Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has expressed disappointment that no state government entered the ₦50 million prize category of the Renewed Hope Initiative Green Nigeria Challenge, despite the programme’s goal of encouraging young people to transform abandoned public spaces into parks and green recreational centres.
Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, the First Lady made the remarks while honouring the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, for the transformation of the Abuja City Gate into a modern recreational landmark.
Mrs Tinubu presented certificates of commendation to both ministers, describing the City Gate project as a practical example of what the Green Nigeria Challenge seeks to achieve across the country. She noted that while the community category of the initiative had produced visible results in the FCT, no state government submitted an entry for the ₦50 million award.
“It was a ₦50 million prize money, and they didn’t enter. This was supposed to get our youth involved,” she said, adding that the Household and State categories of the Green Nigeria Challenge remain open until December 20, 2026.
The First Lady appealed to the wives of state governors to champion environmental sustainability by encouraging children and young people to join environmental clubs and participate in projects that promote cleaner communities. Reflecting on her own experience, she recalled being a member of the Youth Environmental Programme for West Africa during her college years, describing it as a life-changing opportunity.
Praising the transformation of Abuja’s City Gate, Mrs Tinubu said the once-neglected landmark now demonstrates how abandoned public spaces can be redesigned into attractive environments that benefit residents and visitors alike.
“When I saw what he did with the City Gate, my God, unbelievable. He has done very well,” she said, urging Nigerians, especially young people, to play active roles in protecting and improving the country’s environment.
Responding, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike revealed that the project was inspired by the First Lady herself. According to him, Mrs Tinubu challenged him to improve the appearance of the nation’s capital after comparing it with well-maintained city entrances abroad.
Wike explained that the FCT Administration engaged the original designers of the Abuja City Gate to develop a new concept that has transformed the location into a vibrant public attraction. He also announced plans to replicate the initiative in Abuja’s Lifecamp area by redesigning an existing green space into another recreational centre.
The minister stressed that environmental cleanliness remains essential to national development, arguing that beautiful landscapes, green spaces and clean surroundings are among the qualities that make cities around the world attractive. He said creating more recreational parks would improve the quality of life for residents while enhancing the capital’s image.
