Sallah: Sokoto’s first amusement park excites residents

The park, which is first of its kind in the state, is located on Kalambaina Road in Wamakko local government area of the state. And as many expected, it turned out to be the most popular attraction for the city’s teeming children during the celebration. Ever since the idea of an amusement park was muted […]

The park, which is first of its kind in the state, is located on Kalambaina Road in Wamakko local government area of the state. And as many expected, it turned out to be the most popular attraction for the city’s teeming children during the celebration.

Ever since the idea of an amusement park was muted by the present administration in the state, many have been looking forward to it. This is because no such facility, offering wide variety of recreational amenities and effective ways to have fun, existed for children in the state.

When the facility opened for use during Sallah, children from across Sokoto and even neighbouring states converged to have fun. It gave the children an opportunity to use the various facilities at the centre.

The children were able to ride on the assorted recreational devices, and many were happy with the services, especially its variety.

To add spice to the atmosphere at the park, a mini zoo is situated at a point in the park where children watched wild animals such as lion, jackals, chimpanzee, hyena, crocodile, porcupine and tortoise.

For a number of the children, it was fun and adventure as they explored all the park had to offer.

A mother, Hajiya Aisha Sani, who took her kids to the park, said “during this sallah, there was no boredom for the children. This time we did more than just staying at home or visiting family and friends. I was inspired by the park to take the children out to have fun and excitement. Hitherto, where to take children to for recreation was a concern for us in Sokoto.”

For Governor Aliyu Wamakko, the opening of the park is part of his vision for children in the state. The governor, who was at the amusement park during the Sallah celebration, took time to interact with children who were at the park to have fun.

Project Engineer of the park, Abubakar Sadiq, expressed joy that the facility has started serving the purpose for which it was built with the Sallah festivity.

He, however, said efforts are on to ensure that the construction of the park was fully completed within the shortest time possible.

Many who spoke with Weekly Trust at the park, said if it is effectively managed, the amusement park will boost tourism in the state, create jobs, and stimulate economic activities.

But some stressed the need to ensure measures are put in place to prevent the activities of areas boys at the park.

The amusement park is expected to act as hub for recreation, delivering fun for children especially during holidays and festivities.