FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has credited Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the idea behind the newly remodelled Abuja City Gate, saying the project was conceived to give visitors a befitting first impression of the nation’s capital.
Wike disclosed this during his monthly media parley on Thursday in Abuja while speaking on beautification projects in the FCT.
“When you come to a city, the first impression of the looks of the city will motivate you to do something there.
“It is not our brainchild, it is the brain of the first lady,” he said.
The minister narrated how the First Lady initiated the project after expressing concern over the state of the city gate.
“The day she called me, she said minister you have been travelling, is that how the city gate of other countries are,” Wike said.
“I went and met her to understand very well, she said why can’t you do something to beautify the place, anybody entering Abuja will say this is the city of Abuja,” he added.
According to Wike, the First Lady followed up to ensure the project was executed.
“After 3 months she called and said if you won’t go and do it, I will find a way to do it.
“I said we are in it, then Julius Berger brought the design,” he said.
The minister announced that the remodelled gate will be commissioned on Thursday evening.
“It will be commissioned this night by 6:30,” Wike said.
“There will be security but building police station there is not necessary,” he added.
Wike said the remodelling of the Abuja City Gate is part of efforts to improve the aesthetics of entry points into the capital and create a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors.
