Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan, Lagos

There are many places around the world that are historical landmarks and hold significant importance to the people who reside there. These landmarks, found in many countries, preserve the memories of notable events such as independence day celebrations, scientific advancements, sports matches, arts and culture, and bilateral trades that have taken place there. Buildings, monuments, sculptures, and sites, to name a few, are some of the most prevalent historical landmarks known. In Nigeria, one of the most iconic historical landmarks is the Tafawa Balewa Square.

One of the main entrances into Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos

The Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) is a ceremonial ground and complex that occupies a large expanse of land in Onikan, Lagos State. During the colonial era, the Tafawa Balewa Square was a sports centre that had a horse racing course and pitches for football and cricket. However, with the advent of the country's independence, the sports centre was redeveloped as a ceremonial ground. It was further transformed into its current state as a complex by the Nigerian military government twelve years after the country's independence. Before the redevelopment of the Tafawa Balewa Square, the sports centre that was there earlier was known as "Race Course" because of its popular horse racing track. Although this horse racing track has become defunct, many Nigerians still call the Tafawa Balewa Square "Race Course" to this day.

Political events that currently take place at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS)

Inauguration ceremony of the Governor of Lagos State

Political rallies

The Nigeria Armed Forces Remembrance Day

The Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, is a famous place in the annals of Nigeria and a historical landmark that is dear to the hearts of Nigerians. To many Nigerians, the Tafawa Balewa Square symbolises freedom and nationhood. It served as the venue that hosted Nigeria's Independence Day celebrations, which formally made the country an autonomous state. This tradition continued for over three decades until the administrative center of government was relocated to Abuja from Lagos. Even after the country's seat of power was moved from Lagos, the Tafawa Balewa Square is still relevant in political matters. It is the venue where the inauguration ceremony of the Governor of Lagos State is conducted. It is also the preferred location for campaigns and rallies by political parties during the election season. The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is also commemorated at the TBS.

The Tafawa Balewa Square was named after Nigeria's first and only prime minister, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa.

The sculptures at the entrance of TBS represents strength and dignity

The Tafawa Balewa Square is an edifice that comprises a large parade ground, pavilions that have terraces with a sitting capacity of 55,000, shopping center, car park, cricket ground, bus terminal, and remembrance arcade (a monument built in honour of Nigerian soldiers who died during World War I and II, and the Nigerian civil war). Two of the main entrances that lead to the TBS have sculptures of horses and eagles that are symbols from Nigeria's coat of arms. These sculptures represent strength and dignity. The edifice was named after the first and only prime minister in Nigeria, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa.

The Lagos Trade fair and exhibition in TBS, Lagos

Over the years, the Tafawa Balewa Square has grown to become more than a historical landmark and ceremonial ground. Its facilities have positioned it as a hub for commercial, entertainment, and sports activities. The Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry organises an annual trade fair and exhibition at the TBS parade ground. A large number of new and established companies, business owners, and entrepreneurs from Nigeria and abroad participate in this event to showcase and sell their products and services. Consumers also look forward to the event as they get access to products and services at affordable prices. This event has enhanced trade and commerce in the country. It also generates revenue for the Federal and Lagos State government.

"The Experience" musical concert takes place at the TBS, Lagos

The Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) is not just an important historical landmark in Nigeria, it is also a center of entertainment. One of the big events held at the TBS is "The Experience," a religious musical concert that features renowned local and foreign gospel musicians such as Nathaniel Bassey, Tope Alabi, Don Moen, and Cece Winans, to name a few. This annual concert has been going on for over a decade and attracts a mammoth audience from within and outside Nigeria, making the TBS the converging point for this massive event, one of the biggest concerts in Africa.

Eyo Festival takes place at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos

Grammy Award winning musician, Burna boy shot the video of hit song "Kilometre" at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos

In addition to religious musical concerts, traditional festivals and ceremonies also take place at the TBS. The most popular of these events are the Eyo Festival and the Coronation ceremony of the Oba (King) of Lagos State, which display the rich culture and traditions of the indigenes of Lagos State. These events also serve as tourist attractions and propagate the indigenous culture of the people of Lagos State to the rest of the world. Even Grammy Award-winning musician Burna Boy shot the video for his hit song "Kilometre" at the Tafawa Balewa Square, making it a destination for tourists who want to explore places of interest in Nigeria and learn about the fascinating history of the country.

Cricketers at the "Cricket Oval" in Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos

Furthermore, the TBS is home to the country's most famous and active cricket ground, known as the "Cricket Oval." It hosts both local and international matches, and is the home of the nation's cricket teams, with a seating capacity of 5000.

All the activities that take place in the Tafawa Balewa Square have made it a valuable asset to Nigeria, not only as an important historical landmark but also as a center of commerce, entertainment, and sports. It has contributed significantly to the growth of the local economy and is a source of pride to Nigerians. The Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) is, indeed, a national treasure!

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