By Daniel Tyokua
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Malam Muhammad Bello has warned officials of the Department of Parks & Recreation, Development Control, Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), against unauthorized allocation of parks in the territory.
He said that any official of the Departments that is found guilty of engaging in such acts would be sanctioned alongside their collaborators
Bello stated this during allocation of a recreational park to the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), the umbrella body of the various employees’ unions in the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
He explained that the Park will be opened for use by all staff of the FCTA and its numerous agencies for recreational and sporting activities as well as sundry ceremonial events.
The plot is officially designated green area located on plot number 1470, BO5 at the Utako District of the city.
Bello said that the allocation was part of efforts by the FCT Administration to ensure the greening and beautification of the city, adding that it should be used to showcase how Parks should be managed in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
On converting Parks and Gardens in the FCT for uses other than what is prescribed by law, the Minister cautioned the Union against erecting permanent structures in the Park, insisting that it should be used strictly for recreational activities.
Responding, the Permanent Secretary, FCT Administration Mr. Olusade Adesola, commended the Minister for going the extra mile to allocate a very central and accessible Park for use by staff of the FCT Administration.
The Permanent Secretary also assured that the Park would be well maintained by relevant agencies of the FCT Administration to make it a model for parks operation in the FCT.
