Lagosians begin to savour quiet time, relaxation at gardens across the metropolis
IT was once thought that a present-day Lagosian would rather make contact, close deals, hustle from Ojuelegba to Oshodi, the Island to Agege or Badagry to Ipaja to make money than agree to spend that time to take life easy, relax and have fun.
He would rather spend all his time trying to make money and even more money to the neglect of other things.
Yet, there were periods in the annals of the state when Lagosians found time to relax along the Marina Waterfront and the Bar Beach, Badagry and other beaches along the state’s long coastline.
Those days seem to be on their way back, thanks to the efforts of the Lagos State government, especially in the past four years.
When the Lagos State government embarked on demolition of illegal structures to widen roads, create green belts and convert open spaces to places of relaxation, many did not like what was going on because of the effect on the poorer segment of Lagosians.
But, the results have begun to manifest as many Lagosians, especially in the evenings, seek out those parks and gardens to unwind and relax.
A few hundred metres to the right, towards Oshodi from Anthony, attractive scenery of well-trimmed grass, walkways and park seats literally invite motorists and other passers-by to stop, step inside and just relax.
That part of Oshodi, which was once notorious as a haven for miscreants, is now a much-loved park where scores of young and old within and outside Oshodi and the adjoining Ilupaju community come to unwind.
“It is so restful and calming to the nerves. If you have a thing or two on your mind, the park at Oshodi is a good place to sort them out.”
He thanked the Lagos State government for creating the parks and green belts that are already encouraging the people of the state to stop and rest and relax once in a while.”
For Lawson Lawal, “The creation of the garden has given most of us the opportunity to relax.
“I always pass through this place, but each time, I do it in a hurry.
“I thought the garden was meant for government officials alone, because it looked so beautiful, I did not know that ordinary people like us could sit here.”
With a sense of satisfaction, This is a good rendezvous, where people can hang out”.
Inside Alausa Ikeja and close to Lagos House is the very popular Strabag Garden, which has become a place of relaxation for both the old and young.
It is common to see young married couples and those not so young sitting close together, holding hands.
There is also another beautiful park at Alaba Bus Stop, along Orile-Badagry Expressway, which Oke Funsho admits he visits regularly, especially in the evenings.
“ In the past, I used to spend time at beer parlours, but since the park was developed, I now spend such time here.
“This is a better, healthier way to relax and have fun rather than to drink and eat pepper soup.”
At Mile Two, the garden has also proved to be a blessing to hawkers, and other petty traders who now make brisk sales to their customers among the visitors.
A barbecue-meat seller, Hassan Bello, who has a stand near the garden told The Guardian “ I now sell more.
“Before the harden was opened, I could be here till as late as 10.00 p.m., but now, I would have sold all that I prepared before 7.00 p.m., thanks to visitors to the garden who buy my suya, especially on Saturdays and Sundays.”
But, many still complain that the Lagos State government has allowed miscreants and touts to take control of some areas of Mile Two where one or two gardens should have been most welcome.
A banker, Kayode Adeoye, said the state government should “dislodge commercial bus operators who have taken over the loop in Mile Two and turn it into the garden it had been proposed for long ago.
“That expanse of land will look beautiful, and a haven for relaxation both for passers-by and those planning to travel, especially now that the Lagos-Badagry Road project is a reality.
Another Lagosian, Ajayi Lawal, also believes that “if more gardens, parks and green belts are constructed, the number of bad spots in Lagos metropolis would be drastically reduced.”
He continued: “The importance of recreation to mental and physical development cannot be overemphasized and I think Lagosians have started to accept that life is not only about running up and down looking for money.
“Lagosians now appreciate the good intentions of the state government, which have given birth to the parks and gardens they now visit with their loved ones.”
IT was once thought that a present-day Lagosian would rather make contact, close deals, hustle from Ojuelegba to Oshodi, the Island to Agege or Badagry to Ipaja to make money than agree to spend that time to take life easy, relax and have fun.
He would rather spend all his time trying to make money and even more money to the neglect of other things.
Yet, there were periods in the annals of the state when Lagosians found time to relax along the Marina Waterfront and the Bar Beach, Badagry and other beaches along the state’s long coastline.
Those days seem to be on their way back, thanks to the efforts of the Lagos State government, especially in the past four years.
When the Lagos State government embarked on demolition of illegal structures to widen roads, create green belts and convert open spaces to places of relaxation, many did not like what was going on because of the effect on the poorer segment of Lagosians.
But, the results have begun to manifest as many Lagosians, especially in the evenings, seek out those parks and gardens to unwind and relax.
A few hundred metres to the right, towards Oshodi from Anthony, attractive scenery of well-trimmed grass, walkways and park seats literally invite motorists and other passers-by to stop, step inside and just relax.
That part of Oshodi, which was once notorious as a haven for miscreants, is now a much-loved park where scores of young and old within and outside Oshodi and the adjoining Ilupaju community come to unwind.
“It is so restful and calming to the nerves. If you have a thing or two on your mind, the park at Oshodi is a good place to sort them out.”
He thanked the Lagos State government for creating the parks and green belts that are already encouraging the people of the state to stop and rest and relax once in a while.”
For Lawson Lawal, “The creation of the garden has given most of us the opportunity to relax.
“I always pass through this place, but each time, I do it in a hurry.
“I thought the garden was meant for government officials alone, because it looked so beautiful, I did not know that ordinary people like us could sit here.”
With a sense of satisfaction, This is a good rendezvous, where people can hang out”.
Inside Alausa Ikeja and close to Lagos House is the very popular Strabag Garden, which has become a place of relaxation for both the old and young.
It is common to see young married couples and those not so young sitting close together, holding hands.
There is also another beautiful park at Alaba Bus Stop, along Orile-Badagry Expressway, which Oke Funsho admits he visits regularly, especially in the evenings.
“ In the past, I used to spend time at beer parlours, but since the park was developed, I now spend such time here.
“This is a better, healthier way to relax and have fun rather than to drink and eat pepper soup.”
At Mile Two, the garden has also proved to be a blessing to hawkers, and other petty traders who now make brisk sales to their customers among the visitors.
A barbecue-meat seller, Hassan Bello, who has a stand near the garden told The Guardian “ I now sell more.
“Before the harden was opened, I could be here till as late as 10.00 p.m., but now, I would have sold all that I prepared before 7.00 p.m., thanks to visitors to the garden who buy my suya, especially on Saturdays and Sundays.”
But, many still complain that the Lagos State government has allowed miscreants and touts to take control of some areas of Mile Two where one or two gardens should have been most welcome.
A banker, Kayode Adeoye, said the state government should “dislodge commercial bus operators who have taken over the loop in Mile Two and turn it into the garden it had been proposed for long ago.
“That expanse of land will look beautiful, and a haven for relaxation both for passers-by and those planning to travel, especially now that the Lagos-Badagry Road project is a reality.
Another Lagosian, Ajayi Lawal, also believes that “if more gardens, parks and green belts are constructed, the number of bad spots in Lagos metropolis would be drastically reduced.”
He continued: “The importance of recreation to mental and physical development cannot be overemphasized and I think Lagosians have started to accept that life is not only about running up and down looking for money.
“Lagosians now appreciate the good intentions of the state government, which have given birth to the parks and gardens they now visit with their loved ones.”
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