Exploring old Lagos: freedom park.
a dreamy street right outside the gate of Freedom Park
My friends and I had been planning things to do throughout my time in Lagos. This is now my second trip to Lagos, so I’ve done most of the touristy things. During my first go-around, I quickly learned Nigeria is not built for tourists. Some might think this is an end-all-be-all, and they won’t visit a place like this… however, these are the kind of places I love! The super low-key chill areas that everyone hasn’t discovered just yet. So the challenge was on! What could we do on a Sunday afternoon?
After many failed attempts, we landed at Freedom Park. They were open on Sunday, but by the time we got there, it was past their normal business hours. Grateful to the staff at the park, after a bit of begging, they let us in the gate and provided a tour guide who would take us around the compound that was once the very first prison in Nigeria. It was a prison that wasn’t run by Nigerians - as far as I’m concerned, Nigerians did not have a prison system before the British came in.
this is the original only wall still standing from the prison & was used as a one way entry into the Broad Street Prison.
The name Freedom Park is derived from its history. The prisoners held captive here were political activists who fought for Nigeria’s freedom and independence. The British colonizers constructed Broad Street Prison in Lagos in 1861. The original structure of the prison has been demolished, and the only thing that remains is the brick wall keeping the outside world out of reach from the prisoners. According to records from the British government, 676 males, 26 females, and 11 juveniles were imprisoned at Broad Street Prison during the first year.
Unfortunately, not all of our tour guide's stories were pleasant. He shared the tragic tale of a lady who was imprisoned for falling in love with a white man. She entrusted him with all the money she had saved to start her own business, believing his promises of returning from England with a car to support her venture. However, he betrayed her trust, using the funds to establish a new life abroad. When he eventually returned, seemingly oblivious to his deceit, she confronted him. Upon discovering a photo of his family, her anger boiled over, leading her to fatally stab him in a fit of rage with a pair of scissors. She was then incarcerated. This injustice deeply upset other Nigerians, as the British man escaped accountability for his theft. Thankfully, everyone was eventually released in 1979. While this was the only recorded story, a dedicated room honored the nameless and faceless freedom fighters whose sacrifices paved the way for Nigeria's freedom today.
After 1979, the site was converted into a dumping ground until the 1990s when Nigeria decided to transform the site into a space for creatives. Today, Freedom Park stands as a memorial and leisure park area in the heart of old Lagos on Lagos Island, Nigeria. The space serves as a platform for aspiring artists to express themselves, with many rising from humble beginnings to the spotlight, like Burna Boy. Additionally, community gatherings take place in the food court where art is also sold. Amidst the festivals and performances, visitors can take a moment to delve into the past and learn about the women and men who expressed themselves to bring about freedom for themselves and others.
this church is located right out side of freedom house
Today, Freedom Park is a serene environment for creative individuals, and visitors to push their creative bounds & not be held captive as Nigerians were in the past.
what was once used as a colonial instrument of control & oppression is now a peaceful place for individual & collective contemplation and interaction, dedicated to our Heroes past. -Freedom house
the one of the amphitheaters in the park for artist to perform
As we left the park, you couldn’t help but be thankful for the freedoms we often take for granted.
If you would like to know more or set up a booking check them out. https://www.freedomparklagos.com/
- xoxo
Mutanu
