First Lady 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.
Tinubu gave the commendation on Monday during a ceremony at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, where she presented Certificates of Commendation to Wike and the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Bunkure, for their environmental initiatives.
In a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady described the redevelopment of the City Gate as a clear example of the transformation the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Green Nigeria Challenge was designed to promote.
She, however, expressed disappointment that no state government participated in the N50m prize category of the challenge, which was created to encourage youths and communities to convert abandoned spaces and dumpsites into green parks and gardens.
“It was a N50m prize money, and they didn’t enter. This was supposed to get our youth involved,” Tinubu said.
She urged wives of state governors to encourage young people to join environmental clubs and sustainability programmes, stressing the importance of youth participation in protecting the environment.
“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 said.
The First Lady recalled her own experience as a member of the Youth Environmental Programme for West Africa during her time at the College of Education, describing the experience as memorable.
Speaking on the City Gate transformation, Tinubu praised Wike’s efforts, describing the redesigned landmark as an example of how neglected public spaces can be converted into attractive destinations.
“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.
She added that the remodelled Abuja City Gate now serves as a welcoming symbol for Nigerians and visitors entering the nation’s capital.
Wike, in response, credited the First Lady with inspiring the redevelopment project, saying she challenged the FCT Administration to improve the appearance of Abuja’s major landmarks after observing city designs during international trips.
“She called on me to say: ‘Why do we travel out and we do not learn anything when we travel? Look at the way our city looks, look at the way city gates in other countries look. Why not do something to change it?’” Wike said.
The FCT minister explained that the administration worked with the original designers of the City Gate to create a new concept that has turned the location into a vibrant public attraction.
He said the area now attracts visitors, including at night, with increased social activity around the landmark.
Wike also announced plans to replicate the concept at Lifecamp, Abuja, where he said another green space would be redesigned into a recreational centre.
He stressed that environmental cleanliness is essential to national development, noting that clean surroundings and green spaces contribute to the beauty and livability of cities around the world.
According to him, sustainable urban development requires proper planning, greenery and attractive public spaces.
