First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commended the FCT Administration for transforming the Abuja City Gate into a recreational and environmental landmark, describing the project as a model for reclaiming neglected public spaces across the country.
Senator Tinubu gave the commendation on Monday during a ceremony to honour the FCTA under the Green Nigeria Challenge of the Renewed Hope Initiative, where she also urged state governments to engage young people in environmental protection and the restoration of abandoned public spaces.
She lamented that despite a N50 million prize earmarked under one of the challenge’s categories to encourage states to reclaim abandoned sites and dumpsites, no state submitted an entry.
“It was a N50 million prize money and they didn’t enter. This was supposed to get our youth involved,” she said.
The First Lady explained that the initiative was introduced to encourage youth groups to convert degraded public spaces into parks, gardens and other environmentally friendly spaces while supporting government’s efforts to improve communities.
“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.
“Our goal is to compliment government’s effort in beautifying our environment and promoting healthier communities towards improving the quality of life of our people.”
She said the remodelling of the Abuja City Gate demonstrated what could be achieved when abandoned public spaces are put to productive use.
“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.”
Commending FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for the project, Senator Tinubu said she was impressed by the transformation of the once-neglected facility.
“When I saw what he did with the City Gate, my God, unbelievable, unbelievable. I want to thank him. He’s done very well.”
The First Lady also called on wives of state governors to champion environmental clubs in schools and tertiary institutions as a way of encouraging young people to participate in environmental sustainability.
“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 stressed that young people must be actively involved in protecting the environment and contributing to national development.
“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.”
In his remarks, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, credited the First Lady’s commitment to environmental sustainability for inspiring the FCTA’s participation in the Renewed Hope Green Initiative.
“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.”
