First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for transforming Abuja’s City Gate into what she described as a major recreational and environmental landmark, saying history would remember him for his contributions to the nation’s capital.
Speaking during a ceremony honouring the FCT Administration for its environmental initiatives under the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Green Nigeria Challenge, the First Lady described the remodelling of the iconic City Gate as “unbelievable.”
She said the project perfectly reflects the vision of the Community Category of the Green Nigeria Challenge, which seeks to encourage communities, especially young people, to reclaim abandoned public spaces and convert them into environmentally friendly recreational areas.
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“When I saw what he did with the City Gate, my God, unbelievable, unbelievable. I want to thank him. He’s done very well,” she said.
Commending Wike’s efforts, the First Lady remarked that “posterity will judge you well” for the development and beautification of the Federal Capital Territory.
Senator Tinubu, however, expressed disappointment that no state participated in the Community Category of the Green Nigeria Challenge despite a ₦50 million prize earmarked for the initiative.
“It was a ₦50 million prize money and they didn’t enter. This was supposed to get our youth involved,” she said.
According to her, the competition was designed to encourage states to transform abandoned spaces, dumpsites and other neglected public areas into green parks, gardens and eco-friendly spaces.
“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.
“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 urged wives of state governors to mobilise young people to embrace environmental protection by establishing environmental clubs in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.
“I am using this opportunity to appeal to our First Ladies: Get our young children into environmental clubs and environmental societies for our youth in tertiary institutions,” she said.
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Recalling her own experience as a member of the Youth Environmental Programme for West Africa while studying at the College of Education, she said such initiatives help shape responsible citizens.
“We have to engage our young people and make sure 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 added.
In his remarks, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, disclosed that the First Lady’s passion for environmental sustainability inspired the City Gate transformation.
“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.
