By Eunice Orike
President Bola Tinubu has described the newly remodeled Abuja City Gate as a powerful symbol of Nigeria’s unity, progress and national pride, saying it reflects the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under his administration.
Represented by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the commissioning ceremony on Thursday in Abuja, the President said the project is a fitting way to mark both the third anniversary of his administration and the 50th anniversary of the creation of the FCT.
Tinubu said Abuja, as Nigeria’s administrative and diplomatic capital, represents the heart of the nation, adding that the city gate is the first major landmark that welcomes visitors into the capital.
According to him, the remodeled monument, featuring a water fountain representing Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT, sends a strong message of unity, diversity and shared national aspirations.
He said the upgraded City Gate now ranks among notable gateways and public monuments in major cities around the world, projecting a positive image of Nigeria to visitors arriving in the nation’s capital.
The President commended the Minister of the federal capital territory, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as his commitment to transforming Abuja through massive infrastructure development.
He noted that several road projects, improved public spaces and other critical infrastructure across the FCT are changing the face of the capital and improving the quality of life for residents.
“When you share a vision with a man of action, you see results,” Tinubu said, praising Wike for driving the renewed hope agenda through visible development projects.
He added that the ongoing transformation of Abuja aligns with his administration’s goal of building a modern capital city that all Nigerians can be proud of.
The President urged residents of the FCT to protect and preserve the remodeled City Gate, stressing that public infrastructure belongs to everyone and must be safeguarded for future generations.
He expressed hope that the landmark would continue to stand as a lasting symbol of renewal, national pride and Nigeria’s bright future.
Earlier, minister of the federal capital territory FCT, Nyesom Wike, has revealed that the remodelling of the iconic Abuja City Gate was initiated by the first lady, senator Oluremi Tinubu who insisted that the nation’s capital deserved a more befitting entrance for visitors.
Wike said the first lady repeatedly challenged him to transform the long-neglected landmark into a modern gateway that reflects the status of Nigeria’s capital city.
Despite heavy rainfall that threatened the event, the minister said he was determined to ensure the project was inaugurated as scheduled.
“It has been raining since last night, but I said whatever happens, we must commission this City Gate today,” Wike said while thanking guests for attending the ceremony despite the weather.
The minister disclosed that although successive administrations had overlooked the ageing structure, Oluremi Tinubu questioned why Abuja’s main entrance had remained unattractive for years.
According to him, the first lady recalled her experiences from travels abroad and asked why Nigeria’s capital could not have a city gate comparable to those in other major cities around the world.
Wike said she instructed him to beautify the entrance so that visitors arriving in Abuja would immediately have a positive impression of the Federal Capital Territory.
