First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has applauded the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for transforming the Abuja City Gate into a modern recreational and environmental landmark, saying his contributions to the nation’s capital will stand as part of his enduring legacy.
Speaking during a ceremony recognising the FCT Administration’s environmental initiatives, the First Lady described the redevelopment of the Abuja City Gate as a remarkable achievement that aligns with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Green Nigeria Challenge.
Reflecting on the project, she said she was impressed by the dramatic transformation of the iconic entrance into Abuja.
“When I saw what he did with the City Gate, my God, unbelievable. I want to thank him. He has done very well,” she said.
Senator Tinubu explained that the Community Category of the Green Nigeria Challenge was created to encourage youth groups and local communities to reclaim abandoned public spaces, dumpsites and neglected areas by converting them into green parks, gardens and environmentally friendly recreational centres.
She, however, expressed disappointment that no state participated in the category despite the ₦50 million prize offered as an incentive.
“It was a ₦50 million prize and no state entered. This was supposed to get our youth involved,” she noted.
According to the First Lady, the initiative seeks to complement government efforts in promoting cleaner communities, healthier living environments and improved quality of life for Nigerians.
She described the remodelled Abuja City Gate as a practical example of how neglected public infrastructure can be transformed into an attractive national landmark that warmly welcomes residents and visitors to the Federal Capital Territory.
Beyond the competition, Senator Tinubu called on the wives of state governors to encourage young Nigerians to participate actively in environmental clubs, sustainability projects and conservation programmes across schools and tertiary institutions.
She recalled her own participation in the Youth Environmental Programme for West Africa during her student days, describing the experience as one that strengthened her lifelong commitment to environmental sustainability.
In his remarks, Nyesom Wike disclosed that the First Lady’s encouragement inspired the transformation of the Abuja City Gate. He said she had challenged the FCT Administration to improve the appearance of the nation’s capital after comparing it with well-maintained public spaces abroad.
According to the minister, the administration subsequently engaged the original designers of the City Gate to produce a fresh concept that has since turned the area into a lively recreational destination.
“Today, whenever you pass there, even at night, you see people gathered there. There is life and activity. That is how it should be,” Wike said.
The minister revealed that similar environmental renewal projects would soon be extended to other parts of Abuja, including the Lifecamp district, where an existing green space is expected to be redesigned into another recreational centre.
He stressed that environmental sustainability remains a critical component of urban development, noting that clean surroundings, green landscapes and functional public spaces are defining characteristics of world-class cities. Wike also thanked the First Lady for recognising the administration’s efforts, saying her support had motivated the FCT Administration to pursue even more ambitious environmental projects.
During the event, Senator Tinubu presented Certificates of Commendation on behalf of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to Nyesom Wike and the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, in recognition of their contributions to environmental development.
She further announced that submissions for the Household and State categories of the Green Nigeria Challenge will remain open until December 20, 2026, encouraging wider participation in the nationwide environmental campaign.
