Eagle Square, Abuja

9°14′4.74673″N 7°29′25.85447″E / 9.2346518694°N 7.4905151306°E / 9.2346518694; 7.4905151306

Eagle Square
Public square
View of Eagle Square
Area11 hectares (27 acres)[1]
OwnerFederal Capital Territory
LocationShehu Shagari Way,
Central Business District,
Abuja,
Federal Capital Territory,
Nigeria.

Eagle Square is the main square in Abuja, the capital of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is located between the Head of Service and the Federal Secretariat buildings in the Central Business District of Abuja.[2] It is located where the Central Park was proposed and has an adjoining National Arcade jutting into The Three Arms Zone through the Democracy Avenue, overlooking the National Assembly Complex and the Aso Rock[3] The square was constructed in 1999 to serve as the central area for seats of power in Nigeria.[4]

History

The square was constructed in 1999 to serve as the place "where city inhabitants gather to pay respect to authorities as it is meant to serve a public institution rather than the public."[3] The total cost of Eagle Square was increased by 14% before the completion of the project.[5]

Usage

Protests and rallies

In January 2012, the Occupy Nigeria protest took place on the square.[6] Political rallies are frequently held there, including the International Workers' Day (May 1) as well as ones held by the regime of General Sani Abacha.

National Ceremonies

Eagle Square is used as the main venue for the Independence Day and Armed Forces Remembrance Day parade as well as the presidential inauguration of the President of Nigeria. Since its completion, it has also hosted a number of political rallies, religious programmes, musical concerts, and award ceremonies.[7] On 27 April 2023, the Nigerian Army conducted the largest Presentation of Colours in the Commonwealth on Eagle Square, issuing 53 new colors to preexisting units an 28 colors to newly established units 81 colours being issued).[8]

Others

On some rare occasions Eagle Square has been used for national prayers.[3]

Landmarks and facilities

Arena

Facilities in the Eagle Square include a VIP pavilion and a 5,300-seat capacity arena for the hosting of state functions. It was designed and constructed in a few months by a company better known for road works.[9][3]

National Arcade

The square is directly across from the National Arcade, also called Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.[10] At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in the adjoining National Arcade, a sentry guard from the Brigade of Guards keeps watch 24 hours with a ceremonial change of guards.[3][11]

Others

Eagle Square is conveniently located near major government buildings and landmarks within Abuja.

See also

References

  1. ^ "The square is constructed on a land measuring approximately 5 hectares made up of seating, parade (3Ha) and parking (2Ha) areas. The square has a total seating capacity of 50,106 comprising". Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  2. ^ "It is noteworthy to know that the name 'Eagle Square' is derived from the eagle shape in front of the square which can be seen clearly from an aerial view". Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  3. ^ a b c d e https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=d526effbf88bdefa3f1e7c1c1410b0aea0f3b53b. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  4. ^ "It was constructed in 1999 to serve as the platform for the official take-off of the Fourth Republic of the Federation of Nigeria. It is a perfect venue for hosting any kind of event whether it is related to some business world or any cultural fest". Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  5. ^ https://www.ajol.info/index.php/fje/article/view/68325/56408. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  6. ^ Security reportomojuwa.com/ Archived 3 March 2020 at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ "Eagle Square".
  8. ^ Onyedinefu, Godsgift (27 April 2023). "Nigerian Army unveils new regimental colours". Businessday NG. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
  9. ^ "Eagle Square - Facilities".
  10. ^ Aga, Chiegeonu. Nigeria: State by State. Lulu.com. ISBN 9781105864322.
  11. ^ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/368823334. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)