The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, on Monday, reopened the popular Millennium Park after two years of closure due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020.
The park, which was closed down at the height of COVID-19, was conceived and designed by Italian architect Manfredi Nocoletti, and inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II on Dec. 4, 2003.
Bello explained that the event was more than just reopening of the park, but also appreciating the God Almighty `for having taken us safely throughout the difficult time’.
He said it was unfortunate that nearly 95 per cent of the parks in Abuja had derailed from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) park policy.
Bello appealed to the media and the public to support the FCTA’s efforts toward rediscovering Abuja from what it was meant to be by the founding fathers.
The minister urged those opposing the FCTA park policy to rethink and support the administration in the journey to transform all parks.
“Today signifies a 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 these 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 singlehandedly constructed this park over 22 years ago”, he said.
He called on party operators to respect laid down rules regarding the conduct of their business, as exemplified by the managers of the Millennium Park.
“They have an opening time. They have a closing time. They have a 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, said that the park was a place of relaxation which provides freedom and peace.
