Mrs Tinubu praises the iconic City Gate overhaul as a benchmark for national urban renewal.
“You inspired me” — Wike credits her vision for driving the capital’s makeover
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his environmental visionary leadership, stating that “posterity will judge him well” for the rapid development and green transformation of the nation’s capital.
Senator Tinubu gave the commendation during a ceremony organized to honor the FCT Administration (FCTA) for its environmental stewardship. The recognition aligns with the recently concluded community category of the Green Nigeria Challenge, an initiative under the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
Expressing her admiration for the newly remodeled Abuja City Gate—which has been transformed from a neglected zone into a major recreational and environmental landmark—the First Lady described the project as “unbelievable.”
A Missed ₦50 Million Opportunity
Speaking at the event, the First Lady revealed that despite a ₦50 million prize incentive set aside under the RHI Green Challenge to encourage states to reclaim abandoned spaces and dumpsites, no state government entered the competition.
“It was a ₦50 million prize money, and they didn’t enter,” Senator Tinubu disclosed. “This was supposed to get our youth involved. The initiative was designed to encourage states to convert neglected public spaces into clean, healthy, and attractive environments.”
She explained that the remodeled Abuja City Gate serves as a prime template of what abandoned public areas across the country can become.
“When I saw what the FCT Minister did with the City Gate, it was unbelievable. I want to thank him; he has done remarkably well. The remodeled City Gate is an excellent example of a transformed national landmark that warmly welcomes all Nigerians and visitors to the nation’s capital,” she added.
Call to Action for State First Ladies
Senator Tinubu used the platform to challenge the wives of state governors to step up environmental advocacy in their respective domains by mobilizing young people.
She urged them to facilitate the establishment of environmental clubs in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions to foster sustainable habits from a young age.
Recalling her own youth, the First Lady shared a personal anecdote: “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 and eye-opening experience for us.”
She emphasized that young Nigerians must be active participants in national development through environmental stewardship. “We have to engage our young people and make sure they help build the nation. Everyone has something to contribute to this country.”
Wike Credits First Lady’s Vision
In his response, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike expressed gratitude for the recognition, revealing that the green transformation of the City Gate was directly inspired by the First Lady.
“The First Lady must be commended for the FCT keying into the Renewed Hope Green Initiative,” Wike said. “She has always advocated that we must change our environment and create functional, green spaces where our people can gather, relax, and connect.”
The event highlighted the growing urgency for sustainable urban planning in Nigeria, with stakeholders expressing hope that the FCT’s success will spur states to utilize the Renewed Hope Initiative’s framework to tackle environmental degradation nationwide.
