Loading AI tools
Public square in Nigeria From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 Memorial Arcade jutting into The Three Arms Zone.[3] The square was constructed in 1999 to serve as the central area for seats of power in Nigeria.[4]
Eagle Square | |
---|---|
Public square | |
Nickname(s): Festival Ground | |
![]() | |
Area | 11 hectares (27 acres)[1] |
Owner | Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria |
Location | Abuja, Nigeria |
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]
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.
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]
On some rare occasions Eagle Square has been used for national prayers.[3]
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]
The square is directly across from the 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]
Eagle Square is conveniently located near major government buildings and landmarks within Abuja.
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Every time you click a link to Wikipedia, Wiktionary or Wikiquote in your browser's search results, it will show the modern Wikiwand interface.
Wikiwand extension is a five stars, simple, with minimum permission required to keep your browsing private, safe and transparent.