The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for the transformation of Abuja’s City Gate, describing the project as an outstanding example of how abandoned public spaces can be converted into environmentally friendly recreational landmarks.
Mrs Tinubu, who spoke during a ceremony held to honour the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, for its environmental efforts under the ongoing Green Nigeria Challenge of the Renewed Hope Initiative, said the transformation reflected the vision behind the initiative’s community category.
The First Lady said she was particularly impressed by the remodelling of the City Gate, describing the transformation as “unbelievable,” while expressing confidence that posterity would judge Mr Wike favourably for his contributions to the development of the nation’s capital.
“When I saw what he did with the City Gate, my God, unbelievable, unbelievable. I want to thank him. He has done very well,” Mrs Tinubu said.
She said the initiative was designed to complement government efforts to beautify communities, promote healthier living environments and improve the quality of life of Nigerians.
According to her, the community category of the Green Nigeria Challenge was introduced to encourage youth groups to reclaim degraded public spaces, including abandoned areas and dumpsites, and convert them into green parks, gardens and other environmentally sustainable facilities.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Mrs Tinubu described the remodelled Abuja City Gate as a major national landmark that now provides a more welcoming environment for Nigerians and visitors arriving in the country’s capital.
“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,” she said.
The First Lady, however, expressed concern that no state participated in a category of the Green Nigeria Challenge that offered N50 million in prize money for initiatives aimed at reclaiming abandoned spaces and dumpsites.
She said the category was intended to promote youth participation in environmental protection and encourage communities to take ownership of efforts to improve their surroundings.
“It was a N50 million prize money and they didn’t enter. This was supposed to get our youth involved,” she said.
“This was to turn around abandoned spaces, dumpsites, and we see a lot of it around the states.”
Mrs Tinubu urged the wives of state governors to take a more active role in mobilising young people to participate in environmental clubs and sustainability initiatives in secondary schools and tertiary institutions.
“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,” she said.
The First Lady recalled her participation in an environmental programme during her time at the College of Education, saying the experience helped to deepen her understanding of environmental issues and the importance of youth involvement in sustainable development.
“I remember when I was in the College of Education, I was a member of the Youth Environmental Programme for West Africa. We travelled from Nigeria throughout West Africa by road. It was a memorable experience for us,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu stressed that young Nigerians must be encouraged to contribute meaningfully to national development through environmental stewardship, community participation and other initiatives that promote sustainable growth.
“We have to engage our young people and make sure that 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 said.