First Lady says Abuja landmark’s makeover shows the impact of reclaiming public spaces as FCT plans more environmental projects……
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for transforming Abuja’s City Gate into a major recreational and environmental attraction, while urging state governments to involve more young people in efforts to protect the environment.
Speaking at a ceremony to recognise the FCT Administration’s contribution to the Renewed Hope Green Initiative, Tinubu described the redevelopment of the City Gate as remarkable, saying she was impressed by the transformation of the previously underutilised space.
She disclosed that a ₦50 million prize had been introduced under the Green Challenge to encourage states to reclaim abandoned areas and convert waste sites into useful public spaces. However, she noted that no state participated in the competition.
Commending the FCT minister, the First Lady said, “When I saw what he did with the City Gate, my God, unbelievable, unbelievable. I want to thank him. He’s done very well.”
Tinubu also reflected on her earlier involvement in environmental advocacy, recalling her time as a student when she participated in the Youth Environmental Programme for West Africa and travelled across several West African countries as part of environmental awareness activities.
She said the experience shaped her passion for environmental protection and encouraged her continued advocacy for cleaner and greener communities.
First Lady inspired City Gate redevelopment — Wike
Responding to the commendation, Wike said the City Gate transformation was influenced by Tinubu’s repeated calls for improvements to Abuja’s appearance and public spaces.
According to the minister, the First Lady had consistently encouraged the FCT Administration to create a capital city that reflects global standards and provides residents with more places for recreation and relaxation.
He explained that the idea emerged after she returned from international trips and questioned why Nigeria could not adopt similar approaches to urban beautification seen in other countries.
“She called on me to say, ‘Why do we travel out and we do not learn anything when we travel? Look at the way our city looks, look at the way city gates in other countries look. Why not do something to change it?’” Wike said.
The minister said the First Lady later followed up after observing that work had not started, prompting the FCT Administration to take action.
He disclosed that the government worked with the original designers of the City Gate to develop a new concept that transformed the location into a vibrant public space.
“Today, by the grace of God, whenever you pass there, even at night, you see people gathered there. There is activity. That is what it is supposed to be,” he said.
More recreational centres planned
Wike revealed that the FCT Administration intends to replicate the City Gate project in other parts of Abuja, including the Life Camp area, where plans are already underway to redesign an existing green space into another recreational centre.
He said the objective is to create more locations where residents can relax, socialise and enjoy cleaner surroundings, similar to what is obtainable in developed cities.
The minister stressed that environmental sustainability is a key part of urban development, arguing that no city can achieve meaningful progress without maintaining clean surroundings and accessible green spaces.
“When you go to Europe, what attracts you is the beauty, the green environment and the clean surroundings. When you put green areas around developments, it looks natural. That is the way we are supposed to live,” he said.
Wike thanked the First Lady for recognising the FCT Administration’s efforts, describing her intervention as constructive leadership that helped identify areas requiring improvement.
“Leadership is about learning. She drew our attention to areas that needed improvement, and instead of complaining, we acted,” he said.
He added that the administration would continue to invest in projects aimed at improving Abuja’s environment and quality of life for residents.
