The Federal Capital Territory Administration has concluded plans to revive the abandoned recreation park at the Life Camp Roundabout, with work set to begin on transforming the facility into a modern leisure and sporting centre.
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, announced the plan on Monday after inspecting the site, saying the park would be redesigned to provide residents with a safe and functional public space for recreation, relaxation and sporting activities.
The proposed redevelopment comes weeks after the remodelling of the Abuja City Gate, which has emerged as one of the capital’s major attractions since it was commissioned during activities marking President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office. The project also earned the FCT Administration a commendation from the Office of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Green Nigeria Challenge.
Speaking on the planned intervention, Wike said the recognition had encouraged the administration to sustain investments in green areas and recreational facilities across the capital.
“Today, by the grace of God, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, gave the Federal Capital Territory Administration a commendation over our contribution to the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Green Nigeria Challenge and how we have been able to turn around our facilities into recreation centres and make the environment greener.”
The minister said the success of the Abuja City Gate project had reinforced the importance of investing in public spaces.
“Apart from the City Gate, it was our initiative 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,” Wike stated.
He described the state of the Life Camp park as disappointing, saying successive administrations had failed to develop a facility with enormous recreational potential.
“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.”
According to the minister, the administration intends to restore the park with modern infrastructure that will serve residents of the area and other visitors.
“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.”
Wike then directed the relevant authorities to fast-track the redesign of the facility, adding that the project would be treated as an emergency because of its importance to residents.
“I have directed the relevant officials of the FCT Administration to move very quickly and present us with what is most befitting for a city like Abuja. We are going to treat this as an emergency. It cannot go through the normal bureaucratic process because our people deserve better.”
Expressing satisfaction with the natural landscape of the Life Camp site, Wike said the administration would invite reputable firms to submit competing designs before selecting the most suitable proposal for the project.
“Look at the topography; see what we have been missing. Citizens want a good life, and they are not asking for too much. The administration of President Bola Tinubu is determined to restore hope to our people.
“We will invite the best companies and also obtain alternative designs so we can compare and choose the very best. We want something that meets global standards, and we want it delivered as quickly as possible,” the minister said.
Similarly, the minister also disclosed plans to introduce an annual New Year fireworks display at the Abuja City Gate beginning this year, saying the initiative is intended to give the nation’s capital a celebration similar to those held in major cities around the world.
“Just like it is done all over the world, where cities usher in the New Year with fireworks, that is what we intend to do this year at the City Gate. By the grace of God, through the Renewed Hope Initiative, we will, for the first time in this country, celebrate the New Year in that manner,” he said.
