Oluremi Tinubu hails Wike for transforming Abuja City Gate

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has commended Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for his transformative work on Abuja's City Gate, describing it as a significant recreational landmark. The First Lady made these remarks at a ceremony in Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, where she presented Certificates of Commendation to Wike and the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Bunkure, for their environmental efforts.

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

Tinubu lauded the City Gate's redevelopment as a prime example of what can be achieved by revitalizing abandoned public areas. She stated, "When I saw what he did with the City Gate, my God, unbelievable. I want to thank him. He’s done very well." She highlighted its transformation into a key national landmark that welcomes visitors.

However, the First Lady also voiced disappointment that no state government submitted entries for the N50 million prize category of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Green Nigeria Challenge. This challenge aims to encourage youths to convert abandoned spaces and dumpsites into green parks and gardens. "It was a N50m prize money, and they didn’t enter. This was supposed to get our youth involved," she lamented.

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It was a N50m prize money, and they didn’t enter. This was supposed to get our youth involved.

Tinubu appealed to the wives of state governors to actively mobilize young people into environmental clubs and sustainability initiatives. She shared her own positive experience as a member of the Youth Environmental Programme for West Africa during her college years. The First Lady emphasized the importance of engaging young people in national environmental stewardship, stating, "Everybody has something to contribute to this country."

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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.