Why I Named Garden Park After Kanu — Fashola

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos says he named the garden park at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, after former Military Administrator of Lagos State, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (Rtd) because of his exploit during the struggle for the actualisation of the 12 June, 1993 presidential mandate.

The Lagos state governor commissioned the garden park last Thursday as part of the  activities organised to  mark the June 12 celebration in remembrance of the late Moshood Abiola, won the 12 June, 1993 presidential election but was annulled by the then Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.

 According to Fashola, there could be no better day to celebrate the men and women who stood to be counted at that dark moment in the history of their country while some sold the common collective decision of the people to the agents of darkness.

He added that as Nigerians remember the day their r collective will was murdered, they must remain vigilant.

He said that Nigerians must take caution because these agents and friends of the enemies of democracy are still around

“This is the 21st anniversary of the freest and fairest election that our country has recorded, sadly some Nigerians again went to sabotage that collective undertaking by the majority of people and democracy was frustrated.

“Some men and women stood by what was right. One of those men is with us today. He is Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu. As far as I can remember, I cannot recollect one anniversary of June 12 that he has not participated. He has been a long distance runner in a commitment and a choice that he made 21 years ago.

“Choices have consequences. Some people made a choice to sabotage that initiative and benefit from the despair of Nigerians, by not standing to restore our democracy”, he noted.

The governor reminded all office holders to continue to remember that if those who stood up for democracy did not do so, perhaps, many of them would not have become political office bearers today.

Commissioner for the Environment, Tunji Bello, said the commissioning of the park underscored the commitment of the present administration to the task of initiating policies and engaging programme that would be enduring and unifying in nature.

He said that the uniqueness of the park was to further enhance the greening culture for which the area had been known in the last 25 years.

Responding, Kanu expressed appreciation to the government for the gesture, noting that he once had the cause to pass through the road and actually parked his vehicle to admire what was indeed a beautiful piece, adding that little did he know that it would later be renamed in his honour.

The new park occupies approximately a total land area of 17,195 square metres and has facilities, such as ornamental plants, palms, garden seats, trees of various types, including fruits producing tree, rotunda, garden lights, gazebo with seats, multipurpose court, children playing ground, irrigation facilities, toilet facilities, walkways and parking area that can accommodate a minimum of 40 cars.