Ramat Park is an expansive urban park located in the city of Benin, in

Edo State Edo State, Edo, officially known as Edo State, is a States of Nigeria, state in the South South, South-South Geopolitical zones of Nigeria, geopolitical zone of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As of 2024, the state was ranked as the List of Ni ...

Nigeria Nigeria, officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean to the south. It covers an area of . With Demographics of Nigeria, ...

. Spanning an area of 15 acres, the park is an iconic

landmark A landmark is a recognizable natural or artificial feature used for navigation, a feature that stands out from its near environment and is often visible from long distances. In modern-day use, the term can also be applied to smaller structures ...

in the city, offering a tranquil escape for residents and visitors alike.

History

Ramat Park's history is intricately linked to the

socio-political Political sociology is an interdisciplinary field of study concerned with exploring how governance and society interact and influence one another at the micro to macro levels of analysis. Interested in the social causes and consequences of how ...

context of Nigeria during the mid-20th century. It was established in 1985 by the Bendel State Government with the primary objective of creating a green haven amidst the urban landscape, promoting recreational activities, and commemorating the legacy of General Murtala Ramat Mohammed. General Murtala Ramat Mohammed was the Head of State of Nigeria from 1975 to 1976. He was assassinated during a coup attempt in 1976. The establishment of Ramat Park was a tribute to his contributions to Nigeria's development and his aspiration for a better Nigeria. The park's location is at the heart of

Benin City Benin City serves as the Capital city, capital and largest Metropolitan area, metropolitan centre of Edo State, situated in Nigeria, southern Nigeria. It ranks as the List of Nigerian cities by population, fourth-most populous city in Niger ...

, making it easily accessible to residents from all walks of life. The

Nigerian government The federal government of Nigeria is composed of three distinct branches: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial, whose powers are vested and bestowed upon by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. One of the primary f ...

's initiative to create green spaces within urban areas aligned with global trends towards urban beautification and the creation of recreational spaces for citizens to connect with nature.

Development and features

The park features a network of walking paths.

Management and community engagement

Ramat Park is managed by the

government, and they are responsible for the maintenance and development of green spaces within the city. The government actively engages with the local community, organizing workshops, seminars, and volunteer initiatives to raise awareness about environmental conservation and the park's historical significance.

References

{{Reflist Parks in Nigeria Benin City Tourist attractions in Edo State