….Commends Abuja City Gate transformation, urges states to embrace Green Challenge

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, saying history would remember him favourably for the development of the nation’s capital.

Speaking during a ceremony to honour the FCT Administration for its environmental efforts under the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Green Nigeria Challenge, the First Lady described the remodelling of the City Gate as an outstanding example of how neglected public spaces can be transformed into attractive and eco-friendly environments.
Her remarks were contained in a statement shared on Monday through her official X handle.

According to Tinubu, the transformation aligns with the objectives of the recently concluded Community Category of the Green Nigeria Challenge, which was created to encourage youth groups to reclaim abandoned public spaces, dumpsites and other degraded areas by converting them into parks, gardens and other environmentally friendly facilities.

She expressed surprise that no state participated in the competition despite a ₦50 million prize earmarked for the category.

“It was a ₦50 million 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 designed to complement government efforts at environmental restoration while promoting healthier communities and improving the quality of life for Nigerians.

“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 government’s effort in beautifying our environment and promoting healthier communities towards improving the quality of life of our people,” she said.

Describing the revamped City Gate as a symbol of what is possible through environmental renewal, Tinubu praised Wike’s efforts.

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

“Posterity will judge you well for the development of the Federal Capital Territory,” she added.

The First Lady also called on 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 young children into the environmental clubs and environmental societies for our youth in tertiary institutions,” she said.

Recalling her own involvement in environmental advocacy as a student, Tinubu said she was a member of the Youth Environmental Programme for West Africa while attending the College of Education, describing the experience as memorable and formative.

She stressed that young people must be encouraged to contribute to national development through environmental stewardship.

“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,” she said.

In his remarks, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, attributed the City Gate transformation to the First Lady’s commitment to environmental sustainability, saying her advocacy inspired the project.

“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,” Wike said.