Raheem Ibrahim
Corner 47 Group, facility managers of Tinubu Fountain Park on Lagos Island, has pledged to transform the historic recreational facility into what it described as Lagos’ first “smart park”,which will eventually boost tourism in the state.
The group in a media briefing held at Tinubu square on Wednesday said the project, which commenced in 2024, was designed to restore the park, improve security and provide a more functional and inclusive public space while preserving its historical significance.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of Corner 47 Group and Facility Manager of Tinubu Fountain Park, Gbolahan Ogundimu Odusanya, the project was being implemented in collaboration with relevant Lagos State agencies.
He revealed that the group spent about nine months obtaining the necessary approvals before commencing the renovation.
Odusanya said, “This project began with a direct call from the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Dr Tokunbo Wahab, directing us to proceed to LASPARK for relevant approvals. After approvals, we immediately commenced revamping works to restore the dignity of this monument”.
According to him, the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) granted provisional approval and guided the organisation through the process of obtaining clearances from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies., adding “That is how serious this administration is about due process”.
Odusanya explained that the project was aligned with the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s THEMES+ Agenda, particularly its focus on social inclusion, environmental sustainability and good governance.
He said that the proposed smart park would feature improved lighting, CCTV surveillance, walkways, seating facilities and enhanced security.
Odusanya disclosed, “Our design will make the park functional, educational, inclusive and secure. Functionally, we are looking at proper lighting, CCTV, walkways, seating and 24-hour security. Educationally, there will be historical displays and signage to teach children and adults about Lagos history”.
Describing Tinubu Fountain Park as more than a recreational facility, Odusanya said that the location had historical value to Lagos, saying “This is not just a park. It is a monument with historical significance—a place that tells the story of commerce, culture and people that shaped Lagos”.
He said that the facility would also be positioned to provide information on Lagos State Government activities and programmes, while creating opportunities for corporate partnerships, adding that the condition of the park when Corner 47 took over management required significant attention.
“When I got there, there was so much dirt on the park. We had to start from the point of restoring the environment and giving the place a new look,” he said.
On the renovation process, he said that the organisation had to go through several stages of engagement and approval before work could begin, disclosing plans to place the park online on a 24-hour basis, with corporate organisations expected to participate in funding and branding opportunities.
According to him, Corner 47 plans to contribute 40 per cent of the project funding, while corporate organisations would provide the remaining 60 per cent.
“It would be a CSR from us but with control from the Lagos State Government. Money for the business would come from partnerships that make sense,” he said.
He added that organisations providing services such as Wi-Fi could also participate in the partnership arrangement.
“Those who would give Wi-Fi would be part of the funding, as people would download what the organisation is selling,” Odusanya said.
He said that the project would also have a strong media and digital presence, “We will have a good media presence for the place and anything people want to know about Lagos State Government would be made available through the park”.
Odusanya projected that the organisation could recover its investment within one year through partnerships and corporate branding.
“Money would also be made through branding by corporate organisations,” he said.
On the issue of street trading around the park, he said Corner 47 had engaged traders operating around the facility and explained the restrictions on trading on walkways and public spaces.
“We explained that Lagos State law prohibits trading on walkways and public spaces,” he said.
He added that the organisation had also engaged KAI Marshal officials, who provided support within their capacity but indicated that they could not provide dedicated 24-hour security for the heritage site because of staffing limitations.
Odusanya said that Corner 47 was therefore seeking the approval of the Lagos State Government to engage members of the Nigerian Legion for round-the-clock security, “Because they are trained in discipline and orderliness. This also delivers on social inclusion by giving our veterans dignified work while protecting a public asset”.
He said that the proposed arrangement would be implemented in partnership with relevant government authorities.
Odusanya added that the renovated park would be available for excursions, relaxation and other activities, with the commissioning expected to take place within the coming days.
He however appealed to Lagos residents and stakeholders to support efforts to preserve the facility.
“We call on all Lagosians to support this effort. Protect the park. Respect the law. Let us build a Smart Lagos together,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for supporting the project and for what he described as his administration’s contributions to the development of Lagos.
Odusanya described the project as part of the legacy of the present administration, saying the renovated facility would contribute to preserving the history of Lagos while providing residents and visitors with a safe and functional public space.
“This is one of the legacies Mr Governor will be leaving for the incoming administration—a Lagos we can all be proud of,” he said.
He added that Corner 47’s vision was to make Tinubu Fountain Park a safe, functional and historically relevant public space at the heart of Lagos Island.
