Some residents of the Bauchi metropolis have expressed concern over the lack of recreational facilities in the state, which deprived them of the benefits of leisure during festivities.

A cross-section of the residents, who spoke in separate interviews in Bauchi, said the trend negatively affected their state of mind during the festive periods and called for upgrading existing facilities to enable them to celebrate the season in a happy mood.

John Isaac, a resident, said the lack of functional recreational centres forced most families in the area to travel to Jos to celebrate Christmas.

“The mini parks are obsolete and need upgrading to attract visitors,” he said. “When I noticed the level of disappointment in my children, I travelled to Jos to access a more satisfying facility where we had fun.”

Another fun seeker, David Aremu, said he and his children visited the Yankari Game Reserve to have fun. He explained that the rehabilitation of the existing facilities would enhance social life and boost businesses and the state’s revenue base.

Also, Suzan Martins said she celebrated the season indoors due to the lack of standard recreational facilities in the metropolis, urging private sector investment to encourage the development of amusement and recreational parks in the state.

“Socialisation through recreational activities is needed to support their social-emotional maturity into healthy adulthood,” she said.

Ms Martins urged the government and businesses to invest in tourism to give the children a sense of belonging.

Another resident, Ali Garba, called for upgrading 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,” stated Mr Garba. 

(NAN)