ABUJA – First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday showered praises on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for transforming Abuja’s City Gate into a stunning environmental and recreational landmark, declaring that posterity would remember him kindly for his contributions to the development of the nation’s capital.
Mrs Tinubu spoke during a ceremony where the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) was honoured for its outstanding performance under the Renewed Hope Green Nigeria Challenge.
Describing the transformation of the City Gate as “unbelievable,” the First Lady said the project perfectly reflected the objectives of the Community Category of the Green Nigeria Challenge, which encourages communities and youth groups to reclaim abandoned spaces, dumpsites and degraded environments by converting them into parks, gardens and other eco-friendly public spaces.
“The remodeled 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 our nation’s capital,” she said.
Commending Wike’s leadership, she declared: “Posterity will judge you well for the development of the Federal Capital Territory.”
Mrs Tinubu, however, expressed disappointment that no state participated in the environmental category of the competition despite a ₦50 million prize set aside to encourage environmental restoration.
“It was a ₦50 million prize money and they didn’t enter. This was supposed to get our youth involved,” she lamented.
She explained that the initiative was designed to support government efforts to beautify communities, improve environmental sustainability and promote healthier living.
The First Lady appealed to the wives of state governors to encourage children and youths to join environmental clubs and sustainability societies in schools and tertiary institutions.
“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,” she urged.
Recalling her days as a student, Mrs Tinubu said she belonged to the Youth Environmental Programme for West Africa, an experience she described as memorable and enriching.
“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 throughout West Africa by road. It was a memorable experience for us,” she said.
She stressed that Nigeria’s young people must be actively involved in environmental protection and nation-building.
“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, Wike revealed that the First Lady was the brain behind the transformation of Abuja’s City Gate, saying she repeatedly challenged him to improve the aesthetics of the nation’s capital.
“The First Lady has to be commended for the FCT keying into the Renewed Hope Green Initiative because she has always said we have to change our environment and create opportunities where people can gather and relax,” he said.
According to the minister, Mrs Tinubu questioned why Nigeria could not replicate the beautiful city gates and green landscapes seen in other countries.
He said her consistent encouragement prompted the FCTA to redesign the City Gate, which has since become one of Abuja’s biggest tourist attractions.
Wike assured that the administration would sustain the environmental renewal drive by extending similar projects to other parts of the Federal Capital Territory, including the redevelopment of the Life Camp recreational park.
