Posterity Will Judge You Well For Transforming Abuja, First Lady Tells Wike

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.

She spoke during a ceremony to honour the FCT Administration for its environmental efforts, which she said align with the just-concluded Community Category of the ongoing Green Nigeria Challenge of the Renewed Hope Initiative.

In a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, Senator Tinubu said she was impressed by the transformation of the City Gate, describing it as “unbelievable.”

She stated that despite a ₦50 million prize set aside under the Green Challenge to encourage states to reclaim abandoned spaces and dumpsites, no state entered that category of the competition.

“There was a ₦50 million prize, yet no state entered the category. This was supposed to get our youth involved,” she said.

The First Lady explained that the initiative was designed to encourage states to convert neglected public spaces into clean and attractive environments.

“The transformation reflects the vision behind the just-concluded Community Category of the Challenge, which was designed to encourage youth groups to transform degraded public spaces, including dumpsites and abandoned areas, into green parks, gardens and other eco-friendly spaces. Our goal is to complement the government’s efforts in beautifying our environment and promoting healthier communities to improve the quality of life of our people.

“The remodelled Abuja City Gate is an excellent example of what abandoned public areas can become: a transformed national landmark that warmly welcomes all Nigerians and visitors to our nation’s capital.

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

“This was meant to transform abandoned spaces and dumpsites, and we see many of them across the states.”

Senator Tinubu also appealed to the Wives of State Governors to mobilise 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 children involved in environmental clubs and encourage environmental societies in our tertiary institutions.

“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.”

According to the First Lady, young people must be encouraged to contribute to national development through environmental stewardship.

“We have to engage our young people and ensure they can help build the nation. Everybody has something to contribute to this country. It’s a great country, and that’s why we are doing all we can.”

In his remarks, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, revealed that the First Lady personally inspired the transformation of Abuja’s City Gate.

“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.”

According to the minister, the idea originated from one of the First Lady’s observations after returning from foreign trips.

“She called me and said, ‘Why do we travel abroad and fail to learn anything? Look at the way our city looks. Look at the way city gates in other countries look. Why not do something to change it?’”

He explained that the FCT Administration subsequently engaged the original designers of the City Gate to develop a new concept that has since transformed the location into a vibrant public attraction.

“Today, by the grace of God, whenever you pass there, even at night, you see people gathered there. There is activity. That is what it is supposed to be.”

The minister disclosed that similar projects would be extended to other parts of Abuja, particularly the Lifecamp area, where plans are underway to develop another green recreational centre.

“I’ve also told the First Lady that I want to replicate another one in the Lifecamp area. We have a green space where people come to relax, but it does not look tidy or attractive. I have directed that it be redesigned into another recreation centre where people can come and relax. That is what happens in other countries.”

He described environmental sustainability as essential to national development, noting that no city could truly develop without clean and well-maintained green spaces.

“Nobody can talk about the development of any country or city if the environment is not clean. When you go to Europe, what attracts you is the beauty, the green environment and the clean surroundings. When you incorporate green spaces into development, everything looks more natural. That is the way we are supposed to live.”

He expressed appreciation to the First Lady, Senator Tinubu, for recognising the FCT Administration’s efforts, saying her encouragement had motivated him to do more.

“Leadership is about learning. She drew our attention to areas that needed improvement, and instead of complaining, we acted. When leaders point out what needs to be done, the right response is to improve. That is exactly what we have done.”

The First Lady later presented Certificates of Commendation on behalf of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure.

The Household and State categories of the Green Nigeria Challenge remain open until 20 December 2026.