The Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) is a 14.5-hectare (35.8-acre) ceremonial ground, which was originally called “Race Course” in Lagos Island, Lagos. Lagos Race Course (which is now TBS) was a sports field that hosted horse racing but included a section for football and grounds to play cricket. Oba Dosunmu at that time provided the land to the colonial authorities in 1859. The colonial administration thereafter built up the surrounding areas and was used for these sports.
Later, the military administration of General Yakubu Gowon demolished the course in order to make way for TBS. In its prime days, the course hosted the Empire Day parades. (The Empire Day, which is now known as Commonwealth Day, is the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations since 1977 often held on the second Monday in March. It is marked by an Anglican service, normally attended by the monarch as Head of the Commonwealth along with the Commonwealth Secretary-General and Commonwealth High Commissioners.)
It is a historic landmark for Nigeria’s independence.
It was in 1960 that the course was redeveloped to celebrate Nigeria’s independence and the lowering of the union jack. The monument is named after Nigeria’s first prime minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. The square is situated in Lagos city center. It is surrounded by impressive buildings and memorial sites. Due to its significance, it is in constant use for a variety of celebrations and official functions. TBS hosted some events for the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (known as FESTAC) which was held in Lagos in 1977.
Regardless of one’s time of visit, there is usually some sort of activity going on. It is a great place to experience the cultures of Nigeria. Tafawa Balewa Square was where Nigeria celebrated October 1st. It was there that Prime Minister Balewa announced the country’s independence in his speech, which was held at the square on that day. Tafawa Balewa was an eloquent speaker. This is why he was being referred to as “the Golden Voice of Africa.”
The monument has distinct features to welcome its visitors.
The entrance to the square has gigantic sculptures of four white horses hovering above the gate and seven red eagles, which are symbols from the Nigerian emblem that signifies strength and dignity respectively. This is similar to the Nigerian Coat of Arms, which is a collection of symbols that showcase what Nigeria stands for. The Coat of Arms consists of different elements such as two white horses, an eagle, a Y symbol in the middle, black soil and yellow and green flowers, as well as the motto. All these symbolize something distinct.
TBS also houses other monuments. One of such in the square is the Remembrance Arcade. It is a cenotaph site used to commemorate Nigerian soldiers who died in World War I, World War II, and the Nigerian Civil War. The Armed Forces Remembrance celebrations are performed yearly at this site. At the entrance of this site, there is a statue of an unknown soldier with a gun and who is facing the entrance. The green space at the location is laid out with grasses, pavements and the cenotaph.
It is one of the notable buildings on the islands in Lagos.
There is also the 26-story Independence House which was built in 1963 and which was for a long time the tallest building in Nigeria. It is located west of Tafawa Balewa Square at Onikan Lagos. TBS is also home to the multipurpose Onikan Stadium and the Nigerian National Assembly building. One will also find just a short walk away the National Museum that features the Benin City brasses, traditional ivory carvings, royal crowns and the famous Nok Terracottas.
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The Tafawa Balewa square has hosted lots of monumental events in the pass which can not be forgotten and it’s also still playing host to so many event up till now.It is national asset.
Tarawa Balewa Square holds a lot of history and centers on what make nigeria today: Independence. With all these monumental structures maintenance is very key to preserve our history.
The Tafawa Balewa square is more than just a place. It is a national heritage of the country which has housed a lot of national event. The place depicts Nigeria’s celebrated ceremonies.
After then, the colonial authority enhanced the surrounding lands so that they could be used for various sports and that is nice.
This is an Anglican service held in its honor, and the Queen, in her capacity as Head of the Commonwealth, as well as the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, are expected to be present.
The reopening of the course in 1960 was timed to coincide with the lowering of the union jack, which signified the end of British colonial rule in Nigeria.
It doesn’t matter what time of year one goes, there is always some type of event going on, and it’s a terrific place to get a taste of the different cultures that Nigeria has to offer.
Given that it is utilized on a continuous basis for a diverse range of events, both official and unofficial, the significance of the TBS is extremely great.
TBS is considered to be a part of the country’s national heritage because it has been the site of many important national events. The location is meant to represent the celebrated festivities of Nigeria.
Numerous historical and contemporary events of historic and cultural significance have taken place in and around Tafawa Balewa Square.
Tarawa Balewa Square a monumental structure that carries volumes of history about Nigeria, such kinds of place should be maintained and preserve.
The Tafawa Balewa Square has held many historic events and continues to hold many events today. It belongs to the nation.
The Tarawa Balewa Square is a magnificent structure that contains volumes of history pertaining to Nigeria; as such, it is the kind of location that need to be preserved and maintained.
TBS has hosted several major events, making it part of the nation’s heritage. The place symbolizes Nigerian celebrations.
The square is located in the heart of Lagos. It is surrounded by stunning monuments and structures. It is frequently used for a range of festivals and governmental events because of its significance.
There is more than merely a spot in the Tafawa Balewa square. The building, which has hosted numerous major events, is part of the nation’s heritage. The setting reflects Nigeria’s renowned festivities.
Many ironic history are many in our country, Tafawa Balewa square which host many event in the past and still holding event now such history place should be maintain well and make it continuing active
Nigerian emblem that signifies strength and dignity respectively. This is similar to the Nigerian Coat of Arms, historybis very important for children and future
Tafawa Balewa Square is a very historical place in Lagos used for several events and it houses several monuments in remembetabce of the wars.
There is more than merely a spot in the Tafawa Balewa square. The building, which has hosted numerous major events, is part of the nation’s heritage. The setting reflects Nigeria’s renowned festivities.
Our nation has a rich historical heritage. Tafawa Balewa Square, which has hosted numerous events in the past and is now hosting more, is one such location that has to be well-maintained and kept active.