THE MINISTER of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced plans by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to remodel the abandoned Life Camp Recreation Park into a world-class recreational facility, following a commendation from the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for the administration’s environmental and urban renewal efforts.
Speaking after receiving a Certificate of Commendation from the First Lady at the State House in Abuja on Monday, Wike said the recognition had further motivated the FCTA to intensify efforts at transforming neglected public spaces into modern recreational centres befitting Nigeria’s capital city.
The minister explained that the proposed redevelopment of the Life Camp Recreation Park, located near his official residence, is part of the administration’s commitment to expanding green spaces and improving the quality of life for residents through modern recreational infrastructure.
According to him, the project follows the successful remodelling of the Abuja City Gate, which has become a major recreational and tourist attraction since its inauguration on July 9.
“You know what happened at the Abuja City Gate, which was the First Lady’s initiative by making sure that the city gate is transformed into what other city gates look like all over the world,” Wike said.
“The remodelled gate has become a site attraction and a recreation centre, with people visiting day and night. The commendation has encouraged us to do more.”
During an inspection of the Life Camp site, Wike lamented that successive administrations had neglected the recreation park despite its enormous potential.
“I made a promise that we are going to turn around this recreation site at Life Camp, which had been abandoned. I have come here today to see what we’re missing. Governments have come and gone, but nobody thought about this place,” he said.
Describing the site’s topography as suitable for a modern recreational centre, the minister said the FCTA would engage Julius Berger alongside other reputable firms to submit alternative design proposals before selecting the best concept for the project.
He directed the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to immediately invite the companies to prepare proposals, adding that the project would be executed under emergency conditions to ensure completion within one year.
Wike said the upgraded facility would feature modern amenities that would encourage sporting activities, relaxation, photography and other leisure pursuits similar to those available in advanced countries.
He added that the administration intends to restore confidence in government through visible infrastructure and environmental improvements across the territory.
The minister also disclosed plans to host Abuja’s first official New Year countdown celebration at the remodelled City Gate later this year.
According to him, the event, expected to be facilitated by the First Lady, will feature fireworks and a public countdown designed to replicate similar celebrations in major cities around the world.
Earlier at the State House, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu praised Wike for transforming Abuja’s City Gate into a major environmental and recreational landmark, saying his efforts reflected the objectives of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Green Nigeria Challenge.
Presenting the Certificate of Commendation to the minister, she said posterity would remember him positively for his contributions to the development of the Federal Capital Territory.
The First Lady explained that the Community Category of the Green Nigeria Challenge was introduced to encourage states and youth groups to reclaim abandoned public spaces and dumpsites by converting them into parks, gardens and other eco-friendly recreational centres.
She expressed disappointment that no state participated in that category of the competition despite the N50 million prize attached to it.
“It was a ₦50 million prize money, and they didn’t enter. This was supposed to get our youth involved. But when I saw what the Minister did with the City Gate, it was unbelievable,” she said.
Tinubu urged state governments and the wives of governors to mobilise young people to participate in environmental clubs and sustainability initiatives in schools and tertiary institutions, stressing that environmental stewardship would contribute significantly to national development.
“Our goal is to complement government’s effort in beautifying our environment and promoting healthier communities towards improving the quality of life of our people,” she said.
She described the remodelled Abuja City Gate as an excellent example of how abandoned public spaces can be transformed into attractive national landmarks that welcome residents and visitors alike.
Responding, Wike disclosed that the City Gate project was inspired by the First Lady, who encouraged him to improve the appearance of Abuja after observing the standard of city entrances during foreign trips.
According to him, she challenged the FCTA to learn from global best practices and create public spaces where residents could gather and relax.
“The First Lady has always said we have to change our environment and create opportunities where people can gather and relax. She asked why we travel abroad and do not learn from what we see. Leadership is about learning, and we keyed into that vision,” he said.
He added that the FCTA subsequently engaged the original designers of the Abuja City Gate to develop the concept that has transformed the location into one of the capital’s most visited recreational sites.
The event was attended by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, who serves as Vice Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative, wives of ministers, officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority and former senators.
