By Abdulwahab Muhammad
SSA Communication to the Governor of Bauchi State
Published by Alphapressmedia
BAUCHI — Former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has flagged off the construction and modernisation of four major recreational parks worth ₦4.68 billion in Bauchi metropolis, describing investment in functional public spaces as an important component of modern urban development.
Jonathan performed the groundbreaking ceremony as part of activities marking his visit to Bauchi, where he commended Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed for prioritising projects aimed at improving the environment, promoting healthy living and giving the state capital a more modern outlook.
The four projects are the Golden Jubilee Park, General Hassan Usman Katsina Park, Shehu Azare Park along Adamu Jumba Road, and Suleiman Adamu Park, named after the late Emir of Bauchi.
The Bauchi State Government said the projects are scheduled for completion within 12 months, adding that 70 per cent payment has already been made to the contractors to facilitate speedy and effective execution.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Bala Mohammed said the initiative represents another major component of his administration’s urban renewal and environmental sustainability programme.
According to the Governor, modern recreational parks go beyond beautification, as they provide safe and functional spaces where families, young people and other residents can relax, exercise and interact.
He noted that properly developed public parks could improve environmental quality, promote physical and mental wellbeing, strengthen social cohesion, attract visitors and stimulate economic activities around their locations.
Governor Mohammed charged the contractors to strictly adhere to approved engineering, architectural and landscaping standards, stressing that the government would not compromise quality or tolerate unnecessary delays.
The Governor maintained that the huge investment being committed to the projects must translate into durable public facilities capable of serving residents for generations.
Performing the groundbreaking ceremony, Jonathan applauded the Bauchi State Government for recognising the importance of recreational infrastructure in contemporary urban planning.
The former President observed that recreational parks should not be viewed as luxuries, but as essential facilities in growing cities because of their contributions to healthier living, stronger communities and economic opportunities.
Jonathan also appealed to residents to take ownership of the facilities upon completion and protect them against vandalism and other forms of misuse.
He commended the government, engineers, architects, contractors and other stakeholders involved in the projects and urged them to ensure that the facilities meet the objectives for which they were conceived.
The projects add another dimension to the ongoing transformation of Bauchi metropolis under the Bala Mohammed administration, which has undertaken interventions in road infrastructure, public facilities, environmental improvement and urban renewal.
Of particular significance is the Golden Jubilee Park, which is being developed as a landmark project associated with the celebration of Bauchi State’s 50th anniversary.
With former President Jonathan formally setting the projects in motion, the four recreational parks are expected to contribute to a greener, healthier and more attractive Bauchi metropolis while creating additional spaces for leisure, tourism, community interaction and economic activities.
© Alphapressmedia
