By Kingsley Adegboye

THE Lagos State Government has brought to 180 the number of Parks and Gardens it has completed and handed over to various communities in the state since the inception of the aggressive open space development campaign called “Operation Green Lagos.”, The State last week, commissioned the Oshodi-Heritage Garden, the Dolphin Park and the Alao Aka-Bashorun recreational Park and Garden, bringing the number of such facilities to 180.

The “Operation Green Lagos campaign” is responsible for the gradual restoration of the ecological glory of the State as witnessed in Oshodi, Gbagada Phase II and Osborne Road where the three new parks and gardens are located.

Lost glory of Lagos
Commissioner for the Environment, Tunji Bello  explained that the official commissioning of the three parks was a demonstration of the commitment of the state to restore the lost glory of Lagos and create a safe and healthy environment for all.

“Firstly, we are contributing to the global fight against climate change. Secondly, we are creating jobs for landscape experts, not to mention the multiplier effect in the supply chain. Thirdly, we are creating veritable outdoor media opportunity for corporate organisations to market their products. Fourthly, we are restoring the aesthetics of the environment as well as rehabilitating some of our youth who were used in the development of the parks”, Bello said.

Commending the contribution of the private sector, Bello stated that the organised private sector had heeded the clarion call by the state government to assist in restoring the ecological glory of the state. He pointed out that over 40 corporate bodies had so far partnered with the state government to beautify the environment.
Some of the private sector actors include: Zenith Bank, UBA, Jubali Brothers, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Breweries, Berger Paints, Hitech and Messrs Clear Edge Media who developed Oshodi Heritage-Garden.

Oshodi-Heritage Garden occupies a parcel of land measuring 12,000 square meters It has facilities like garden seats, garden lights, children play items, water fountain and irrigational facilities. Others include 200 and 50KVA generator sets, LED bill boards, two sided advert billboards, sculptures moulded with fiber glass, artistic sculpture and fitness facilities

The Dolphin Park occupies a total land area of 61,875.42 square metres.Facilities include, ornamental plants, palms, garden seats, garden lights, children play area, gazebo buts, football pitch, irrigational and toilet facilities.
Late Alao Aka Bashorun Recreational Park has the bust of Alao Aka Bashorun cast in solid bronze and mounted on a concrete block with marble finish.

The park sits on an approximately 5,295.25 square metres with walkways paved with inter-locking stones, children’s play area, and a football field made of Astroturf (first of its kind to be used in any of Lagos developed parks. Garden light to provide illumination and enhance aesthetics, an underground irrigation system, green area with lush green lawn and ornamental flowers with wrought iron as perimeter fence were also provided.
Bello explained that Late Alao Aka Bashorun Recreational Park was dedicated to the legal icon in recognition of his role in the enthronement of democracy and the fight for human rights.