First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for turning Abuja’s City Gate into a modern recreational destination, describing the project as a model of environmental renewal.
She also expressed disappointment that no state government participated in the N50 million prize category of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Green Nigeria Challenge, a programme aimed at encouraging young people to transform abandoned public spaces and dumpsites into green parks and gardens.
The First Lady spoke on Monday at a ceremony held at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, where she recognised the FCT Administration’s environmental achievements by presenting Certificates of Commendation to Wike and the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Bunkure.
Details of the event were contained in a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, titled, “Posterity Will Judge You Well for the Development of the Federal Capital Territory.”
Mrs Tinubu said the redevelopment of the City Gate perfectly reflected the vision behind the community category of the Green Nigeria Challenge, noting that she had expected states across the country to embrace the initiative. She, however, regretted that no state submitted an entry for the category, despite the attractive prize.
The Household and State categories of the competition remain open until December 20, 2026.
“It was a N50m prize money, and they didn’t enter. This was supposed to get our youth involved,” she said.
The First Lady explained that the initiative was created to inspire states to reclaim neglected public spaces and turn them into cleaner, more attractive environments.
She urged the wives of state governors to encourage young people to join environmental clubs and sustainability programmes.
She stated, “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.
“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.”
Commending the transformation of the Abuja City Gate, Mrs Tinubu described the project as an outstanding example of what can be achieved through purposeful urban renewal.
On the City Gate itself, she said, “When I saw what he did with the City Gate, my God, unbelievable. I want to thank him. He’s done very well.
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 also stressed the importance of involving young Nigerians in protecting the environment and contributing to national development.
She also called for youth engagement in national environmental stewardship, saying, “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.”
Responding, Wike disclosed that the City Gate project was inspired by the First Lady, who challenged him to improve the appearance of the nation’s capital after comparing it with cities abroad.
“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?’” he said.
He said the administration later worked with the original designers of the City Gate to develop a new concept, which has since transformed the area into a lively destination frequented by residents and visitors, including at night.
“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,” he said.
The FCT Minister also revealed plans to create a similar recreational facility in the Lifecamp area of Abuja by redesigning an existing green space.
He announced, “I’ve also told the First Lady that I want to replicate another one when you go to the Lifecamp area.
“We have a green space where people come to relax, but it doesn’t look tidy or attractive.
“I’ve directed that it should be redesigned into another recreation centre where people can come and relax. That is what happens in other countries.”
Wike further emphasised that maintaining a clean environment is essential to sustainable development, arguing that beautiful green spaces enhance the quality of urban life.
According to him, “Nobody can talk about the development of any country or city where 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 put green areas around developments, it looks natural. That is the way we are supposed to live.”
