Fun seekers
Some residents of Bauchi metropolis have expressed concern over lack of recreational facilities in the area, which deprived them benefits of leisure during festivities.
Across section of the residents, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi, said the trend negatively affected their state of minds during the festive periods.
They, however, advocated upgrade of the existing facilities to enable them to celebrate the season in a happy mood.
Mr John Isaac, a resident, said that lack of functional recreational centres forced most families in the area to travel to Jos, to celebrate the season.
“The mini parks are obsolete and needs upgrade to attract visitors.
“When I noticed the level of disappointment in my children, I travel to Jos to access a more satisfying facility where we had fun,” he said.
Another fun seeker, David Aremu said that he alongside his children visited Yankari Game Reserve to have fun.
He said hat rehabilitation of the existing facilities would enhance social life, boost businesses and state revenue base.
Also, Ms Suzan Martins said she celebrated the season indoors, due to lack of standard recreational facilities in the metropolis.
She advocated for private sector investment to encourage development of amusement and recreational parks in the state.
According to her, recreation is important for all ages, and crucial during the children’s formative years.
“Socialisation through recreational activities are needed to support their social-emotional maturity into healthy adulthood,” she said.
She urged the government and businesses to invest in the tourism sector to give the children a sense of belonging.
For his part; Ali Garba called for the upgrade of the such facilities to meet the needs of the growing population.
“It will be a great joy if the state government can build a centre, where children can satisfy their needs during festive periods like Sallah, Easter and Christmas,” he said. (NAN)
