Senator Oluremi Tinubu praises Governor Wike for revitalizing the Abuja City entrance

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, praised Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike on Monday for transforming Abuja's City Gate into a prominent recreational landmark, a project that has breathed new life into the area.

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The First Lady expressed disappointment that no state government participated in the N50m prize category of the Renewed Hope Initiative's Green Nigeria Challenge, an initiative aimed at encouraging youths to convert abandoned spaces into green parks and gardens.

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During a ceremony at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, Senator Tinubu presented Certificates of Commendation to Wike and the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Bunkure, in recognition of the FCT Administration's environmental efforts.

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Busola Kukoyi, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the First Lady, disclosed details of the event in a statement titled 'Posterity Will Judge You Well for the Development of the Federal Capital Territory,' which was released on Monday.

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The City Gate transformation is a tangible representation of the community category of the Green Challenge, according to the First Lady, who lamented the lack of submissions from any state for the category.

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The Household and State categories of the Green Nigeria Challenge will remain open until December 20, 2026, providing an opportunity for participation in the initiative.

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The First Lady noted that the N50m prize money failed to attract any entries from state governments, which was intended to engage youths in the initiative.

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Senator Tinubu emphasized the importance of encouraging states to convert neglected public spaces into clean and attractive environments, and appealed to wives of state governors to mobilize young people into environmental clubs and sustainability initiatives.

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She urged the wives of state governors to get young people involved in environmental clubs and societies, drawing from her own experience as a member of the Youth Environmental Programme for West Africa during her time at the College of Education.

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The First Lady praised the remodelled Abuja City Gate, describing it as an excellent example of what abandoned public areas can become, and thanked Wike for his efforts in transforming the location.

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Senator Tinubu stressed the need for youth engagement in national environmental stewardship, emphasizing that everyone has a role to play in building the country.

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Minister Wike credited the First Lady with inspiring the City Gate transformation, which originated from her observations after returning from foreign trips and noticing the potential for improvement in the city's appearance.

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According to Wike, the FCT Administration engaged the original designers of the City Gate to develop a new concept, resulting in a vibrant public attraction that is now visited even at night.

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The former Rivers Governor announced plans to replicate the City Gate concept in the Lifecamp area of Abuja, with the goal of creating another recreation centre where people can relax and unwind.

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Wike emphasized the importance of environmental cleanliness as a prerequisite for genuine national development, citing the beauty and cleanliness of European cities as an example to follow.

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He noted that the presence of green areas and clean surroundings is essential for attracting people and creating a natural living environment, and stressed the need for Nigeria to prioritize environmental cleanliness in its development efforts.