The popular arts centre and hangout on Lagos Island, Freedom Park, has shut its doors against all organised gatherings.
The move comes as the Lagos State Government intensifies efforts to contain the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, with 22 cases confirmed in the state and 30 in the country as a whole.
The Government had earlier in the week banned social gatherings with more than 50 people and had been preaching social distancing.
The Park announced its decision to stop all gatherings in a lengthy statement on Saturday, explaining that it’s still open to individuals but not groups.
The management signed the statement that reads: “Dear Customer/Freedom Park Family, to us at Freedom Park Lagos, nothing is more important than the safety and wellbeing of all our guests. More essential now, in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“We now announce that following the Lagos State mandate on practising Social Distancing, Freedom Park will be closed to all organised gatherings.
“We wish to express our sincere apologies to all our event collaborators who have worked hard to prepare shows billed to happen in the coming months. We urge all, to kindly put a hold on further publicity measures until this period of uncertainty passes us by.
“Individuals can come for nature and relaxation. The management already intensified measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 by ensuring that all surfaces, gates, handles, tables, chairs, conveniences and entire environ are thoroughly disinfected every morning and night.
“Kindly note: Groups of individuals exceeding 10 persons is prohibited. Social distances must be maintained at all times, until further directives from the State authorities,”
The management also announced measures it has put in place for individual guests, including the provision of sanitisers at Park’s gates and handwashing facilities.
Freedom Park is this year marking its 10th anniversary and recently unveiled new offerings to further delight patrons and bolster its rating as a leading arts and culture space.
It was inaugurated on October 1, 2010, by ex-Governor Babatunde Fashola to commemorate Nigeria’s 50th anniversary, emerged from the ruins of the old Colonial Prison. The late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Herbert Macaulay were some of its famous inmates.
