-By Adeniyi Onifade
Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria is considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Interestingly, the city’s beauty and panache come to full glare at night when the street lights and billboard lights are fully active. More interesting is the fact that the city becomes a beehive of activities at nights, especially at different parks, gardens, clubs and other recreational centres, just as it can be found in other bubbling cities like Port Harcourt and Lagos.
One of the major areas that attract people at night with different activities is the Wuse area of the city which houses different social activities like night clubs and other gardens.
The Gwarimpa area is also not left behind, as it is filled with night activities.
However, 10 key recreational areas come to life, especially at nights in Abuja for both dwellers and visitors.
Tobix Recreational Park and Garden: The Tobix Recreational Park and Garden is a multipurpose park and garden. Situated along Banex-Gwarimpa Express Road, it was built in 2012. It is located about 300 metres from NEXT Cash-and-Carry Supermarket, and has a capacity to contain up to 3,500 guests.
Tobix Recreational Park and Garden is a haven, well-planned park and garden space. The park, indeed, is a gorgeously, untainted tranquility and relaxation place. It boasts of plenty recreational activities, such as a badminton court, restaurants, sport training lessons, children playground, places for family recreation, among others.
The Tobix Park and Garden occupies two acres of land, and also has spaces with nice background covers for both pre-wedding and post-wedding pictures, and events. It has constantly played host to unique events that brought celebrities and dignitaries from all works of life. The Park, since 2013, has been voted as the most beautiful theme park in Abuja. Tobix Garden is indeed a place where the fun comes naturally.
Millennium Park: The Millennium Park is located in the Maitama District, and occupies 32 hectares of land. The Millennium Park is, undoubtedly, Abuja’s finest and biggest public park.
Established during the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration in 2003 by Queen Elizabeth II and some prominent African dignitaries, Millennium Park offers the serenity of gorgeously designed pedestrian paths. The pedestrian path guides visitors to a refreshing fountain, while experiencing the coziness of the environment – to savor the freedom and freshness that nature has to offer as they explore the park.
Visitors can also visit the garden with their mats, food items and drinks to entertain themselves as they relax in the Garden. When you visit in the late evening when there are fewer crowds, you will definitely concur that the park is one of the nicest and romantic picnic spots in the city.
Magicland Amusement Park:Are you thinking of where to take your family or children to? Magicland Amusement Park is the place to be. Magicland Amusement Park, formerly known as Wonderland Amusement Park, is a family and children-oriented recreation and fun centre.
Located close to the City Gate, at 1, Kukwaba Hills, opposite the National Stadium, and lies on an approximately 330,000 square metres land, Magicland Amusement Park inculcates all kinds of recreational and fun activities, such as flying towers, pirate ship, roller coasters, ocean cars, and cowboy mini wheels, among others. Aside from the awesomeness of its location, the park is also an ultra-modern world-class recreation centre.
Unknown to many, Magicland Amusement Park is the biggest and most equipped amusement park across Nigeria. The park also offers enough parking slots for cars and 24 hours security service with both uniformed and mufti security personnel patrolling the area.
There is also a clinic centre within the park to ease the tension of parents, in case their kids suffer minor accidents or injuries. Availability of lots of amazing facilities possessed by the park makes it a sure place to visit by Abuja residents or visitors.
Eden Parks and Gardens: Located at 295 Augustus Aikhomu Way, Jabi, off Utako District, the Eden Parks and Garden is well known as a fun centre and resort for picnics, leisure, and recreational activities. The park is among the coolest parks in Abuja, and plays host to different kinds of events and entertainment that are sure to happen every day.
Most shows at the Eden Parks and Gardens draw all manner of celebrities and the crème-de-la-crème of Abuja. These people come to enjoy a tranquilising evening. With soothing music oozing out into the air, along with the sweet aroma of barbecue from their restaurant, guests rediscover themselves. Complementing a tasty cooked meal or grilled fish with chilled drinks, Eden Parks and Gardens is no doubt one of the most glamorous relaxation spots in Abuja.
Jabi Lake and Park: Situated along Alex Ekwueme Way, Jabi, the Jabi Lake and Park is a beautiful place to have fun and relax. Jabi Lake is encircled with lush green vegetation and a large serene atmosphere. There is adequate parking space for everyone. The park also features a man-made lake (Jabi Lake), which offers canoe rides, speed boat rides among other water sports – all for fun.
The water sports also aid in easing off aqua phobia, with a close-to-beach feel. A place, which is also known as the Fisherman Spot, Jabi Park is, undoubtedly, a perfect place for romantic getaways, individual and group hangouts, and family picnics.
Surrounded with water and gorgeous scenery, nothing compares to the full package and recreational activities Jabi Lake offers. Jabi Lake is, undoubtedly, among the top six parks and gardens in Abuja.
BMT African Garden: The BMT African Garden is situated at 1245 Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent, Wuse II, just beside the Switzerland Embassy, though not very popular as it is still new. However, it is definitely a good place for a picnic. The BMT African Garden is a beautiful and spacious garden with a serene atmosphere.
The Garden consists of amenities and structures, such as a well-equipped gym, a town hall and a swimming pool. One of the things that make BMT Garden standout is basically the delightful way in which African legends and world leaders were painted on its walls. BMT African Garden also has a library, zoo, entertainment complex, water fountain, lounge, etc. BMT Africa Garden is a beautiful place to visit with friends and family, hence, the recommendation.
Moscow Underground: Popular for its elegance, Moscow club brings out the who is who in Abuja, and it is recognised as one of the best night clubs in Abuja, with luxurious interior decor class. Usually, admission is strictly by reservations and membership. The club is located at 35, Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent, Wuse, just before one makes the turn to Southern Fried Chicken.
reenview Garden: The Greenview Garden, as the name suggests, has a very green look in all ramifications. What makes the garden fun is the Live Show, with performances from Abuja-made comedian artistes, and sometimes, with international artistes.
It serves as a perfect place for relaxing at nights after a hectic week. It has an avalanche of food, snacks and drinks, not forgetting grilled meat, fish, suya and lots more.
Greenview Garden is located at Plot 674a Oladipo Diya Road, Gudu.
Cubana: This is one club that has refused to fade off in Abuja. Originally home for shows and events, it has, over the years, played host to many top musicians in the country, and has remained one of the top clubs to be reckoned with in the city.
Nanet Suites Lounge: Nanet Suites is one of the few high class hotels, with a lounge that fits the standard of a night club. At Nanets, the drinks are moderately affordable, with exotic dancers, too. It is located at Plot 1042 Kur Mohammed Street, Abuja.
Sofa Lounge: If one is looking for where to relax for the weekend, Sofa Lounge is definitely a good bet, as it serves as one of the sweetest places for great shows and Karaoke. Located just after the Etisalat head office in Wuse Area, there are no dull moments at Sofa Lounge, especially with friends and family.