First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for transforming Abuja’s City Gate into a modern recreational and environmental landmark, declaring that posterity would remember him for the impact of his developmental initiatives in the nation’s capital.
Speaking during a ceremony held to honour the Federal Capital Territory Administration for its environmental achievements under the Renewed Hope Initiative Green Nigeria Challenge, the First Lady described the transformation of the iconic City Gate as remarkable and consistent with the objectives of the initiative.
Senator Tinubu said the project perfectly demonstrated how abandoned public spaces could be converted into attractive recreational centres capable of improving the environment and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
“The remodelled Abuja City Gate is an excellent example of what abandoned public areas can become: a transformed key national landmark that warmly welcomes all Nigerians and visitors to our nation’s capital,” she said.
Expressing admiration for the project, the First Lady added: “When I saw what he did with the City Gate, my God, unbelievable, unbelievable. I want to thank him. He’s done very well.”
She noted that the environmental challenge included a ₦50 million prize aimed at encouraging states to reclaim abandoned spaces and dumpsites, but lamented that no state participated in that category.
“It was a ₦50 million prize money and they didn’t enter. This was supposed to get our youth involved,” she said.
According to her, the initiative was designed to mobilise communities, especially young people, to transform neglected public spaces into parks, gardens and other eco-friendly recreational centres.
“The transformation reflects the vision behind the just concluded Community Category of the Challenge which was designed to encourage youth groups to transform degraded public spaces, including dumpsites and abandoned areas, into green parks, gardens and other eco-friendly spaces. Our goal is to complement government’s effort in beautifying our environment and promoting healthier communities towards improving the quality of life of our people,” she stated.
The First Lady also appealed to wives of state governors to mobilise young Nigerians to participate actively in environmental clubs and sustainability initiatives in schools and tertiary institutions.
“I’m using this opportunity to appeal to our First Ladies: Get our young children into the environmental clubs and environmental societies for our youth in tertiary institutions,” she said.
Recalling her personal involvement in environmental advocacy as a student, she added: “I remember when I was in the College of Education, I was a member of the Youth Environmental Programme for West Africa. We travelled from Nigeria throughout West Africa by road. It was a memorable experience for us.”
She stressed that every Nigerian, particularly the youth, has a role to play in national development through environmental stewardship.
“We have to engage our young people and make sure that they can help build. Everybody has something to contribute to this country. It’s a great country and that’s why we are doing all we can,” she said.
Responding, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike credited the First Lady for inspiring the transformation of Abuja’s City Gate, saying her commitment to environmental sustainability motivated the administration to embark on the project.
“The First Lady has to be commended for the FCT keying into the Renewed Hope Green Initiative because she has always said we have to change our environment and create opportunities where people can gather and relax,” Wike said.
The minister said the recognition from the First Lady further reinforced the FCT Administration’s commitment to expanding green spaces and recreational infrastructure across Abuja, as part of ongoing efforts to create a cleaner, more attractive and livable capital city for residents and visitors alike.
