Mr. Roland Ologun is the director of parks and recreations. He is currently restructuring and beautifying the parks and recreation sites in Federal Capital Territory for relaxation and adequate security. In an interview with the National WAVES Assistant Editor, Emmanuel Fateman, he talks about how he has been able to make Abuja suitable for tourists.
Can we meet with you?
My name is Roland Ologun. I’m a town planner by profession and currently the Director of Parks and Recreation, Federal Capital Territory [FCT] Abuja.
Since you assumed office, what innovations have you put in place to meet up with the world standard?
Basically, parks and recreation in the FCT statutory functions involves the beautification of the entire territory, greening the territory and policing the greenage of the territory, we are also in charge of parks and recreational sites to make sure people have a habitant and visitors align has a large atmosphere to recreate in the sense of having a balance healthy life style engage in body excises to enable the body to be at peace.
So when I came into office, I have to restructure the office, put everyone in strategic place. He or she must fit in and I redeployed people from one place to the other.
I equally initiated a team called the Green Corps, they are made up of staffs that underwent training, areas where people cut down trees, the green corps work both day and night. And I most commend the security operative especially the Drug Laws Enforcement Agency. The State Security Service, the Police, the Nigeria Army for putting in their best in ensuring peace in all the parks in FCT.
What have been your challenges?
There is a saying that says,’ old habit die hard’. The challenges are the people, some people feel very lazy coming to work but with the orientation I have given my staff, most of them are cooperating seriously, and one thing I have always told people is that, if trees and flowers could talk, anytime one wants to cut a tree or flower, they will easily say don’t cut me, and most people carry out these illegal activities in the night but with the help of security agents the abnormality is reducing drastically.
In which area would you want government to assist you?
Well Government has been helpful with the help of the new commissioner of police FCT command Mr. Olufemi D. Ogunbayode, we are working in synergy with the police day and night. The Nigerian police has been there, the NDLEA and the Nigeria army etc. Besides, you don’t let government do everything alone, so we put extra effort in ensuring that our parks are safe. Then we have to thank Senator Bala Muhammed, who has put a task team in place, the team which comprises of Army , Police, Immigration, Customs, Road safety, and VIO to clampdown on the offenders.
What would you like to be remembered for?
I should be remembered with the legacy I most have left on ground. That’s it.
