2026-10-09T11:01:45+00:00 Zend_Feed_Writer https://www.nigeria.archivingafrica.com/ Nigerian Cultural Heritage https://www.nigeria.archivingafrica.com 2020-10-12T05:15:31+00:00 2022-08-05T18:25:56+00:00 https://www.nigeria.archivingafrica.com/items/show/316 Christopher Chapman By the mid-20th Century, the British aristocracy was waning. The once major World power was slowly giving way to its former kingdom. This included the African nation of Nigeria which has been seeking its independence for decades. Thus, on October 1st Britain granted Nigeria its independence and its first President saw Nnamdi Azikiwe take to hopeful country into the future. As a symbol of national pride and British friendship, a monumental building was constructed in the city of Lagos. The twenty-five-story structure towered over its neighboring building and for a time was the tallest building in the country. A symbol of power and hope, and the ability of Lagos and Nigerians everywhere. The building was fittingly dubbed “The Independence House”.i President Azikiwe used the finished building for a headquarters. Many government officials including President Azikiwe had hoped the building would be the forefront of political and economic success as the new nation found its own way. However, the money-making building never came to fruition as years of neglect pushed the monument into near abandonment. In the years following President Azikiwe terms the complex took the role of housing several committee groups, all set to the betterment of the nation. However as economic woes hit Nigeria and the state of Lagos in the 1980s the building fell slowly into financial ruin. The tipping point seemed to be a fire that destroyed a section of the tenth floor with the cause still unknown.ii For twenty-five years hence the building became a gloomy reminder of past triumphs. Because of its dismal tone several young artists have used the once promenade building grounds as a showcase for their own abstract works. In November 2019 dozens of sculptures, paintings and murals decorated the property. Bringing new life to the building for the first time in decades.iii It was a generally sublime site and brought a much-needed attention to Lagos Independence building issue. Allowing for the building’s needs to be addressed by the government and not just the citizens of Lagos. The question arises, why the government has allowed this building to lie dormant for decades? Ignoring the false promises of the nation’s founders and getting over the daunting monetary strain has proven no easy feat. Luckily, this past year several groups have attempted a modernization of the once proud and exuberant structure. The neglectful landlords who failed to maintain various levels of the building have put previous restoration attempts in jeopardy. A notable project that has gained momentum was brought forth by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Committee. Their hope is that increased attention to the building and enough financial backing could help a resurgence. A properly designed plan that would allow for commercial investments could see the tower become a fully functioning international trade headquarters. Like the former World Trade Center in America, The committees spokesperson said, “The intention of government is to concession this asset for it to become the national trade and international business center that would drive value to Nigeria”.iv Although there is much work to be done many are hopeful in the future of the building and would proud to see the structures rise to its former glory. This would be incredibly dignifying for Nigerians who have watched three generations pass by as their countries former pride just sits. Only time will tell if the Independence Tower sees reconstruction and provides a stimulating economic recovery to Lagos Island and Nigeria. For more (including 3 images), view the original article. 2020-10-12T04:42:31+00:00 2022-08-05T18:34:38+00:00 https://www.nigeria.archivingafrica.com/items/show/314 Katherine Celic Mapo Hall is a historical building located in Ibadan, Nigeria and it sits on top of Mapo Hill. 1929 was the colonial era for Nigeria, and a captain had ordered for this building to be built. The main reason for the hall to be built was to be a central and presentable building where certain officials could meet. Engineer Robert "Taffy" Jones built it in four years. It took place between 1925 and 1929, and the total cost of construction was twenty-four thousand pounds. That is over thirty-one thousand dollars in today’s American money! Over the many years since it was built, it held numerous important events such as presidential conferences. The Neoclassical architecture of the hall is a constant reminder to the people of British influence in the administration of Ibadan, while it was a member of the Oyo Providence. Mapo Hall is the oldest building in Ibadan, and it sits on a piece of land that is almost six thousand acres. This hall holds a lot of power and history. In recent times, Mapo Hall has been refurbished to wear a new look and is used for conferences. There is a mini museum which showcases relics of chains used to hold tax evaders in those days. Inside the hall are pictures of all the past Olubadan (King) that reigned till date.t is currently owned and managed by Ibadan Local Government Properties Company Limited. Dayo finally arrived at the river and decided to go back over her thoughts from the walk. Thinking back on her thoughts, Dayo realized how Mapo Hall was a very important historical building and is important to her culture. Mapo Hall symbolizes power and love. This shows the history of the people because when they all come together to Mapo Hall they are all one which shows how strong they are. Dayo looks at all the history that her city has and the history of this city hall and Oyo state and realizes how hard working everyone is for starting at nothing to building a city. During the growth of the city they had education grow more popular for women, and they have so many more accomplishments. For more (including 4 images), view the original article.