First Lady applauds Wike’s Abuja facelift, urges youth-led green initiatives

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for transforming Abuja’s City Gate into a modern recreational and environmental landmark, while urging state governments to engage more young people in environmental sustainability programmes.

Speaking during a ceremony recognising the FCT Administration’s environmental efforts under the Renewed Hope Green Initiative, the First Lady described the City Gate transformation as remarkable, saying it reflects the kind of environmental renewal the initiative seeks to promote nationwide.

She disclosed that a ₦50 million prize had been earmarked under the Green Nigeria Challenge to encourage states to convert abandoned public spaces and dumpsites into green parks and recreational centres, but expressed disappointment that no state participated in that category.

According to her, the competition was designed to inspire youth groups to reclaim neglected spaces and contribute to cleaner, healthier communities.

“The remodelled Abuja City Gate is an excellent example of what abandoned public areas can become. It has been transformed into a key national landmark that warmly welcomes Nigerians and visitors to the nation’s capital,” she said.

“When I saw what the minister did with the City Gate, I was amazed. He has done very well.”

Mrs Tinubu also called on the wives of state governors to champion environmental clubs and sustainability programmes in schools and higher institutions to encourage young people to participate actively in protecting the environment.

Recalling her own experience as a student, she said she belonged to the Youth Environmental Programme for West Africa while attending the College of Education, describing the initiative as one of her most memorable experiences.

“We have to engage our young people because everyone has something to contribute to building this country. Environmental stewardship is one way they can make a difference,” she added.

Responding, Wike credited the First Lady for inspiring the City Gate project, saying her repeated calls for Abuja to reflect the standards of other world capitals motivated the FCT Administration to embark on the transformation.

He recalled that Mrs Tinubu had questioned why Nigeria failed to replicate the attractive city entrances seen in other countries and challenged him to improve the aesthetics of the nation’s capital.

“The First Lady has consistently encouraged us to improve our environment and create spaces where people can gather and relax. Her advice inspired the transformation of the City Gate,” Wike said.

The minister noted that the project has turned the once-neglected location into a lively public attraction, particularly at night, and revealed plans to replicate similar green recreational centres in other parts of Abuja, including the Life Camp area.

He stressed that environmental sustainability remains central to urban development, arguing that no modern city can thrive without clean surroundings and well-maintained green spaces.

Wike also thanked the First Lady for recognising the FCT Administration’s efforts, describing her support as a source of encouragement to pursue more projects aimed at improving the quality of life in the nation’s capital.