RECAP: Nigeria Accessible Walk-City Hall

“At the end of the day, your feet should be dirty, your hair messy and your eyes sparkling.” – Shanti

In our case, yesterday, our eyes sparkled and our hearts thrilled as we discovered some wonderful places during our meetup.

OLD LAGOS:

Mission Street used to be one of the most popular areas in Lagos (former capital of Nigeria for 77years).

Historic and architectural masterpieces dotted this part of the CBD. (Igbosere Road, Catholic Mission Street, Campbell Street and Broad Street end)

We converged at the City Hall as planned; Negotiated access into the complex which was possible because we weren’t many. The first thing I noticed was accessibility driveway and trails into the giangantic building from different parts of the building. For a building constructed over 40years ago? It is highly commendable.

City Hall plays host to banks, Language institute, corporate offices, event hall, expansive parking lots and art works. We didn’t have access into the building to see more. Nevertheless, it’s an awesome and historic place.

STADIUM
Our next port of call was the Campos Mini Stadium on Joseph Harden Street. A renovated complex for sporting activities. We also pleaded to gain access here but ejected for taking photos😂. Our lucky day! (Campos Mini was opened to the public during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia).

CENOTAPH:
The Cenotaph is located opposite the former Defence House. This memorial arcade is dedicated to Nigerian soldiers who died during the world wars. The memorials were relocated to this cenotaph in 1979. It was renovated in 2001 after the capital moved to Abuja.

FOUNTAIN OF LIFE
Adewole and I, out of excitement decided to relax a bit, when we saw a water fountain and a well kempt mini park. What ensured?

We took several photos while admiring the green space. After, about 40mins the caretaker approached us and asked “Sorry, please may I know you? I have been watching both of you and the way you are taking photos is quite unusual.” We looked at each other and busted into laughter. Yes, we know right.

At the end of the conversation his face sparkled and he volunteered to go buy us some refreshments. Mr. Monday, will go on to explain his job and other personal stories too. We rested, checked Google Maps to identify the fountain and edited some relevant details. We discovered that it was wrongly mapped as TBS Roundabout. Adewole has moved the marker hoping it would be approved sooner.

HOMEWARD
On our way back to CMS, we couldn’t bypass the famous Freedom Park. The gate fee was a paltry N200 (less than $1). Freedom Park used to be a prison in the colonial days but was aptly converted to a recreational sight. This is one of the few locations with detailed accessibility trails. :clap: People with crutches, wheelchairs or puschairs can go up and around the compound quite easily.

Summary

The most interesting part of the meetup was that most the facilities had :wheelchair:accessibility trails. Yassss!:muscle: Note, majority of facilities are old, historic and yet accessible- Freedom Park, City Hall and Campos Mini Stadium.

Highly motivated @Specobelle was a great champion today! Encouraging and helping out when I can no longer speak Yoruba!

Check out the video we made together at the Waterboy Fountain :point_right:https://photos.app.goo.gl/TbBst199JzgfC3HV7

Enjoy the photo album and don’t forget to add buildings with accessibility on our NAW Placelist

While I was growing up in Lagos, I loved the sound of a particular Yoruba song about Lagos by Chris Ajilo. I don’t know why but I will leave the favourite line which I saw at the City Hall…

“Eko akete, ile ogwon”…Eko gba gbere rara o!

@ErmesT @TraciC @KarenVChin @Julien44 @Badruddeen @Jesi
@MrLabule @Vasudeo

Xoxo
Emeka

20 Likes

The saddest part of it all - I missed this event due to a decision I made. It’s unusual of me and I’ll say I regret not coming because you were able to discover many accessible trails unlike the previous month. I’m thrilled however by your continuous mapping and discovery and the spirit you both had to carry on with the meet-up. I had seem many RSVPd for the event so ó expected turnout. Either way, I’ll see you all next time. I’m happy you enjoyed your day with those places and the enlightenment you provided to someone else. Good of you at @EmekaUlor and @Specobelle for being with you all the way.

3 Likes

Good one @EmekaUlor :clap::clap::clap::ok_hand::+1::+1::+1:

Because of my job I was not able to make it…

Well done @Specobelle for representing us

Thanks for sharing your experience with us…

Kind regards

Sagir

5 Likes

@EmekaUlor ,

like always. Very nice recap! Congratulation!

