President Bola Tinubu on Thursday evening commissioned the remodelled Abuja City Gate, describing the iconic monument as a powerful symbol of Nigeria’s unity, national identity and the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President, represented by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, said the inauguration of the remodelled landmark coincided with two significant national milestones: the third anniversary of his administration and the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Federal Capital Territory.
Reading the President’s address at the ceremony, Senator Tinubu said there could not have been a more fitting time to remodel the Abuja City Gate, noting that the structure remains one of the country’s most recognisable monuments and the first point of contact for visitors entering the nation’s capital.
“It gives me great pleasure to join you this evening for the commissioning of the remodelled Abuja City Gate. Today’s event is particularly significant as it forms part of two important national milestones: the third anniversary of our administration and the Golden Jubilee, that is, the 50th anniversary of the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.
According to the President, Abuja represents the heart of Nigeria as the nation’s diplomatic and administrative capital where all 36 states converge, making the city gate an important symbol that reflects the country’s character, unity and aspirations.
“When we look at a nation’s capital, it represents the heart of its people. Abuja is Nigeria’s diplomatic and administrative centre where all 36 states meet. Therefore, our City Gate is one of the city’s major first impressions. It welcomes visitors, reflects the character of our people and communicates the pride our nation takes in its capital,” the President stated.
He noted that the newly remodelled monument, complemented by a modern water fountain symbolising the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, conveys a message of unity, diversity, and shared national aspirations to everyone arriving in Abuja.
“This newly remodelled Abuja City Gate, with its beautiful water fountain representing the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, tells every visitor and Nigerians arriving from the airport that they have entered a city built on unity, diversity and shared aspirations,” he said.
President Tinubu further declared that the remodelled gateway now ranks among notable public monuments worldwide, commending the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, for his commitment to restoring the beauty and prestige of Abuja.
“I commend the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Barrister Eze Nyesom Wike, CON, for remodelling the monument and for your relentless dedication to transforming the general ambience of the Federal Capital Territory.
“I also acknowledge the numerous infrastructural projects currently being undertaken across the capital city. Roads are being constructed and expanded, public spaces are being improved, and critical infrastructure is receiving renewed attention.”
The President praised Wike’s performance, saying his achievements demonstrate the impact of purposeful leadership.
“When you share a vision with a man of action, you see results. Minister Wike, you have proven once again to be a true driver of the Renewed Hope Agenda. I say well done,” he said.
He said the ongoing projects were transforming Abuja into a capital city worthy of Nigeria’s status and aligned with the administration’s vision of delivering sustainable development, modern infrastructure and improved quality of life.
“As we commission this City Gate today, may she stand as an enduring symbol of renewal, progress and national pride. May all who pass through her be reminded of the boundless potential of our nation and be inspired to contribute to its continued growth,” he said.
The President urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory to safeguard the facility, stressing that public infrastructure belongs to all Nigerians and requires collective responsibility for its preservation.
“I hereby officially commission the remodelled Abuja City Gate to the glory of God and for the benefit of all Nigerians and visitors to the capital city. God bless the Federal Capital Territory.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said the restoration of the City Gate was part of the FCT Administration’s deliberate efforts to restore Abuja’s prestige as a world-class capital city.
Welcoming the President’s representative, members of the Federal Executive Council, traditional rulers, diplomats, and other dignitaries, Wike thanked them for their support for the continued transformation of the nation’s capital.
He maintained that his administration was committed to telling the truth and delivering tangible projects that improve residents’ lives.
“Since assuming office as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, our administration has remained committed to restoring the beauty, functionality and status of Abuja as the capital city of Nigeria. We have never lost sight of the responsibility entrusted to us by Mr President,” Wike said.
The minister recalled that, before becoming the substantive FCT Minister, he had observed that many visitors expected Abuja to project the image of a modern capital, yet found several important public facilities neglected.
He explained that the City Gate, being the symbolic entrance into Abuja, deserved a befitting facelift.
“When I directed that the City Gate be remodelled, some people questioned the decision. However, I insisted that every visitor to Abuja should immediately appreciate that they have arrived in the capital of Africa’s largest nation. A capital city must project excellence, order and national pride.”
According to Wike, the FCT Administration remains focused on delivering tangible projects rather than making promises.
“Our administration is not interested in making empty promises. We are interested in delivering projects that people can see and use. That is why we have continued to rehabilitate roads, improve public infrastructure, beautify the city and restore public assets,” he said.
He attributed the successes recorded in the FCT to the unwavering support of President Tinubu, saying the President had consistently provided the encouragement, policy direction and funding needed to execute critical infrastructure projects.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to justify that confidence. We are not distracted by criticism. Our focus is on ensuring that Abuja remains a befitting Federal Capital Territory that all Nigerians can proudly identify with,” he said.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, commended Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her compassionate leadership, patriotic service and steadfast support for programmes that promote the well-being of Nigerians.
She said the First Lady’s presence added dignity, significance and national value to the commissioning ceremony.
Mahmoud described the remodelling of the Abuja City Gate as a visible symbol of the Renewed Hope transformation underway across the Federal Capital Territory.
She also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister Nyesom Wike for their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to restoring the beauty, functionality and prestige of Abuja.
According to her, the landmark represents a new era of infrastructural renewal, urban rebirth and national pride.
“Under the leadership of President Tinubu and the determined drive of the FCT Minister, Abuja is witnessing the rehabilitation, reconstruction and completion of critical projects aimed at restoring the city to its original master plan and repositioning it as a capital of global standard,” Mahmoud stated.
