‎The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Monday, said it has concluded arrangement to transform the abandoned recreational garden at the Life Camp Roundabout into a modern leisure and sporting facility, as part of the FCT Administration’s broader drive to expand recreational infrastructure for Abuja residents.

‎Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, revealed this while inspecting the Life Camp Garden in Abuja.

‎Wike recalled that the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, had motivated the administration to invest more in green and recreational spaces in Abuja.

‎He described the condition of the Life Camp recreation park as unfortunate, lamenting that successive administrations had neglected a facility with enormous 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,” he said.

‎According to him, the administration intends to restore the park with modern facilities that will cater for the recreational and sporting needs of residents.

‎”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.

‎Wike disclosed that he had directed the Federal Capital Development Administration (FCDA) to immediately begin the process of redesigning the facility, stressing that the project would receive emergency attention.

‎”I have directed the relevant officials of the FCDA 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,” he said.

‎The minister also revealed plans to introduce an annual New Year fireworks display at the Abuja City Gate beginning this year, describing it as part of efforts to align Abuja with global capital cities.

‎”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.

‎Expressing satisfaction with the natural landscape of the Life Camp site, Wike said the administration would engage reputable firms and compare multiple proposals before awarding the contract to ensure the best outcome.

‎”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.

‎The planned redevelopment forms part of the FCT Administration’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life in Abuja by expanding access to green spaces, leisures, and recreational facilities for residents.

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