TOURISTS and travellers passing through Osun State using the Ibadan–Ife Expressway will soon have a place to unwind, relax, bail out stress and travel fatigue as the Osun State Government is gearing up efforts at ensuring the completion of a multi–million naira tourists’ - friendly park before the year ends.

The park which is located at Gbogan junction, along the Ibadan–Ife Expressway is the initiative of Governor Rauf Aregbesola who believed that such a recreation centre is not only fit for the people of his state at this specific location, but a necessary incentive for tourists and travellers passing through the state to other parts of the country.

The park which is about 80 per cent completed is on three acres of land, giving enough room for the facilities in consideration of expected patrons and buyers.

The facilities therein are targeted at all for the purpose of recreation, fun, relaxation, sight–seeing, leisure and hospitality.

A tour of the park conducted by Tribune Tourism Magazine recently revealed alluring fountain to be erected on an Elephant’ effigy, public toilets, a multi–purpose event centre with function rooms, 12-bedroom hotel, police post, restaurant and bar, canteen, mechanic workshop, car wash bay, children recreation centre, love garden and parking lots tailored at giving the travelling masses a place to relax while on transit.

Though the park is under construction, the community has started benefitting from the few inquisitive travellers who stop at the junction to have a look at what is being constructed.

Madam Taiwo Adelani, middle-aged woman who hawks oranges at the junction has this to say: “I don’t really understand what Governor Aregbesola is doing there. But it seems it is a good project as it has compelled many people to stop to see what is in there. These people also buy one or two things from us. I am sure at completion, more people will come and that is more patronage for us.”

The park which has started to boost commerce at this junction, is also adding value to the environment through its unique design and aesthetics which parades the coat of arms of the state which proudly announces IPINLE OMOLUABI.

http://www.tribune.com.ng/news2013/index.php/en/tourism/item/502-osun-set-to-inaugurate-tourist-friendly-park

I hope it looks better than the "usual" "parks" in Nigeria. Trees and grass with a sidewalk is a glorified lot.

I dont why Nigeria struggles with the basic things...