What Remains of Heritage Park

 By Sanni Juliet Oluwadarapupo 

It is no news amongst University of Ibadan students and members of the public within the vicinity of UI that Heritage Park trees have been felled and reduced to stumps. This happened in the early morning of Thursday, 21st November 2024.

Heritage Park was home to diverse species of birds and rodents, a tranquil space for escaping life’s pressure, an umbrella that shields people from the scorching afternoon sun, as its tall trees formed canopies. It was a popular place for class hangouts and to hunt for convocation rice. “It is common to find people sitting alone at Heritage, perhaps listening to music, reading or meditating. Being the green area that it is, many people find solace there,” an unidentified person added.

Following a statement released by the university’s management, the felling of trees was to make way for a new senate building. There was no prior notice from the management before the felling began so this came as a surprise to everyone. 

After this statement, the most popular question asked amongst students and concerned people is “WHY HERITAGE PARK?" The University of Ibadan has an extensive land area, there are many land areas to choose from but why such a distinct and peculiar site? “Heritage Park is a place of history. The project was conceived and implemented to commemorate the 60th anniversary of UI. Fine, we want to have a structure for our senate building but why should it be at a historical park? UI is large, there are other places where the Senate building project can go. Yes, we need a befitting Senate building, but I think the location isn't appropriate”, an unnamed individual claimed

FAE opined “I am indifferent to the whole incident if you go to other schools, the Senate building is always at the nucleus of the school, I am expectant of the new senate building and this will give students the opportunity to explore other places in the school for hangouts”.

Heritage Park was a notable and popular green area in the university and not just a place made up of mere trees, it was a living, breathing being. Its existence serves many purposes, not only to mankind but to the environment. It serves as an air purifier by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis, helps in absorbing various air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide etc., reduces runoff by decreasing erosion and preventing sediments from entering waterways, serves as a temperature regulator and the list abounds.

It gave the school structure an attractive and engaging scene. Its trees were planted in a pattern that was carefully orchestrated and well-planned. Its branches were intertwined into each other which led to the formation of canopies. An anonymous individual stated, “The effect is evident, even on the school outlook, I mean we have been trending for the wrong reason on an issue like this”. 

 As described by Professor Labode Popoola, “Heritage Park is the lung of the school area”. Most of the students have grown attached to the place. “I have been to Heritage Park twice, ever since I got into the school. It is a nice site for relaxation and to have fun. It is just so sad that the future students will not get to know about this park”, Sharon added.  

Following the deforestation, there has been a continuous disturbing noise coming from the site, where timbers are being cut down and transported in trunks as reported by the students. “I am sure the timbers are being sold to generate revenue for the school”, an anonymous person claimed. The university’s management gave assurance to replant trees when the project was done. Will it ever be like The Heritage Park?