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 landmark.
She also expressed disappointment that no state government participated in the ₦50 million prize category of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Green Nigeria Challenge, which was created to encourage young people to convert abandoned spaces and dumpsites into green parks and gardens.
Mrs Tinubu spoke on Monday during a ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where she honoured the FCT Administration for its environmental efforts by presenting Certificates of Commendation to Wike and the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Bunkure.
According to a statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady described the City Gate transformation as a practical example of the vision behind the Green Nigeria Challenge.
“It was a ₦50 million prize money, and they didn’t enter. This was supposed to get our youth involved,” she said.
The Household and State categories of the Green Nigeria Challenge remain open until December 20, 2026.
Mrs Tinubu urged the wives of state governors to encourage young people to participate in environmental clubs and sustainability programmes.
“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.”
Recalling her own experience, she added:
“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.”
She praised the transformation of Abuja’s City Gate, describing it as an example of how neglected public spaces can be revitalised.
“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.”
The First Lady also stressed that environmental stewardship should involve young people.
“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 revealed that the City Gate project was inspired by the First Lady’s observations after returning from trips 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 explained that the FCT Administration engaged the original designers of the City Gate to create a new concept that has transformed the area into a popular 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.”
Wike also disclosed plans to replicate the project in Abuja’s Lifecamp area.
“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.”
He maintained that environmental cleanliness is essential for national development.
“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.”
