Susan Abayomi
Corner 47 Group, the facility manager of Tinubu Fountain Park on Lagos Island, has unveiled plans to transform the historic recreational facility into what it describes as Lagos’ first “smart park.”
The project, which commenced in 2024, is aimed at restoring the park, improving security and creating a more functional and inclusive public space while preserving its historical significance.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Wednesday, the Chief Executive Officer of Corner 47 Group and Facility Manager of Tinubu Fountain Park, Gbolahan Ogundimu Odusanya, said the project was being implemented in collaboration with relevant agencies of the Lagos State Government.
Odusanya explained that the organisation spent about nine months securing the necessary approvals before commencing the renovation.
He said the process began following a directive from the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, to proceed to the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) for the required approvals.
According to him, LASPARK granted provisional approval and guided Corner 47 through the process of obtaining the necessary clearances from relevant ministries, departments and agencies.
He said the project aligns with the Lagos State Government’s THEMES+ Agenda, particularly its focus on social inclusion, environmental sustainability and good governance.
Under the proposed smart park initiative, the facility will receive improved lighting, CCTV surveillance, walkways, seating facilities and enhanced security.
“Our design will make the park functional, educational, inclusive and secure,” Odusanya said, adding that historical displays and information signs would also be installed to educate visitors about the history of Lagos.
He described Tinubu Fountain Park as more than a recreational facility, stressing its historical importance to Lagos and its people.
“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.
Odusanya disclosed that the facility would also provide information on programmes and activities of the Lagos State Government, while creating opportunities for corporate organisations to participate through partnerships and branding.
He said Corner 47 plans to contribute 40 per cent of the project funding, while corporate organisations would provide the remaining 60 per cent through partnerships.
According to him, organisations providing services such as Wi-Fi could also participate in the funding and partnership arrangement.
He added that the project would have a strong media and digital presence, with information about Lagos State Government programmes made accessible through the facility.
Odusanya also disclosed that the organisation expected to recover its investment within one year through corporate partnerships and branding opportunities.
On security, he said Corner 47 had engaged officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) initiative over activities around the park, while discussions were also ongoing with the Lagos State Government on securing the services of members of the Nigerian Legion for round-the-clock security.
He explained that the proposed engagement of Legionnaires would provide disciplined personnel to protect the heritage site while also creating dignified employment opportunities for veterans.
The facility manager said the renovated park would be available for excursions, relaxation and other recreational activities, with its commissioning expected in the coming days.
He appealed to Lagos residents and other stakeholders to support the initiative by helping to protect the facility and respect regulations governing the use of public spaces.
“We call on all Lagosians to support this effort. Protect the park. Respect the law. Let us build a Smart Lagos together,” he said.
Odusanya expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his administration’s support for the project, describing the initiative as part of efforts to preserve Lagos’ heritage while providing residents and visitors with a safe, functional and historically relevant public space.
He said Corner 47’s vision was to establish Tinubu Fountain Park as a secure, accessible and historically significant destination at the heart of Lagos Island.
