By Festus adebayo
Abuja, Nigeria’s purpose-built capital, was designed to be a model of modern urban planning, a city defined not just by its grand boulevards and government structures, but also by the rich network of green areas strategically embedded across its landscape. These green belts and parks were more than ornamental; they were intended to serve as ecological buffers, beautification elements, and essential lungs for the fast-growing city.
But over the years, these lush green spaces have been severely degraded. What once stood as refreshing strips of nature now tell a story of negligence, abuse, and encroachment. Today, many of Abuja’s green areas have been overtaken by unapproved buildings, shanties, open markets, and indiscriminate refuse.