First Lady Commends Wike, Mariya Bunkure Over Abuja’s Green Transformation

First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commended the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration, particularly Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, for their efforts towards transforming Abuja’s environment.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu gave the commendation while receiving the FCT Minister and the Minister of State for the FCT during a courtesy visit, where the FCT Administration was also recognised for keying into the Green Area Challenge initiative of the Renewed Hope Initiative.

The First Lady specifically praised the transformation of the Abuja City Gate into a major recreational and environmental landmark, describing the result as “unbelievable” and commending the FCT Administration for the achievement.

“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.

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She said the transformation reflected the vision behind the Green Challenge, which seeks to encourage the reclamation of abandoned spaces, dumpsites and neglected public areas and their conversion into green parks, gardens and other environmentally friendly spaces.

The First Lady noted that a ₦50 million prize had been set aside under the Green Challenge to encourage states to reclaim abandoned spaces and dumpsites, but regretted that no state entered that category of the competition.

“It was a ₦50 million prize money and they didn’t enter. This was supposed to get our youth involved,” she said.

She urged wives of state governors to mobilise young people to participate in environmental clubs and sustainability initiatives in 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.

Senator Tinubu stressed the importance of engaging young Nigerians in environmental stewardship and national development, noting that everyone has a role to play in building the country.

“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 added.

The First Lady also described the remodelled Abuja City Gate as an example of how abandoned public spaces could be transformed into attractive and functional landmarks.

“The remodeled 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.

Earlier, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, expressed appreciation to the First Lady for recognising the FCT Administration’s environmental efforts and for her continued commitment to initiatives that impact Nigerians.

Dr. Bunkure said the courtesy visit provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration with the First Lady in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in areas that directly impact the environment.

She specifically appreciated the First Lady for presenting the FCT Administration with a Certificate of Commendation for keying into the Green Area Challenge initiative of the Renewed Hope Initiative.

Dr. Bunkure also acknowledged the First Lady’s commitment to humanitarian service, women and youth empowerment, healthcare, education and social inclusion, describing her passion for improving the lives of Nigerians as a source of hope and national progress.

She reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to working with stakeholders to build a more prosperous, inclusive and compassionate Federal Capital Territory and Nigeria.

On his part, Wike said the First Lady had personally inspired the transformation of the Abuja City Gate, noting her consistent emphasis on improving the environment and creating opportunities for people to gather and relax.

“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.

The First Lady’s commendation comes as the FCT Administration continues to pursue environmental and urban renewal initiatives aimed at improving the appearance, functionality and liveability of Nigeria’s capital.