Remi Tinubu Laments States’ Failure To Compete For ₦50m Green Prize, Hails Wike

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has expressed disappointment that no state government participated in the federal government’s ₦50 million Green Challenge aimed at reclaiming abandoned spaces and dumpsites, even as she commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for transforming Abuja’s City Gate into a major environmental and recreational landmark.

Speaking at a ceremony organised to honour the FCT Administration for its environmental achievements under the Renewed Hope Green Initiative, Mrs Tinubu urged state governments to involve more young people in environmental sustainability programmes and take advantage of initiatives designed to improve public spaces.

She revealed that despite setting aside a ₦50 million prize to encourage states to restore neglected environments, none submitted an entry for the competition.

The First Lady particularly applauded Wike for the remarkable facelift of the iconic City Gate, describing the transformation as extraordinary.

“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.

Mrs Tinubu also reflected on her own passion for environmental conservation, recalling her days as a member of the Youth Environmental Programme for West Africa while studying at the College of Education.

“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.

She encouraged governments at all levels to revive youth participation in environmental protection, noting that young people have a critical role to play in preserving and beautifying communities.

Responding, Wike disclosed that the transformation of Abuja’s City Gate was inspired by the First Lady, who repeatedly challenged him to improve the aesthetics of the nation’s capital.

“The First Lady had to commend the FCT for 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,” the minister said.

According to Wike, the idea was born after Mrs Tinubu questioned why Nigeria failed to replicate the attractive city landscapes seen abroad.

“She called on me to say, ‘Why do we travel out and we do not learn anything when we travel? Look at the way our city looks, look at the way city gates in other countries look. Why not do something to change it?’”

He revealed that the First Lady later followed up on the discussion when she noticed that work had not commenced.

“She called back and said, ‘I have passed there several times and it doesn’t appear that anything has changed.’ I told her something would be done.”

The FCT Minister said the administration subsequently engaged the original designers of the City Gate to redesign the facility, turning it into one of Abuja’s most vibrant public attractions.

“Today, by the grace of God, whenever you pass there, even at night, you see people gathered there. There is activity. That is what it is supposed to be,” he said.

Wike disclosed that the FCT Administration plans to replicate the project in other parts of the capital, beginning with the Life Camp area, where an existing green space will be redeveloped into a modern recreational park.

“I’ve also told the First Lady that I want to replicate another one when you go to the Life Camp area. We have a green space where people come to relax, but it doesn’t look tidy or attractive. I’ve directed that it should be redesigned into another recreation centre where people can come and relax. That is what happens in other countries,” he said.

The minister stressed that environmental sustainability remains central to urban development, arguing that no city can achieve meaningful progress without clean surroundings and well-maintained green spaces.

“Nobody can talk about the development of any country or city where the environment is not clean. When you go to Europe, what attracts you is the beauty, the green environment and the clean surroundings. When you put green areas around developments, it looks natural. That is the way we are supposed to live,” Wike said.

He thanked the First Lady for recognising the efforts of the FCT Administration, noting that her constructive feedback had inspired the ongoing improvements across Abuja.

“Leadership is about learning. She drew our attention to areas that needed improvement, and instead of complaining, we acted. When leaders point out what needs to be done, the right response is to improve. That is exactly what we have done,” he added.