Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, for transforming Abuja’s City Gate into a major recreational and environmental landmark.
The First Lady gave the commendation during a ceremony recognising the FCT Administration for its environmental achievements, which she said align with the recently concluded Community Category of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Green Nigeria Challenge.
Senator Tinubu described the transformation of the Abuja City Gate as “unbelievable”, praising the FCT Administration for turning the once-neglected site into an attractive national landmark.
She noted that although a ₦50 million prize was earmarked under the Green Nigeria Challenge to encourage states to reclaim abandoned public spaces and dumpsites, no state participated in that category of the competition.
“It was a ₦50 million prize, and they didn’t enter. This was supposed to get our youth involved,” she said.
The First Lady explained that the initiative was created to encourage states and communities to convert neglected public spaces into clean, attractive and environmentally friendly areas.
According to her, the Community Category of the Green Nigeria Challenge was designed to inspire youth groups to transform degraded public spaces, including dumpsites and abandoned areas, into parks, gardens and other eco-friendly environments.
“Our goal is to complement government efforts to beautify the environment, promote healthier communities and improve the quality of life of our people,” she said.
She added that the remodelled Abuja City Gate exemplifies the vision of the initiative.
“The remodelled Abuja City Gate is an excellent example of what abandoned public areas can become—a transformed national landmark that warmly welcomes Nigerians and visitors to the nation’s capital.”
Commending the FCT Minister, she said, “When I saw what he did with the City Gate, my God, unbelievable. I want to thank him. He has done very well.”
The First Lady also urged the wives of state governors to mobilise young people to participate in environmental clubs and sustainability initiatives in schools and tertiary institutions.
“I am using this opportunity to appeal to our First Ladies to encourage our young children to join environmental clubs and societies, including those in tertiary institutions.”
She recalled her own experience as a member of the Youth Environmental Programme for West Africa while studying at the College of Education, describing the road trip across West Africa as a memorable experience that deepened her commitment to environmental conservation.
Senator Tinubu stressed that young people must be encouraged to contribute meaningfully to national development through environmental stewardship.
“We have to engage our young people and ensure they contribute to nation-building. Everybody has something to offer this country. It is a great nation, and that is why we are doing all we can.”
In his remarks, the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, said the First Lady’s commitment to environmental sustainability inspired the transformation of the Abuja City Gate.
According to him, the FCT Administration embraced the Renewed Hope Green Initiative because of Senator Tinubu’s consistent advocacy for a cleaner environment and the creation of public spaces where residents can relax and interact.
“The First Lady deserves commendation for inspiring the FCT to key into the Renewed Hope Green Initiative. She has consistently emphasised the need to improve our environment and create spaces where people can gather and relax,” Wike said.
