By Sarah NEGEDU
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday said the remodelled Abuja City Gate can stand alongside notable gateways and public monuments around the world, describing the landmark as a symbol of Nigeria’s national identity and the transformation of the nation’s capital.
Represented by First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, the President commissioned the remodelled City Gate in Abuja as part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration and the 50th anniversary of the Federal Capital Territory.
Tinubu said the remodelling of the iconic structure was a fitting project to commemorate the FCT’s golden jubilee, noting that the City Gate serves as the first point of contact for visitors arriving in the nation’s capital.
He said the upgraded monument, featuring a water fountain representing the 36 states and the FCT, reflects Nigeria’s unity, diversity and shared aspirations.
“This newly remodeled Abuja City Gate, with its beautiful water fountain representing the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, tells every visitor and Nigerians arriving from the airport that they have entered a city built on unity, diversity, and shared aspirations.
“This city gate can proudly stand side by side with notable gateways and public monuments in many cities around the world,” he said.
According to the President, Abuja remains Nigeria’s diplomatic and administrative centre where all 36 states converge, making the City Gate one of the capital’s defining landmarks.
“There is no better time than this historic anniversary to remodel the Abuja City Gate, an iconic landmark that stands as a symbol of our national identity and serves as the gateway to our nation’s capital.”
Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for undertaking the project and other infrastructure developments across Abuja.
“When you share a vision with a man of action, you see results. Minister Wike, you have proven once again to be a true driver of the Renewed Hope Agenda. I say well done,” he said.
The First Lady also urged residents to protect and preserve the facility, stressing that public infrastructure belongs to all Nigerians and should be safeguarded.
Speaking at the ceremony, Wike disclosed that the remodelling project was initiated after the First Lady, urged him to transform the gateway into a landmark befitting Nigeria’s capital.
According to the minister, the First Lady questioned why Abuja’s main gateway had remained unchanged for years despite successive administrations and challenged him to improve its appearance.
Wike said he subsequently directed officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority and contractor Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to develop a design that would give the monument a new look in time for the President’s third anniversary in office.
He recalled mounting pressure on the contractor to complete the project within schedule, saying the transformation required extensive underground engineering works beyond what is visible on the surface.
“You look as if it is something simple. It’s not simple. If you know what they are putting underground, you will marvel,” Wike said.
Expressing satisfaction with the outcome, the minister described the remodelled City Gate as another milestone in the ongoing transformation of Abuja, adding that the project has given the Federal Capital a gateway worthy of its status as Nigeria’s seat of government.
On her part, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the remodelling of the Abuja City Gate as a symbol of the ongoing transformation of the nation’s capital under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She commended President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for what she described as their visionary leadership and commitment to restoring the beauty, functionality and prestige of Abuja.
Mahmoud said the landmark reflects a new era of infrastructural renewal, urban rebirth and national pride in the FCT, adding that the administration is rehabilitating, reconstructing and completing critical projects aimed at restoring Abuja’s original master plan and repositioning the city as a capital of global standard.
Mahmoud also praised First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for her patriotic service and support for programmes that promote citizens’ wellbeing.
