‘Wike inaugurates waterpark in Abuja,’ was the headline in Nigeria’s Premium Times. The newspaper referred to the attendance of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), at the inauguration of Sunrise Waterpark in the city of Abuja. We remind you that the construction of this waterpark was executed in accordance with the master plan and the executive project that Amusement Logic contractually supplied to its developers, the Nadeem Group company. And so, Sunrise Waterpark was inaugurated on Friday, March 15th, and opened to the public the following day, with a big party featuring artists and personalities from the local scene.
In his speech, the minister said that the tourism sector is one of the priorities of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Indeed, the tourism sector, which is set to become one of the country’s major foreign exchange earners, is part of the ‘Renewed Hope Initiative’, a programme of the Office of the First Lady. This institution has historically supported the Nigerian government over several terms of office (since 1985), in improving the lives of rural dwellers, women’s rights, childcare and youth employment, amongst other issues.
At the opening ceremony of Sunrise Waterpark, the minister again thanked the promoters of Nadeem Group for investing in the waterpark in Abuja. The minister regarded it as a major attraction for the economic and commercial activity of the FCT, which will no doubt contribute to job creation among its youths. On his part, he said, the concern of the authorities is to ‘produce a conducive environment for investors to come in´, and concluded that the doors are open ‘for discussions and possible incentives to see Abuja grow up to its full potential in the tourism sector’.
In addition, Minister Wike continued – in our view wisely – the construction of the water park will ensure that the residents of the FCT do not have to travel out of town, or even out of the country to enjoy themselves. As a result, he said, the foreign exchange saved will be better captured by other sectors of the local economy. After all, he pointed out, Sunrise Waterpark is the largest and most modern water park in the West African sub-region.
Nadeem Group chairperson Nadia Nadeem said during the ceremony that the construction of the Sunrise Waterpark was aimed at fostering bonds and friendship among family members of all ages. She also said she was confident that the park had the potential to create hundreds of jobs in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, leisure, transport, retail, real estate and construction.
If you want to know more about the design work with which Amusement Logic defined the water park, we encourage you to read our article Sunrise Waterpark, Abuja, Nigeria, a design by Amusement Logic.
Here is a video of the inauguration, with images from Shawvibez:
Sources: The Guardian Nigeria, Premium Times, Independent Nigeria, Renewed Hope Initiative.
Images: Sunrise Waterpark, Shawvibez.
