the Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC in Lagos in 1977. To permanently stamp the prominent role of traditional culture and festivals in the life of the black people, the Nigerian government built a gigantic structure called the National Theatre in Lagos. In this context, the celebration of Oya goddess, as we are celebrating today, is to ensure that the core values of the black people do not go into extinction.”

    Prof Olaoye further said: “Oya deity is a religious and socio-cultural phenomenon not only in Nigeria but several other countries. For instance, she is widely worshipped in Brazil and the Caribbean. Apart from this, Oya is known by different names in other countries.”

    At the event, the National Coordinator of the Oodu’a Peoples’ Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, charged the Kwara State government to develop its indigenous culture and traditions.

    Adams, who is also the chief promoter of the Olokun Festival, added that such would boost the state tourism potential.

    He said: “I, therefore, call on the Kwara State government to borrow a leaf from its counterpart in Osun State. You will agree with me that the Osun Festival in Osogbo has put the town and indeed Osun State on the global map.

    “Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world storm Osogbo for the festival. These people spend hard currencies helping to develop the economy of the state.

    “The Osun government has successfully differentiated between religion and culture in the way it goes about with its efforts to preserve the rich cultural heritage of its people.

    “I believe the same thing can happen in Kwara State. For a start, I would advise the state government to take the opportunity of the very large expanse of land in Ira to establish outfits that will attract investors to the town and create employment for the people. The government can also use the rich cultural heritage background of Ira to attract both foreign and local investors to help develop the tourism potential of this town.”

    He added that “you will agree with me that the Osun Festival in Osogbo has successfully put the town and Osun State on global map.”

    According to him, the Osun State government has been able to differentiate between religion and culture, hence its determination to promote and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the state.

    “The government has successfully completed the construction of the Oodua bust in Ile-Ife. That is why the Olokun Festival Foundation presented Governor Aregbesola with the award of the Grand Cultural Ambassador,” he said.

    The OPC boss declared that developing the cultural potential of Ira town cannot be done by the state government alone.

    He called on believers of Oya both at home and in the Diaspora to join hands with the government and the foundation to ensure that the Oya Festival gets global attention it deserves.

    Adams said the Olokun Festival Foundation was doing its best to keep the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people alive.

  • SATLagos office opens next month

    SATLagos office opens next month

    All is set for the opening of the South Africa Tourism (SAT) office in Lagos. The event is billed for December 10.
    The office will be declared open by Marthinus van Schalkwyk, South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, and his Nigerian counterpart, Chief Edem Duke.
    Also expected on the occasion is the Chairman of the SA Tourism Board, Mr. Frank Kilbourn, and  SA Tourism Chief Executive Officer, Mr Thulani Nzima.

  • From Prison to Freedom park

    From Prison to Freedom park

    Three years after the former  Broad Street colonial prison was transformed from an old and abandoned prison to  a place for relaxation called Freedom Park,  Okorie  Uguru visited there and relates his experience.

     

    The irony of  a place of repression and curtailment of man’s freedom by the  state  becoming a Freedom Park, a place that gives full rein to man’s creative freedom, has  always  appealed to me since it was opened.    That was the thought running through my mind as I made my way to the Freedom Park in Marina.

    It is one of the few tourist and leisure sites in the country that impact one with a deep sense of history, appreciate the whole gamut of art and still not compromising the aesthetics and the leisure content of the complex.

    The uniform of the attendant at the gate brought vividly some of the old black and white pictures of colonial law enforcement agents to mind. The long dark grey knickers complemented by the double-breasted khaki shirt with bibs, the normal security forces mode of attire.

    What was missing to complete the dressing was the long round cap or something close to that. But the first impression of trying to take any visitor back to the Nigeria’s pre-colonial era is from the walls of the park.

    There are still the ancient red burnt bricks that  although had been hardened by years, are still standing.

    The attendant at the gate collected the sum of N200 and issued a ticket. Just by my right, loud rap  music was blaring from a speaker.

    A group of teenagers, five in number, three boys and two girls, were practising some dance steps. It was an admixture of intricate steps, a kind of robotic  movement mix with swivelling acrobatic display.

    Just beside where they were dancing is an inscription: Prison Cell Block C.  About three years ago, when I visited the park when it had just opened,  the greenery unfolded before my eyes was not as lush as what I was seeing.

    The model cells just facing the entrance used to have a kind of bright sunlight inside , but this has been covered by ornamental plants. Except for the small size of the cells, many might volunteer to be offered these  prison rooms for accommodation. Some of the staff of the park could be seen putting together plastic chairs and reclining on them to have a rest.

    On the way to the amphitheatre, there is an ancient tree with some of the chains used for prisoners by colonial warders.  There is also a fountain gushing out water. The geese stable is further down. There is a mart with rows of shops.

    There are bars displaying choice wine, beer and non-alcoholic drink. As I passed through a shop,the aroma of food was in the atmosphere. I then looked in. At the back of the shop which is a kitchen, a male chef was preparing a meal. He was manipulating and waving the greenish rice.  If one could judge by the aroma, it would be a delightful culinary experience to dine there.  Although it was on a Wednesday, canopies were being set for a programme. Behind is the main theatre. There were no activities going on there. It used to be a place for condemned criminals in the colonial prison, but now an arena that gives wings to creative imagination.

    However, for me, the biggest addition to the Freedom Park in the last three years are the works of art commissioned by the Omooba Yemi Shyllon Foundation. The works are statues painted black with fibre class as the medium. They are almost life-size statues that capture the Nigerian way of life from different ethnic groups of the country.

    A Northen flutist blowing  kaakaki, a kind of royal flute to announce the presence of royalty; a woman displaying her kolaunts in a wooden bowl; a blacksmith working on a material; and  an appreciative Urhobo  groom with his in-laws. There are  others in the park that take one on an imaginary trip to different parts of the country.

    So, within the Freedom Park, one could see and experience history, the creative imagination of  some of Nigerian leading artists and have an experience of the culture of the country.   Prince Yemi Shyllon, an art patron and one of the avid collectors of works of art in the country must be commended for  deepening further the mental and physical experience of visiting the Freedom Park.

    The  park is located on the site of the colonial prison where prominent Nigerians had their jail terms during the colonial era. The park, which is now a peaceful place for individual and collective contemplation and interaction, is open to the public daily.

    The park is a brainchild of a Lagos-born architect and visionary, Theo Lawson.He transformed  the colonial prison to a symbol of freedom.

    This prison was used by the British colonial masters to torture, imprison and hang those who opposed the colonial rule in Nigeria, including Herbert Macaulay, Chief Cbafemi Awolowo, Chief Michael Imodu, Sir Adeyemo Alakija and others.

    Freedom Park is a memorial leisure park to preserve the Lagos colonial heritage and history of the old Broad Street prison.