FCT minister allocates recreational park to workers’ union

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has allocated a recreational park to the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), the umbrella body of various employees’ unions in the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

He announced the allocation in Abuja on Friday, September 30, 2022, during the third quarter meeting with the JUAC which was held at the park ground.

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The minister disclosed that the park would be open for use by all staff of the FCTA and its numerous agencies for recreational and sporting activities as well as sundry ceremonial events.

Speaking on the park, which is an officially designated green area located on plot number 1470, BO5 in the Utako District of the city, Malam Bello said 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.

The minister further disclosed that the Departments of Parks and Recreation and  Development Control, as well as the AEPB and FCDA  have been mandated to ensure that the park is properly fenced,  well maintained, and kept clean at all times,  meeting the required standards of park operations in the city.

Speaking against the practise of converting parks and gardens in the FCT to uses other than those 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.

He also warned the Parks and Recreation Department of the FCT against the illegal and unauthorised allocation of parks in the FCT, stressing that any official of the department that is found guilty of engaging in such acts would be sanctioned alongside their collaborators.

Reacting to the gesture from the minister, the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Mr  Olusade Adesola, commended the minister for allocating a very central and accessible park for use by staff of the FCT Administration.

He attributed the gesture to the minister’s principle and love for FCTA staff and everyone.

The permanent secretary also assured that the park would be well maintained by relevant agencies of the FCTA to make it a model for park operations in the FCT.