The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has directed the immediate redevelopment of the abandoned Life Camp Recreation Park into a world-class leisure and sporting hub, saying the project will be handled as an emergency following the success of the revamped Abuja City Gate.
Wike gave the directive on Monday after inspecting the neglected recreational facility at the Life Camp Roundabout, describing its state as a missed opportunity for residents and pledging to restore it into a modern destination for relaxation, recreation and sporting activities.
The minister said the decision was further inspired by the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s recent recognition by the Office of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Initiative Green Nigeria Challenge, for transforming the Abuja City Gate into an attractive recreational landmark.
“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,” Wike said.
He noted that the award had strengthened the administration’s resolve to invest in more green and recreational infrastructure across Abuja.
According to him, the transformation of the City Gate has demonstrated how well-designed public spaces can improve the city’s appeal and quality of life.
“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 stated.
Lamenting years of neglect at the Life Camp facility, Wike said previous administrations failed to harness the enormous recreational potential of the park.
“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.
He explained that the FCT Administration intends to completely transform the site into a modern recreational complex equipped with facilities that will encourage fitness, leisure 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,” the minister added.
Wike disclosed that he had directed the Federal Capital Development Administration (FCDA) to immediately commence the redesign of the park, stressing that the project would bypass unnecessary bureaucratic delays.
“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 unveiled plans to stage an annual New Year fireworks display at the Abuja City Gate beginning this year, saying the initiative is aimed at giving Nigeria’s capital the kind of celebrations associated with 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.
Expressing optimism over the natural landscape of the Life Camp site, Wike said the administration would engage reputable firms to submit competing designs before awarding the contract, with the goal of delivering a project that meets 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,” the minister said.
The planned redevelopment is part of the FCT Administration’s broader urban renewal programme aimed at expanding green spaces, improving public recreation facilities and enhancing the quality of life for residents of the nation’s capital.
