Wike Unveils Plan To Redevelop Abandoned Life Camp Garden Into Leisure Hub

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, a move aimed at bringing the nation’s capital in line with global cities known for ushering in the New Year with spectacular celebrations.

Wike disclosed this on Monday 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 initiative comes on the heels of the successful remodelling of the Abuja City Gate, which has become a major tourist attraction since it was commissioned during 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.

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The minister disclosed that he had directed the Federal Capital Development Administration (FCDA) to immediately commence the redesign of the facility, stressing that the project would be treated as an emergency.

“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.

On plans for the New Year celebration, Wike said Abuja would, for the first time, usher in the New Year with a fireworks display at the City Gate, similar to celebrations 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.

The minister added that the FCT Administration would engage reputable firms and assess multiple design proposals before selecting a contractor for the Life Camp project, assuring residents that the facility would meet international standards.

“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,” he said.

The redevelopment of the Life Camp recreation park is part of the FCT Administration’s broader urban renewal programme aimed at increasing access to parks, green areas, sporting facilities and other public recreational spaces, while promoting environmental sustainability and improving the overall living experience of Abuja residents.

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