5 Likes

Great work @EmekaUlor

The accessibility master.

Great recap also and I must say kudos for the detailed recap.

I should try and make it for the next NAW.

I’ll be looking forward to that.

5 Likes

Hi @EmekaUlor ,

Congratulations for your contributions and thanks for sharing.

See you around

Jul

4 Likes

It seems like it was a very helpful meet up, congrats! I want to organise an Accesibility meet-up as well, I just have to figure out where will it be. I hope it will be as good as this one :smiling_face:

Thank you for sharing this recap and mentioning me, @EmekaUlor !

2 Likes

@MrLabule it was one of the most exciting meetup for me. We saw a hidden part of Lagos.

Hopefully, you should attend the next meetup.

See you soon bro.

2 Likes

@Sagir thanks.

See you soon. Don’t forget my kulikuli.

:blush:

3 Likes

@TorM thank you.

I appreciate your support!

3 Likes

Thank you so much @Magbagbeola

We are looking forward to having you at the meet ups soon.

Cheers

2 Likes

Thank you for your kind words @Jesi

Yes we had fun too. I suggest you start from your Neighbourhood, it could reveal new things you never thought of. Then more ideas would come.

Nice, to know you are thinking of hosting an Accessibility Meet up.

Do keep me posted on the arrangements.

Cheers

3 Likes

HI @EmekaUlor !

A great meet-up and fantastic Recap.

I am very glad to see people like you and @Specobelle really involved with accessibility.

You are an inspiration to all of us.

Congratulations!!!

Good Afternoon from the South of Spain,

Alejandra.

2 Likes

Cool recap as always @EmekaUlor I am elated to feature in the numerous accessibility Walks organized by you and other fantastic well meaning #LagosLocalGuides.

The City Hall #NAW was so refreshing and eye opening we literally got lost in time. Seeing the ever busy Lagos Central Business District in such light was worth the trip moreso with the fact that the walk presented us with the knowledge of the availability of accessibility trails, driveways and walkpaths in most of these old neighborhoods. I look forward to the next walk…

The song you mentioned as seen as part of the plaque installed at the City Hall is a timeless anthem of warning which can be heard on the lips of people of the city; young, old, indigene or traveller and it translates as :-

Eko akete ilu ogbon

(Lagos stands out, state of wisdom)

T’o ba duro ko sora, fun oniyangi

(If you’re standing, be vigilant, for ‘ice cream sellers’)

Eko o gba gbere rara o

(Lagos tolerates no dulling)

3 Likes

@EmekaUlor wrote:

Thank you for your kind words @Jesi

Yes we had fun too. I suggest you start from your Neighbourhood, it could reveal new things you never thought of. Then more ideas would come.

Nice, to know you are thinking of hosting an Accessibility Meet up.

Do keep me posted on the arrangements.

Cheers


Thank you for the advice @EmekaUlor ! I know a street in my neighborhood that could be a great option. I will let you know once it’s approved. Thanks again!

3 Likes

@EmekaUlor , great recap.

I would suggest you take your 1:30 minute Google Photos video and create a YouTube video so you can get more people the chance to see what you are doing to help spread your mission.

Cheers,

Karen

3 Likes

@EmekaUlor

What an amazing recap. Love how committed you are in accessibility. That is how local guides do.

3 Likes

@AlejandraMaria wrote:

HI @EmekaUlor !

A great meet-up and fantastic Recap.

I am very glad to see people like you and @Specobelle really involved with accessibility.

You are an inspiration to all of us.

Congratulations!!!

Good Afternoon from the South of Spain,

Alejandra.


Hello @AlejandraMaria , it’s nice reading from you and I appreciate your kind words. Thank you.

Best wishes from Nigeria!

1 Like

@Specobelle wow…:grin:

Is that the meaning of the song?

I was carried away and didn’t remember to ask you then.

I love the “Eko gba gbere rara o!” Line so much.

No dulling…lets keep guiding

1 Like

@HeyJoe thank you for your commendation. We are motivated by your kind words.

Regards to LGs in Tanzania!

Cheers

1 Like