WHY FCTA REOPENS MILLENNIUM PARK

By: Prudence Okonna

The FCT Administration on Monday, re-opened the Millennium Park, Abuja, which was closed to the public in 2020 as part of the Administration’s efforts to curb the spread of COVID -19. 

The FCT Minister, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello, accompanied by members of FCT Executive Committee (EXCO) re-opened the Park to fun seekers to showcase what an idle Park should be like. 

The Minister at the occasion said “what we have seen today and what we have witnessed is what truly a Park is supposed to be in Abuja; very beautifully well-kept lawns with fountains and the protection of the ecosystem”.

According to him, “There is an area for adults, there is a playground for children, there is a place for people who want to exercise and those who want to just observe and study nature. More importantly, the materials used here are also sustainable. This is what a park should be”.

Mallam Bello, however, lamented that about 95 percent of parks in the FCT do not comply with the park policy of the FCT Administration as well as the “Abuja Park Regulations 2005” and thus, blamed weak enforcement practices.

He appreciated Salini Nigeria Limited for constructing and maintaining the park as well as making it available for public use at no cost. 

The Minister pledged the support of the FCT Administration to the company in the maintenance of the park. 

Accordingly, the Minister and members of the FCT EXCO were led round the tour of the facility by the Managing Director of Salini Nigeria Limited, Mr.  Capitano Pedro, who was represented at the occasion by Engr. Gerrano D’ittria, the Project Manager of Salini Nigeria Limited. 

The Minister at the occasion directed that as part of the FCT Administration’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, access to the park be limited to only members of the public, who are vaccinated against the disease. 

He also directed that the park be designated as a COVID-19 Vaccination Center where residents can be vaccinated against the disease.

In his remarks, Managing Director of Salini Nigeria Limited, Mr.  Capitano Pedro, who was represented at the occasion by Engr. Gerrano D’ittria, the Project Manager of Salini Nigeria Limited. Mr. Generro D’itria commended the Minister’s resolve to reopen the park and reiterated his organization’s readiness to continue to partner with the FCT Administration in meeting challenging situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said that the company constructed the park as part of its corporate social responsibility to the residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The park that was closed for about two years is now opened to the public from 8am to 7pm in line with “Abuja Park Regulations 2005”. 

Abuja Digest reports that the park, which has been closed for about two years, is now reopened to the public. This Park has an opening and closing time, it has perimeter fence, light, security, toilets, and points to drop litter in consonance with global best practices.