FCTA to rebuild abandoned Life Camp park as Wike unveils New Year fireworks plan for Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to redevelop the abandoned Life Camp Recreational Park into a modern leisure and sporting facility, as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, also unveiled plans to introduce an annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display at the Abuja City Gate.
Wike disclosed this on Monday during an inspection of the neglected recreational park along Jeremiah Useni Way in Abuja, describing the proposed redevelopment as part of efforts to expand green public spaces and improve residents’ quality of life.
The minister said the project was inspired by the Federal Government’s drive to promote environmental sustainability through the Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that the FCTA recently received a Certificate of Commendation from First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for its contribution to the Green Area Challenge.
According to him, the administration intends to transform the long-abandoned park into a world-class recreational destination equipped with modern facilities for sports, relaxation and family activities.
“You are aware that today the First Lady of the Federation presented the FCT Administration with a commendation for keying into the Renewed Hope Green Area Challenge. We assured her that the recognition would inspire us to do more, and one of the commitments we have made is to completely transform the abandoned Life Camp Recreation Centre,” Wike said.
He lamented the years of neglect suffered by the facility despite its strategic location and natural landscape, insisting that the redevelopment would create a modern recreational environment comparable to those in major cities around the world.
The minister said the upgraded park would provide residents with safe spaces for exercise, leisure and outdoor recreation while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the nation’s capital.
“People deserve a better quality of life, and this administration is committed to restoring hope by providing modern facilities where residents can exercise, relax and spend time with their families without having to leave Abuja,” he added.
Wike directed the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Richard Dauda, to immediately invite Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and other reputable construction firms to submit design proposals for the project.
He explained that the administration would evaluate competing concepts before selecting a design that meets international standards, adding that work would commence as an emergency project with a completion target of one year.
The minister also announced plans to institutionalise an annual New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration at the recently remodelled Abuja City Gate.
He said the event, expected to begin this year, would provide residents with a major end-of-year celebration and position Abuja alongside leading world capitals known for public countdown festivities.
According to Wike, the initiative forms part of broader efforts to make the Federal Capital Territory a more attractive destination for tourism, recreation and public entertainment.
The announcement came hours after the First Lady commended the FCTA for transforming the Abuja City Gate into a green recreational landmark under the Renewed Hope Initiative’s environmental programme.
