Attractions and History of Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS)

Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) is a large, open space in Lagos, Nigeria. It is named after Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, who was Nigeria's first Prime Minister and helped Nigeria gain independence from British rule. TBS is an important symbol of Nigeria's pride and culture.

Overview of Tafawa Balewa Square

• Location: Lagos Island, Nigeria

• Size: Approximately 14 hectares

• Buildings Around the Square:

  • Lagos City Hall

  • Central Mosque

  • Lagos High Court

  • Close to Lagos Marina, where people can enjoy boat rides and water activities

Tafawa Balewa Square is a special place in Nigeria's history. Many important events have taken place here:

• Independence Celebrations in 1960: When Nigeria became free from British rule, people gathered at TBS to celebrate this momentous occasion.

• Handover of Power in 1999: When the government transitioned from military to civilian rule, people celebrated here.

• Public Gatherings: TBS hosts concerts, political events, and celebrations, making it a lively and popular location for everyone.

Monuments and Memorials in TBS

Tafawa Balewa Square has many important landmarks that represent Nigeria's history:

• Horse and Rider Statue: This large statue stands in the centre of the square. It was made by the artist John Doubleday in 1956.

• Unknown Soldier Memorial: This memorial honours Nigerian soldiers who died during the Nigerian Civil War.

• Fountain and Gardens: A large fountain and beautiful gardens provide a peaceful spot for people to relax and enjoy nature.

People like to visit TBS to walk around, join in events, or have a picnic in a peaceful setting.

Events and Activities at Tafawa Balewa Square

Tafawa Balewa Square is a place where many events happen all year round. There are activities for everyone to enjoy:

• Trade Fairs and Exhibitions: Businesses come here to showcase their products, helping them meet new customers and grow their business.

• Public Events and Festivals:

  • Miss Nigeria Beauty Pageant: Celebrating the beauty and talent of Nigerian women.

  • Lagos Carnival: A colourful event featuring parades, music, and dancing to celebrate Nigerian culture.

  • Lagos International Trade Fair: A major event where businesses gather to showcase their products and build connections.

These events bring many people to TBS, making it a lively place full of culture and excitement.

Tourist Attractions

There are many things to see and do at Tafawa Balewa Square, making it a great place to visit:

• Green Space: Plenty of green space is available for picnics and relaxation.

• Sports Facilities: Basketball and tennis courts are available for those who want to play sports.

• Food and Souvenirs: Food stalls offer Nigerian snacks, and shops sell souvenirs for visitors to take home.

• Nearby Buildings: Important buildings like the Lagos State Government Secretariat and the Bank of Industry are nearby.

Tafawa Balewa Square is a fun and interesting place to visit. Whether you enjoy history, sports, or just want to relax, there is something for everyone.

History of Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos

Tafawa Balewa Square was originally called the Lagos Race Course because people used to race horses there during the colonial era. After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, the name was changed to honour Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

Many significant events have taken place at TBS:

• Festival of African Arts and Culture (FESTAC) in 1977: This event celebrated African art, music, and culture, promoting unity across the continent.

• Inauguration of President Shehu Shagari in 1979: Thousands gathered here to celebrate Nigeria's transition to democratic rule.

• June 12, 1993 Election Protests: After the presidential election was cancelled, many people gathered at TBS to demand democracy.

Today, TBS continues to be a place for political rallies, cultural events, and business activities. Events like the Lagos International Trade Fair, Lagos Carnival, and Lagos Jazz Series make TBS a centre for both culture and commerce.

In 2018, there were plans to modernise TBS as a business district. This led to discussions about preserving its history, resulting in a compromise to keep some of the historic buildings while adding new infrastructure.

Important Visitors to Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS)

Many notable figures have visited Tafawa Balewa Square over the years:

• Queen Elizabeth II (1956): She visited during her tour of Nigeria, and people celebrated her visit with a grand event.

• Nelson Mandela (1990): The South African leader, along with Winnie Mandela, visited to show solidarity between Nigeria and South Africa.

• Pope John Paul II (1982): He held a mass here, attended by thousands, making it an important event for Nigerian Catholics.

• Princess Anne (2001): She visited to strengthen British-Nigerian relations and support healthcare and education initiatives.

• Muhammad Ali (1964): The famous boxer visited TBS, where a special boxing match was held in his honour.

• Margaret Thatcher (1988): The British Prime Minister visited to promote trade relations and support Nigeria's economic development.

TBS Bus Terminus

The TBS Bus Terminus is an important part of Tafawa Balewa Square, serving as a central point for transportation in Lagos.

• Modern Amenities: The bus station includes ticket machines, comfortable waiting areas, and other useful facilities for commuters.

• Convenient Location: Situated in the busy area of Lagos Island, the bus terminus makes it easy for people to travel around the city.

TBS Location: 45/47 Massey Bamgbose Street, Lagos Island 102273, Lagos.

Conclusion

Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) is an essential landmark that showcases Nigeria's history, independence, and culture. From political events and trade fairs to cultural festivals, TBS plays a significant role in the life of Lagos.

Whether you are a tourist looking to learn about Nigerian culture or a local interested in attending an event, Tafawa Balewa Square is full of life and history. It stands as a symbol of Nigeria's strength, unity, and progress, making it a wonderful place for anyone to visit.

Experience TBS Today: Come visit Tafawa Balewa Square! See the monuments, join in the events, and learn about Nigerian history. TBS is more than just a square—it tells the story of Nigeria's journey and success. Come and experience the mix of history, culture, and community that makes TBS special to all Nigerians.