PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013
PAGE 17
Metro
Fun seekers miss Wonderland Amusement Park, commend FG’s fight against terrorism
T
he Wonderland Amusement Park, one of the popular recreation centres in Abuja, was on Friday devoid of fun seekers who usually thronged the place to unwind during festive periods. A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who visited the park reports that absence of fun seekers at the park was due to its closure by the Federal Government. The park used to be a beehive of activities for both fun seekers and traders who took advantage of the crowd to make brisk business during festive periods. NAN reports that heavy security operatives were seen guarding the
centre. The situation was however, different at the Millennium Park as a lot of people were seen spending time with their loved ones. Some of them said they would have preferred the Wonderland Amusement Park to the Millennium Park because of the facilities. Fun seekers, Sadiq Abdullahi, student of Kaduna State Polytechnic, told NAN that he was not aware that the Wonderland had closed, adding that he was preparing to go there with his friends. Abdullahi said he had been to the park on several occasions and that he used to enjoy the facilities at the park
and expressed shock at the closure. ``Seriously, I did not know the place has been closed down; my intention was to go to the mosque to pray, and then go to Wonderland to catch fun with friends. ``I will probably go elsewhere, then go home,” he said. Another fun seeker, Austin Auta, a photographer, who usually visited Wonderland, also expressed displeasure over the closure of the park. Auta claimed to be ignorant of the reason behind the closure, adding ``this Sallah is the worst for me because unlike in Wonderland, I do not have many customers in
Millennium Park.” The photographer called on the Federal Government to establish well equipped recreational centres in Abuja following the closure of Wonderland. He stated that people used to throng the park because it was properly organised. Samy Okposo, another photographer, however, said he was aware of the closure of the park. Okposo said business was not favourable during this year’s Ed-elFitri celebration, due to the closure of the park. He, however, commended the government for the closure of the
park, adding that it was marking effort to fight terrorism. ``Wonderland did not open and I am sure it is due to their alleged involvement in some terrorist activities. I miss the place but I am very happy over its closure. ``For someone to open an amusement park, he should have feelings for the lives of people, particularly children,” he said. NAN reports that the park and Amigo Supermarket were closed down following the discovery of a cache of arms and ammunition in Kano belonging to three Lebanese men linked to terrorism activities in the country. (NAN)
Land swap to fast track development in FCT, says Minister By Adeola Tukuru
F
CT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed has reiterated that the Abuja Land Swap Model is a practical innovation of his Administration to fast track the development of the Federal Capital Territory. The Minister stated this while hosting Abuja stakeholders in Gwarinpa I District of the city after FCT Muslim Community paid Sallah Homage on President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Sallah day. According to him, “we have brought innovation to leave landmark and fast track development of the entire 8,000 square kilometer of the Federal Capital Territory”. He further called for peaceful co-existence amongst all residents of the Territory irrespective of religious or political inclination, promised to respect the sensibility of all. The Minister expressed gratitude for the support his Administration has been enjoying from the residents of the Territory and further assured that all actions taken by the government are taken for public good. He sought for forgiveness if anyone was wronged by any step taken in repositioning the wheel of governance in the Territory and also said that whoever has offended them are also forgiven in the spirit of the season.
A Luxury bus overloaded with goods setting out for long journey yesterday at jabi park,, Abuja.
Photo: Justin mo-Owo
Empowerment: 15,000 women to rally in Abuja By Adeola Tukuru
O
ver 15,000 Nigerian women cutting across diverse socio-economic backgrounds will converge in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on August 15th, 2013 for a mega rally and award ceremony to advance the cause of peace and women empowerment in the country. The epoch-making event is
being organized by the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) in collaboration with the office of the First Lady of the Federation. The mass rally and carnival would take stock of the gains recorded so far in the empowerment of Nigerian women and the quest for peace in the country. The National President of the NCWS, Mrs. Nkechi Mba told in
Abuja on Sunday that the event, which has the theme: “Celebration of Nigerian Women for Peace and Empowerment,” would go down as the first of its kind in the country. The colourful event, according to the NCWS President, would feature performances by popular artistes, including Onyeka Onwenu, Yinka Ayefele, Iyanya and Sani Danja. Those expected
to be conferred with awards are eminent public officers who have contributed to empowerment of women and peace enhancement. In view of that, Mrs. Mba enjoined Nigerian women to come out “en-masse to take stock, celebrate and honour those who have demonstrated commitment to our cause as women as agents of peace, unity and development in the country.
Leader urges Gwagwalada chairman to carry Yoruba along By Usman Shuaibu
T
he Yoruba leader in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Wasiu Tunwase, has appealed on the chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Abubakar JibrinGiri to carry
the Yoruba people along in the scheme of things in the area Tunwase, who made the call in an interview with People Daily during the Eid-dilFitir celebration in Zuba, urged the government to fight corruption that had eaten deep into the fabric of our nation.
He also urged Nigerian leaders to give necessary support to the security agencies to fight terrorists in Nigeria, noted that the security was one of the challenges faced by Nigerians forsolong now. He further called on the government to provide jobs for
the youths in order to reduce poverty among them in the society where they live. He pleaded with both Muslims and Christians to continue to tolerate each other for overall development of the country, saying thatboth
Muslims and Christianswere serving one God. He advised the Yoruba people to continue to live in peace with one another irrespective of their differences, emphasized that Yoruba were known for peace loving people.