Posterity Will Judge You Kindly,’ First Lady Tells Wike, Applauds Abuja’s Green Transformation

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First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike, for the environmental transformation of Abuja, saying posterity would remember him favourably for his contributions to the development of the nation’s capital.

Speaking at a ceremony to honour the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for its environmental achievements under the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Green Nigeria Challenge, the First Lady described the remodelling of the Abuja City Gate into a recreational and green landmark as a model of urban renewal.

She said the project reflected the vision of the Community Category of the Green Nigeria Challenge, which was created to encourage youth groups to reclaim abandoned public spaces, dumpsites and degraded areas by converting them into parks, gardens and other eco-friendly environments.

According to Mrs Tinubu, the initiative is intended to complement government efforts to improve environmental sustainability, beautify communities and enhance the quality of life of Nigerians.

“The transformed Abuja City Gate is an excellent example of what abandoned public areas can become — a renewed national landmark that warmly welcomes Nigerians and visitors to the Federal Capital Territory,” she said.

The First Lady disclosed that despite the provision of a ₦50 million prize for the environmental category of the competition, no state submitted an entry.

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

She urged the wives of state governors to mobilise children and young people to participate in environmental clubs and sustainability programmes in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, stressing that environmental stewardship should begin early in life.

Recalling her own experience as a student member of the Youth Environmental Programme for West Africa, Mrs Tinubu said participation in environmental activities had broadened her understanding of sustainability and civic responsibility.

“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 said.

Commending Wike’s leadership, the First Lady described the transformation of the City Gate as “unbelievable” and expressed confidence that his contributions to the development of Abuja would stand the test of time.

“When I saw what he did with the City Gate, my God, unbelievable. He’s done very well. Posterity will judge you well for the development of the Federal Capital Territory,” she said.

Responding, Wike attributed the transformation of the City Gate to the First Lady’s vision and persistent advocacy for a cleaner and greener capital city.

He said Mrs Tinubu had consistently challenged the FCT Administration to improve Abuja’s environment and create public spaces where residents could gather, relax and enjoy nature.

“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,” the minister said.

Wike noted that the administration remained committed to expanding green infrastructure across the Federal Capital Territory, describing environmental sustainability as an essential component of urban development and improved quality of life for residents.