First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for transforming Abuja’s City Gate into a major environmental and recreational landmark, saying history would judge him favourably.
Speaking at a ceremony in Abuja on Monday, she said, “Posterity will judge you well for the development of the Federal Capital Territory,” describing the City Gate upgrade as “unbelievable.”
The commendation came during an event recognising the FCT Administration’s environmental efforts under the Green Nigeria Challenge of the Renewed Hope Initiative. “When I saw what he did with the City Gate, my God, unbelievable… he’s done very well,” she said.
Tinubu noted that despite a ₦50 million prize introduced to encourage states to reclaim abandoned spaces and dumpsites, no state participated in that category. “It was a ₦50 million prize money and they didn’t enter. This was supposed to get our youth involved,” she added.
She explained that the initiative aims to mobilise young people and communities to convert neglected areas into green parks and eco-friendly spaces. “Our goal is to complement government’s effort in beautifying our environment and promoting healthier communities,” she said.
The First Lady also called on wives of state governors to drive youth participation in environmental programmes. “Get our young children into environmental clubs and societies… we have to engage our young people and make sure that they can help build,” she urged.
In his remarks, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike revealed that the transformation of the City Gate was inspired by the First Lady’s observations. “She called on me to say, ‘Why do we travel out and we do not learn anything… why not do something to change it?’” he said.
Wike explained that the FCT Administration worked with the original designers of the structure to deliver a modernised concept, which has since become a hub for public activity. “Today… even at night, you see people gathered there. There is activity. That is what it is supposed to be,” he added.
He disclosed plans to replicate similar projects across Abuja, including a new green recreational centre in the Lifecamp area, stressing that environmental sustainability is central to urban development. “Nobody can talk about development where the environment is not clean,” he said.
The First Lady later presented a Certificate of Commendation to Wike and the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, on behalf of the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The Household and State categories of the Green Nigeria Challenge remain open until December 20, 2026.
