From ruins to restoration: Discovering the treasures in Freedom Park Lagos

I discovered that the park, located on a prime location in Lagos Island, had a historical past—it used to be a prison during Nigeria's colonial era.

On Broad Street in Lagos Island lies Freedom Park, a testament to resilience and redemption, where the echoes of Nigeria's past intertwine with the spirit of its present. 

The first time I visited Freedom Park was one curious night, in 2021. I went to watch a play at the small theatre. I was particularly fascinated by the lighting and decor and how it melded with the night time ambiance. This got me thinking about how it would appear during the day.

Two years later, I decided to revisit the park to explore it further. Before heading out, I conducted some research. I discovered that the park, located on a prime location in Lagos Island, had a historical past—it used to be a prison during Nigeria's colonial era.

Her Majesty's Prisons, also known as the Broad Street Prisons, held some of Nigeria’s most prominent activists and nationalists, including Sir Herbert Macaulay, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Lateef Jakande, and Michael Imoudu. They all spent time there due to their political beliefs…