COVID-19 pandemic: FCT Minister reopens millennium park, says 95% operators violates its policy 

Favour Ishember, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, on Monday reopened the popular Millennium Park after two years of closure due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020.

It was gathered that the park which was closed down at the height of the COVI-19 pandemic, was developed and donated to the residents of the FCT some years ago.

The Minister explained that the event was more than just reopening of the park, but also appreciating the Almighty Allah for having taken us safely throughout the difficult time.

Malam Bello lamented that almost 95 per cent of the parks in Abuja have totally derailed from the FCTA park policy.

He appealed to the media and the public to support the FCTA’s efforts towards rediscovering Abuja from what it was meant to be by the founding fathers.

The minister urges those opposing the FCTA park policy to have a rethink and support the administration in the journey to transform all parks to what it was meant to be.

” Today signifies a very important milestone for the city. A day when officially our own Millennium Park in Abuja will be open after over two years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

” For us in the city this occasion today is more than just the reopening of the park but appreciating God Almighty for having taken us safely through all this difficult times.

” More importantly it is a day when we are going to say thank you Salini Nigeria L.td., for being a very reliable partner and cooperate citizen in Abuja, who have singlehandedly constructed this park over 22 years ago.

” And more importantly continue to maintain it to this international standard that you all see today without charging a kobo. What we have seen today is what truly a park support to be in Abuja.”

” Very unfortunately, almost 95 per cent of the parks in Abuja have totally derailed from our park policy. What you see here is what we call the FCT Park Policy in action.

” They have an opening time, they have a closing time, they have perimeter fence, lights, security and toilet.”

Earlier, the Managing Director of Salina Nigeria L.td., Dr Piero Capitano, thanked the administration for all the support to the company.

Represented by the Project Manager of the company, Mr Gennaro D’ltria, Capitano, the manager said that the park was a century of relaxation which provides freedom and peace.