Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has unveiled plans to redevelop the abandoned recreational garden at the Life Camp Roundabout into a modern leisure and sports facility, as part of the FCT Administration’s ongoing efforts to expand green spaces and improve recreational infrastructure across Abuja.
The minister also announced that Abuja would begin hosting an annual New Year fireworks display at the City Gate from this year to bring the nation’s capital in line with global cities known for ushering in the New Year with spectacular celebrations.
He disclosed this yesterday after inspecting the Life Camp recreation garden, describing the project as another step in the FCT Administration’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents.
The redevelopment project comes on the heels of the remodelling of the Abuja City Gate, which has become a major tourist attraction since it was commissioned during the activities marking President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
The City Gate project recently earned the FCT Administration an award and commendation from the Office of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Green Nigeria Challenge.
Speaking on the recognition, Wike said it had further inspired the administration to invest in more parks, gardens and recreational centres across the Federal Capital Territory.
“Today, by the grace of God, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, gave the Federal Capital Territory Administration an award and commendation over our contribution to the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Green Nigeria Challenge and how we have been able to turn around the City Gate into recreation centres and make the environment greener,” he said.
The minister attributed the success of the City Gate transformation to the First Lady’s vision, noting that the landmark has since become one of Abuja’s busiest leisure destinations.
“It was the initiative of the First Lady to make sure that the City Gate looks like what city gates look like all over the world. Since it was commissioned, it has become an attraction centre where people visit day and night. This award will spur us and motivate us to continue implementing the ideals of the Renewed Hope Initiative,” he said.
Wike expressed disappointment over the neglect of the Life Camp recreation park by previous administrations, describing the facility as a valuable asset that had been left to deteriorate.
“It is unfortunate that governments have come and gone without thinking about this place. I must commend the First Lady for reminding us of the need to preserve areas where people can leave their homes and communities to relax,” he stated.
He explained that the administration plans to restore the park with modern recreational and sporting facilities that will provide residents with a safe environment for exercise, relaxation and tourism.
“What we intend to do here is to bring it back and provide modern facilities so that people living within this area can come here for their daily sporting activities, recreation, relaxation, take photographs and enjoy themselves, just as it is done in advanced countries,” he said.
