First Lady commends Wike’s green transformation of Abuja, urges youth involvement

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for transforming Abuja’s City Gate into a modern recreational and environmental centre.

She spoke during a ceremony held to honour the Federal Capital Territory Administration for its contribution to the Community Category of the Renewed Hope Initiative Green Nigeria Challenge.

The event recognised efforts aimed at improving public spaces and promoting a cleaner environment in the nation’s capital.

The First Lady said the redevelopment of the City Gate reflected the purpose of the Green Nigeria Challenge, which encourages communities, especially young people, to convert abandoned spaces, dumpsites and neglected areas into parks, gardens and other environmentally friendly locations. She noted that the initiative was created to support government efforts in improving the environment and raising the quality of life for Nigerians.

She expressed satisfaction with the changes made at the Abuja City Gate, describing it as a successful example of how neglected public places can be restored into attractive sites that welcome residents and visitors to the Federal Capital Territory.

Oluremi Tinubu also disclosed that no state participated in the category of the competition designed to encourage the rehabilitation of abandoned public spaces, despite a ₦50 million prize set aside for the exercise. She said the competition was expected to encourage greater youth participation in environmental activities across the country.

The First Lady appealed to the wives of state governors to encourage children and young people to join environmental clubs in schools and tertiary institutions. She said such programmes would help build a new generation that values environmental protection and community development.

Recalling her experience as a student, she said she once belonged to the Youth Environmental Programme for West Africa, where she travelled across several countries in the region. According to her, the experience shaped her understanding of environmental responsibility and the importance of involving young people in nation-building.

She added that every Nigerian has a role to play in improving the country and called for stronger participation in projects that promote cleaner communities and environmental sustainability.

Speaking at the event, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike credited the First Lady for inspiring the transformation of the Abuja City Gate. He said her consistent call for a cleaner and more attractive capital city encouraged the FCT Administration to redesign the area into a recreational centre where residents and visitors can relax.

The minister added that the project aligns with the goals of the Renewed Hope Green Initiative, which seeks to create more green spaces and improve public areas across the Federal Capital Territory.

He said the administration remains committed to expanding similar projects to improve the environment and provide more recreational facilities for residents.