Oluremi Tinubu Hails Wike Over Abuja City Gate Transformation

First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commended the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for transforming Abuja’s City Gate into a major recreational and environmental landmark, describing the project as an outstanding example of urban renewal.

During a ceremony to honour the FCT Administration for its environmental efforts under the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Green Nigeria Challenge, the First Lady said the remodelling of the City Gate perfectly reflects the objectives of the initiative, which seeks to encourage the reclamation of abandoned public spaces and the promotion of cleaner, healthier communities.

Tinubu expressed admiration for the transformation, saying she was amazed by the outcome.

“When I saw what he did with the City Gate, my God, unbelievable, unbelievable. I want to thank him. He’s done very well,” she said.

She disclosed that although a N50 million prize was earmarked under the Community Category of the Green Challenge to encourage states to reclaim abandoned spaces and dumpsites, no state submitted an entry.

“It was a N50 million prize money, and they didn’t enter. This was supposed to get our youth involved,” she said.

According to the First Lady, the initiative was designed to encourage communities, especially youth groups, to transform degraded public spaces into green parks, gardens and other eco-friendly recreational areas.

“The remodelled 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 added.

She also called on the wives of state governors to mobilise young people to participate in environmental clubs and sustainability programmes in schools and tertiary institutions.

“I am using this opportunity to appeal to our First Ladies: Get our young children into environmental clubs and environmental societies for our youth in tertiary institutions,” she said, recalling her participation in the Youth Environmental Programme for West Africa during her days as a student.

Senator Tinubu stressed that environmental stewardship offers young Nigerians an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to 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 stated.

Responding, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said the transformation of the Abuja City Gate was inspired by the First Lady’s commitment to environmental sustainability through the Renewed Hope Green Initiative.

He commended Senator Tinubu for championing initiatives to improve the nation’s environment, noting that her vision encouraged the FCT Administration to develop public spaces that provide residents with attractive recreational and relaxation centres.

“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,” Wike said.