First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for transforming the Abuja City Gate into a major recreational and environmental landmark, saying history would remember him positively for the achievement.
Speaking during a ceremony organised to recognise the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for its environmental efforts under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Green Nigeria Challenge, the First Lady described the remodelling of the City Gate as a remarkable example of how neglected public spaces can be revitalised into attractive recreational centres.
According to a statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, Senator Tinubu said the project reflects the vision behind the Community Category of the Green Nigeria Challenge, which was introduced to encourage communities and youth groups to reclaim abandoned public spaces, dumpsites and other degraded environments.
“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,” 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. Posterity will judge you well.”
She, however, expressed disappointment that no state participated in the Community Category of the Green Nigeria Challenge despite the availability of a ₦50 million prize meant to encourage the reclamation of abandoned public spaces and dumpsites.
“It was a ₦50 million prize, and they didn’t enter. This was supposed to get our youth involved,” she said.
Senator Tinubu explained that the initiative was designed to complement government efforts at beautifying communities, promoting environmental sustainability and improving the quality of life of Nigerians.
She also called on wives of state governors to play a more active role in encouraging young people to participate 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 environmental clubs and environmental societies, including those in tertiary institutions,” she said.
Recalling her days as a student, the First Lady said she belonged to the Youth Environmental Programme for West Africa while studying at the College of Education, describing the experience as one of the most memorable periods of her life.
“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 across West Africa by road. It was a memorable experience for us,” she recalled.
She emphasised that environmental stewardship provides young Nigerians with an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“We have to engage our young people and ensure they can help build this country. Everybody has something to contribute. Nigeria is a great country, and that’s why we are doing all we can,” she said.
Responding, Wike said the transformation of the Abuja City Gate was inspired by Senator Tinubu, whose commitment to environmental sustainability motivated the project.
