Some fun seekers in Gombe have advocated for investment in recreational centres to encourage growth of amusement parks in the state.

They said that such public and private sector investments would improve social and economic wellbeing of the people.

A cross section of the residents said this while commenting on the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, on Saturday in Gombe.

Auwalu Abdullahi, a civil servant, said that lack of modern recreational facilities in Gombe and other major towns was causing most families to observe low key celebrations during the festivities. 

“There is no proper place for kids to play during holidays and festivals.

“We need a modern park with enough space and gaming facilities for the children to play safely,” he said.

He said that most of them went to  the emir of Gombe’s palace, which is the only place attracting fun seekers to be entertained by the traditional dancers and horse riders.

Usman Musa, a resident, said recreational parks help children to grow physically and mentally. 

He decried the lack of recreational facilities in the metropolis in spite of the rapid infrastructural development in the state. 

“Gombe has developed in many areas, but there are no provision of modern parks to entertain them. It is good for  public and private companies to invest in the sector,” he said.

He said that investment in the park would create jobs, encourage growth of small businesses, and boost the state revenue base.

Also, Fatima Umar and Abdullahi Musa, said they were thrilled by the performances of traditional dancers at the palace.

On her part, Mariya Adamu, a teenage girl, urged the state government to construct a recreational park in the area to enable them to celebrate the season in a more happy mood.

Children dressed in colourful attires were playing games, and exchanging pleasantries with their loved ones, as part of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

 (NAN)