Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for the transformation of Abuja’s City Gate into a major recreational and environmental landmark.
The First Lady gave the commendation during a ceremony organised to recognise the FCT Administration’s environmental achievements under the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Green Nigeria Challenge.
She described the redevelopment of the City Gate as “unbelievable,” noting that the project demonstrated the possibility of converting abandoned public spaces into attractive and functional environments.
“When I saw what he did with the City Gate, my God, unbelievable, unbelievable. I want to thank him. He’s done very well,” Tinubu said.
She explained that the Green Challenge was created to encourage states and communities to reclaim abandoned areas, dumpsites and neglected spaces by transforming them into green parks, gardens and eco-friendly locations.
According to her, a ₦50 million prize was set aside to encourage states to participate in the category focused on reclaiming abandoned spaces, but no state entered for the competition.
“It was a ₦50 million prize money and they didn’t enter. This was supposed to get our youth involved,” she stated.
The First Lady said the Abuja City Gate project reflected the vision of the initiative by showing how degraded public spaces could be transformed into landmarks that improve the quality of life for citizens.
“The remodeled 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.
She also urged wives of state governors to encourage young people to join environmental clubs and sustainability programmes in schools and tertiary institutions.
Tinubu recalled her involvement in environmental activities during her time at the College of Education, where she participated in the Youth Environmental Programme for West Africa.
“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 added.
Responding, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike credited the First Lady with inspiring the transformation of the City Gate, saying her commitment to environmental improvement encouraged the FCT Administration to embrace the Renewed Hope Green Initiative.
Wike said the project was part of efforts to create more attractive public spaces where residents and visitors could relax while improving Abuja’s environment.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.