Jonathan Hails Bauchi’s N4.68bn Recreational Parks, Says Green Spaces Boost Health, Tourism

Former Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan has commended the Bauchi state government for embarking on the construction and modernisation of four recreational parks in the state capital, describing green spaces and public parks as essential infrastructure for healthy living, social cohesion and economic development.

Jonathan spoke on Monday in Bauchi at the groundbreaking ceremony for the projects held at the Golden Jubilee Park, Wunti, formerly known as Unity Park.

He commended Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed for the initiative, saying the parks would provide spaces for physical fitness, recreation and relaxation while promoting healthier lifestyles.

“In modern urban planning and socio-economic development, green spaces, physical infrastructure and public parks are not luxuries. They are absolute necessities,” Jonathan said.

The former President described recreational parks as the “Green lungs” of growing cities, noting that they provide conducive environments for exercise, recreation and relaxation.

He added that public parks could promote social harmony by providing spaces where families could gather, children could play, and people from different backgrounds could interact and build relationships.

Jonathan also said the expansion of recreational infrastructure could strengthen Bauchi’s tourism potential and create economic opportunities for small business owners, artisans and youths.

“By expanding recreational infrastructure, Bauchi State is reinforcing its standing as a tourism hub. These facilities will attract visitors and create sustainable livelihoods for small business owners, artisans and youths across the state,” he said.

He, however, urged the government and residents to take collective responsibility for maintaining the facilities after completion, stressing the need to protect the infrastructure, preserve the greenery and keep the parks clean.

Jonathan commended the urban planners, architects, engineers and contractors involved in the projects, expressing optimism that the parks would become symbols of peace, development and prosperity.

The four parks are the Golden Jubilee Park, General Hassan Usman Katsina Park, Shehu Azare Park and Sulaiman Adamu Park.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Bala Mohammed said the projects were part of his administration’s urban renewal programme under the “My Bauchi Project” blueprint.

He disclosed that N2.1 billion had been allocated for the Golden Jubilee Park, N943.5 million for General Hassan Usman Katsina Park, N851.6 million for Shehu Azare Park and N702.2 million for Sulaiman Adamu Park.

The governor said the government had paid 70 per cent of the contract sums to facilitate completion of the projects within 12 months.

Mohammed recalled that trees were planted at the Golden Jubilee Park during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Bauchi State, describing the exercise as both symbolic and practical.

According to him, the parks would help improve air quality, reduce heat and pollution, provide spaces for recreation and contribute to the state’s response to climate change and desertification.

He said the facilities would also promote social interaction and unity, while attracting tourists, increasing property values and stimulating commercial activities within surrounding communities.

The governor said his administration would collaborate with local governments to develop similar recreational facilities in other towns across the state.

He charged the contractors to adhere to international standards and warned against delays and substandard work.

“Let me re-emphasise that our administration maintains a zero-tolerance policy for project delays or substandard work,” he said, urging the contractors to employ the best engineering and landscaping practices.

Mohammed further disclosed that the State Executive Council had approved the creation of a Department of Parks and Recreation under the Ministry of Housing and Environment.

He said the department would oversee the management and maintenance of the facilities, develop additional parks in other urban centres and facilitate their eventual concession to the private sector where appropriate.

The governor urged residents to protect the parks, trees and other facilities from vandalism and misuse, warning against turning the spaces into dumping grounds or places for criminal activities.

He said the projects reflected his administration’s commitment to building a greener, healthier, more organised and prosperous Bauchi State.

Jonathan was in Bauchi for the groundbreaking ceremony after accepting the governor’s invitation.

For his part, the commissioner Ministry of Housing and Environment, Hon. Danlami Ahmed Kawule said the initiative aligns with the transformational urban renewal vision of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed and his commitment to creating a greener, healthier and more vibrant environment for present and future generations.

He further said the groundbreaking ceremony marked an important step towards actualising the governor’s broader vision of sustainable urban development in Bauchi State.