First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for transforming Abuja’s City Gate into a modern recreational and environmental landmark, saying history would remember him for his contributions to the development of Nigeria’s capital.
Speaking during a ceremony recognising the FCT Administration’s environmental initiatives, the First Lady described the redevelopment of the City Gate as a remarkable achievement that aligns with the objectives of the Community Category of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Green Nigeria Challenge.
She said she was impressed by the transformation, describing it as “unbelievable.”
“When I saw what he did with the City Gate, my God, unbelievable. I want to thank him. He has done very well,” she said.
Senator Tinubu, however, expressed disappointment that no state participated in the Community Category of the Green Nigeria Challenge despite the ₦50 million prize set aside to encourage the restoration of abandoned public spaces and dumpsites.
She explained that the initiative was created to inspire communities, particularly young people, to convert neglected areas into clean, green, and environmentally friendly spaces.
“Our goal is to complement government’s efforts in beautifying the environment, promoting healthier communities and improving the quality of life of our people,” she said.
According to the First Lady, the remodelled Abuja City Gate demonstrates the kind of transformation that is possible when abandoned public spaces are revitalised.
She also urged the wives of state governors to encourage young people to participate in environmental clubs and sustainability initiatives in schools and higher institutions.
“I appeal to our First Ladies to encourage our young people to join environmental clubs and societies. We have to engage them because everyone has something to contribute to the development of this country,” she added.
Recalling her days as a student, Senator Tinubu said her participation in the Youth Environmental Programme for West Africa inspired her long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability.
In his remarks, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike credited the First Lady with inspiring the City Gate transformation through her consistent advocacy for a cleaner and more attractive Abuja.
According to him, Senator Tinubu challenged the FCT Administration to improve the capital city’s appearance after comparing it with public spaces in other countries.
“She called me and asked why we travel abroad without learning from what we see. She pointed to the condition of our City Gate and encouraged us to do something about it,” Wike said.
The minister disclosed that the administration engaged the original designers of the City Gate to create a new design, resulting in what has become a vibrant recreational destination.
“Today, whenever you pass there, even at night, you see people gathered there. There is life and activity. That is how it should be,” he said.
Wike also announced plans to replicate similar projects across Abuja, including in the Lifecamp area, where an existing green space will be redesigned into another recreational centre.
He stressed that environmental sustainability remains a critical component of urban development, noting that clean surroundings and green spaces are hallmarks of modern cities.
The minister thanked the First Lady for recognising the FCT Administration’s efforts, saying her encouragement had motivated the administration to achieve even more.
During the event, Senator Tinubu presented Certificates of Commendation on behalf of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to Wike and the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure.
She also announced that entries for the Household and State categories of the Green Nigeria Challenge will remain open until December 20, 2026.
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