Nigeria’s 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 major recreational and environmental landmark.
Speaking during a ceremony organised to honour the FCT Administration for its environmental initiatives, the First Lady described the redevelopment of the City Gate as a model for environmental renewal under the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Green Nigeria Challenge.
She said she was highly impressed by the transformation, describing it as “unbelievable,” and commended Wike for delivering a project that reflects the objectives of the initiative.
“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.
Senator Tinubu explained that the recently concluded Community Category of the Green Nigeria Challenge was created to encourage youth groups to reclaim abandoned public spaces, dumpsites and neglected areas by converting them into green parks, gardens and other eco-friendly recreational spaces.
According to her, despite a ₦50 million prize earmarked to reward states that participated in the category, no state submitted an entry.
“It was a ₦50 million prize money and they didn’t enter. This was supposed to get our youth involved,” she said.
The First Lady noted that the initiative was designed to complement government efforts in environmental beautification while promoting healthier communities and improving the quality of life for Nigerians.
She described the remodeled Abuja City Gate as a practical demonstration of how abandoned public spaces can be transformed into attractive national landmarks that welcome both citizens and visitors to the nation’s capital.
Senator Tinubu also appealed to the wives of state governors to mobilise young people to participate in environmental clubs and sustainability programmes in schools and tertiary institutions.
She recalled her own experience as a member of the Youth Environmental Programme for West Africa during her days at the College of Education, describing it as a memorable experience that strengthened her commitment to environmental protection.
The First Lady stressed the need to engage young Nigerians in environmental stewardship, saying every citizen has a role to play in national development.
“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.
In his remarks, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, credited the First Lady for inspiring the transformation of Abuja’s City Gate.
According to Wike, Senator Tinubu’s consistent advocacy for environmental renewal and the creation of public spaces where residents can relax motivated the FCT Administration to align with the Renewed Hope Green Initiative.
He commended the First Lady for championing environmental sustainability and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to creating a cleaner, greener and more attractive Federal Capital Territory.
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