FCT minister orders urgent redesign of neglected facility after City Gate transformation earns national recognition…..
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to redevelop the abandoned recreational garden at the Life Camp Roundabout into a modern leisure and sporting centre as part of efforts to expand public recreational spaces across Abuja.
The proposed transformation comes after the successful remodelling of the Abuja City Gate, which has emerged as one of the capital’s major attractions following its commissioning during activities marking President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
The City Gate project recently earned recognition for the FCT Administration from the Office of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Green Nigeria Challenge.
Speaking on Monday after inspecting the Life Camp garden, Wike said the award had encouraged the FCT Administration to intensify efforts toward creating more green areas and recreational facilities for residents of the nation’s capital.
He said the recognition reflected the importance of restoring public spaces that provide opportunities for relaxation, sports, entertainment and community interaction.
“It was the initiative of the First Lady to ensure that the City Gate looks like what city gates look like across the world. Since its commissioning, it has become an attraction centre where people visit day and night,” Wike said.
The minister noted that the success of the City Gate redevelopment demonstrated the impact that properly planned public spaces can have on a city’s image and residents’ quality of life.
Wike expressed disappointment over the condition of the Life Camp recreational park, describing it as a facility with significant potential that had been neglected by previous administrations.
He said the FCT Administration would restore the site by introducing modern amenities that would allow residents to engage in sporting activities, relax, socialise and enjoy the environment.
“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.
The minister disclosed that he had directed officials of the Federal Capital Development Administration (FCDA) to immediately begin the redesign process, adding that the project would be treated as an emergency rather than subjected to lengthy bureaucratic procedures.
“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 because our people deserve better,” he said.
Beyond the Life Camp project, Wike revealed plans to introduce an annual New Year fireworks display at the Abuja City Gate as part of efforts to give the capital a more global outlook.
He said the initiative would align Abuja with major cities around the world where public celebrations and fireworks mark the beginning of a new year.
“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,” he said.
Wike praised the natural landscape of the Life Camp location, saying its existing features provide an opportunity to create a world-class recreational facility.
He said the administration would invite reputable firms to submit proposals and designs before selecting the most suitable option for the redevelopment.
“Look at the topography; see what we have been missing. Citizens want a good life, and they are not asking for too much,” the minister said.
According to him, the project would be designed to meet international standards while being delivered within the shortest possible time.
The redevelopment of the Life Camp garden is part of the FCT Administration’s broader plan to improve Abuja’s urban environment through increased investment in green spaces, leisure parks and recreational infrastructure.
