THE Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in Osogbo, the Osun State, once held promise for Osun residents, but that magic was short-lived. JOSEPH OLAOLUWA reports about the decay of the park and the secrecy surrounding the funding.

The administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in Osun State designed the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in Osogbo, the state capital, from what used to be a plank market and garage.

The park was designed to have a garden at the centre with adequate sitting corners, planted trees, and flowers. Strategically placed were terracotta heads of past governors and administrators of the state. Close by those terracotta heads was a fountain protected by perimeter fencing.

The park is situated by the side of the railway line, while a gantry-like ladder was constructed over the line to help residents enjoy the view.

One side of the park had a well-cultured garden, relaxation tents and bouncy castles, while the other side had sitting corners and a fountain. The project had two gantries at the entry and close to the road.

It also has big parking spaces at the various entrances of the project; the parking spaces were said to be well-utilised when the park blossomed.

The Nelson Mandela Freedom Park was used as the venue for one of the activities to flag off the end of Aregbesola’s eight years as governor. The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, was in attendance.

However, the attraction associated with this project was short-lived due to what residents described as its abandonment and neglect.

On February 5, 2022, The ICIR reporter paid a visit to the park. It revealed the tourism centre was unkempt and uncatered for. There was no gateman, security man or any other official at the entrance.

However, several minutes after the reporter entered the park, an attendant appeared and asked for a N300 access fee, even though N500 was printed on the ticket, which interestingly was for the previous year’s Christmas carnival.

The attendant, who introduced himself as Brand, says he manages the facility on behalf of Bristol Family Park, the concessionaire. He told The ICIR that the construction of the Olaiya overhead bridge close by the park was responsible for the low turnout of visitors.

“I am the one that manages this place. People are few today because of this overhead bridge. We are doing a re-opening when the bridge is completed,” Brand said while explaining the desolation at the park.

Dusty chairs, stagnant water in the fountain, no food
A cursory look outside the park walls showed its surroundings littered with waste and weeds creeping over the walls.

On entrance into the park, The ICIR reporter observed dusty chairs at the park, which showed how long it was put to use. Even the bouncing castle was deflated. The fountain was not functional. It was replaced by a pool of dirty-smelling water.

READ MORE HERE: https://www.icirnigeria.org/nelson-mandela-freedom-park-osogbo-in-ruins-overtaken-by-goats/

Another waste of tax payers money

The goats came to relax after flexing osogbo weed.
After all na freedom park.
Anything can enter
Be u Agbero, urchin, animal or anything.

That is APC for you, nothing they do has a long-term lifespan.