Governance is not an easy task-thus the adage, ‘uneasy lies the head that wears the crown’. Governance comes with serious focus, responsibility and accountability; it is not a funfair nor mere rhetoric. It is a situation where ‘soldiers go , soldiers come but the barracks remain the same. An incoming government , so to say , inherits both the liabilities and the assets.
The Aregbesola administration in Osun State introduced some major facelifts in Osun State, part of which are the Osun Mall, Mandela Park, the Amusement Park (near Alekuwodo Market) and many other aesthetic recreation centres across the State, especially in the State capital, Osogbo.
( Overgrown lawn at the Park)
All the above mentioned state-of-the art developments are to assist the people to have a feel of what are obtainable in other cities and towns in the country, and allow people to relax after a hectic day’s work or interact with one another at festive periods to hold their carnivals, political meetings, birthday parties for the youths and adults as deem fit.
However, at the exit of EX-Governor Aregbesola, one of these good gestures introduced by previous administration for people’s enjoyment -the Amusement Park beside Alekuwodo Area of the State, near the Mandela Park , has been neglected . In fact, it has become a derelict relic of a bygone age; a caricature of its old self and now turned into a den of rodents and layabouts joint!!
The gory site of the Amusement Park is like a jungle . The grass is overgrown begging for a cut ; the beautiful buildings built with Osun tax payers money are wearing out and now being used unofficially as hideout by criminals. The surroundings are littered with faeces, broken bottles, cigarettes stubs, while the neighbours in the environment have taken the place as a good opportunity to dry their washed clothes !
(Washed Clothes Spread in the facility)
TheInterviewsNigeria took a tour of the facilities of the Park and discovered a lot of anomalies. Hoodlums are on hand to smoke their weeds , while simultaneously using the place as their toilets without let or hindrance. Both the real mad men and normal human beings co-‘enjoy’ the stinking amusement park and one would not be able to differentiate between a jungle and an amusement park.
In a chat with some of the regular users or visitors to the amusement park, Mr. Ganiyu Yusuf, an electrical contractor, who says , he comes to the park anytime he wants to relax or ‘ think of the world’.
”I come here anytime I’m bored or want to relax or think of the goings on in the world”. I like this place, but not like before. It’s now overgrown with grass, and the environment stinks, he said.
In a brief interaction with a poff-poff seller who was there to sell to her customers, she says,” My name is Romoke Janet. I come here at times to sell my poff-poff and to enjoy the fresh air here. But now, I don’t stay long here because of the calibre of people loitering around here now. There is no security here, and anything can happen; that is why you see me not sitting down as I used to do before now. Immediately I sell to whoever wants to buy poff-poff, I quickly take my leave”, Janet said.
When pressed further whether they would want a better and clean Amusement Park,one of the men there,Mukaila Abdulkareem says,”The government should help us. This place is good for recreation and merriment. The government should do something to sanitise the environment. There are snakes everywhere. This is dangerous”,he said.
One aged man,who will not want his name mentioned said,”When this place was newly established,I used to be here to pose for photographs with my family. Then,young boys and girls came for recreations and as well ,brought their boyfriends and girlfriends because of the beautiful environment. But now,no one would think of bringing a decent somebody here in a bushy environment to pose for photographs. It is because I have no other place close to my place to relax that I am here and I will soon leave before it is dark-No electricity here,” he said.
(Washed Clothes Spread in the facility)
Government is a continuum. The current administration in the State is different from the previous one,but the State is still the same
The Adeleke administration is trying its best to bringing infrastructures development into the State just like the previous governments. In fact, giant strides and accolades have been ascribed to this administration in the area of road constructions and rehabilitations .He has even ,been nicknamed “Mr Project” in some quarters. He should however,not forget to beam his searchlight on the Amusement Park at Alekuwodo Area. It needs his urgent attention, otherwise,posterity will label his government as being responsible for its collapse.
(Office engulfed with overgrown grass)
What Can Be Done To Revitalise The Amusement Park?
As mentioned earlier in this piece,the neglected Amusement Park has become an haven for criminal activities therefore,there should be a multifaceted approach to address the ugly situation,combining safety, investment, community engagement and effective management.
To transform the Park,there should be a comprehensive plan to make it not only a recreation arena but also a revenue generating venture. The following are panacea:
1.ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING – The government should conduct structural evaluations to assess the defaced or wear out structures or facilities for safety, relevance, and potential worth. This includes rides,buildings and infrastructures.
2. MARKET RESEARCH- It should also analyse local demographics and competitors attractions to determine features and experience that may attract visitors.
3. NEEDS ASSESSMENT – The government should also identify community needs and desires regarding the Park, incorporating feedback from local stakeholders.
4. ENHANCED SECURITY MEASURES- There should be security surveillance via cameras(CCTV),hired security personnel and local law enforcement for regular patrol to curb the influx of criminals.
(Abandoned Basketball Court)
5. INGRESS/ EGRESS CONTROL – The government should put in place barriers or controlled entry points to discourage illegal activities while ensuring visitors safety.
6.RENOVATION AND REVITALISATION-Government should address the critical structural issues,to ensure safety,followed by aesthetic upgrade to improve the overall ambience.
7. GREEN SPACES -The garden or the recreational areas should be made to attract families and promote wholesome environment -The grass must be regularly cut and new flowers planted to give the environment a beautiful facelift.
8. PROMOTION OF LOCAL ARTS AND EVENTS- The government or its management should try to be organising festivals, local arts showcases and markets in the park to draw locals and build a visitor base.
9.DEVELOP NICHE ATTRACTIONS
The government should develop a niche attractions that can differentiate the Park from competitors,such as themed events, interactive installations or pon-up experiences.
10. SEASONAL EVENTS-The Park management should organise seasonal celebrations,fairs etc to maintain engagement throughout the year. There should a beehive of activities there and not to allow the place desolate.
11.MARKETING AND PROMOTION- There should be social media campaigns for the Park.This, the government should do to leverage social media to create awareness about the Park’s reopening,emphasising new attractions and safety improvements.
12. LOCAL PARTNERSHIP – The government should collaborate with local schools, petty traders and big concerns,tourism boards to promote the Park and offer better deals or cross promotion ( not beyond the reach of the average would-be user). Close to this is for the government to develop a strong customer service ethos among staff(to be employed), emphasising cleanliness,friendliness and engagement.
In conclusion, Osun government should employ workers for the pack, and introduce near conservative pricing or package deals to attract a broader audience, including group discounts and family packages.
Revitalising the abandoned amusement Park is a challenging,yet rewarding endeavour. It requires careful planning, strategic investments and community investment to ensure sustainability and profitability while enhancing public safety and community pride.
By addressing structural issues, enhancing security involving local stakeholders,and offering unique attractions, such a project can successfully transition from a derelict relic situation into a vibrant revenue generation destination.
By Idowu Akintunde
Publisher/ Editor-In- Chief
TheInterviewsNigeria