First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for transforming the Abuja City Gate into a major recreational and environmental landmark.
The First Lady spoke on Monday at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, during a ceremony where she honoured the FCT Administration for its environmental initiatives and presented Certificates of Commendation to Wike and the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Bunkure.
In a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, titled ‘Posterity Will Judge You Well for the Development of the Federal Capital Territory’, Mrs Tinubu described the City Gate project as an example of the kind of transformation the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Green Nigeria Challenge seeks to promote.
She, however, expressed disappointment that no state entered the N50 million prize category of the challenge, which was designed to encourage young people to transform abandoned spaces and dumpsites into green parks and gardens.
“It was a N50m prize money, and they didn’t enter. This was supposed to get our youth involved,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu urged wives of state governors to mobilise young people into environmental clubs and sustainability initiatives, stressing the importance of involving the younger generation in environmental stewardship.
She said, “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.”
The First Lady recalled her own involvement in an environmental programme while she was a student, saying it provided her with an opportunity to travel across West Africa and gain valuable experiences.
She also praised the transformation of the Abuja City Gate, describing the remodelled landmark as an excellent example of what could be achieved by redeveloping neglected public spaces.
“When I saw what he did with the City Gate, my God, unbelievable. I want to thank him. He’s done very well,” she said.
According to her, the project had transformed the location into a key national landmark capable of welcoming Nigerians and visitors to Abuja.
The Household and State categories of the Green Nigeria Challenge remain open until December 20, 2026.
Responding, Wike disclosed that the City Gate transformation was inspired by the First Lady herself following her observations after returning from foreign trips.
He said Mrs Tinubu had questioned why Nigeria could not replicate the attractive city gateways and public spaces found in other countries.
“She called on me to say: ‘Why do we travel out and we do not learn anything when we travel? Look at the way our city looks, look at the way city gates in other countries look. Why not do something to change it?’” Wike recalled.
The FCT minister said the administration subsequently engaged the original designers of the City Gate to develop a new concept for the area.
He said the transformation had turned the location into a vibrant public attraction, with residents and visitors now gathering there, including at night.
Wike also announced plans to replicate the concept in the Lifecamp area of Abuja, where he said an existing green space would be redesigned into another recreational centre.
“I’ve also told the First Lady that I want to replicate another one when you go to the Lifecamp area,” he said.
The minister stressed that environmental cleanliness and attractive public spaces were essential components of genuine national development.
He said clean and green environments not only improve the appearance of cities but also contribute to the quality of life of residents.
“Nobody can talk about the development of any country or city where the environment is not clean,” Wike said.
He added that the FCT Administration would continue to pursue projects aimed at improving Abuja’s environment and creating more recreational spaces for residents.
