Tinubu Unveils Remodelled Abuja City Gate, Praises Wike

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated the remodelled Abuja City Gate, describing the iconic structure as a powerful symbol of Nigeria’s unity, diversity and collective aspirations.

The President, represented by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, performed the inauguration on Thursday as part of activities commemorating the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration and the 50th anniversary of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking at the ceremony, Tinubu said the upgraded City Gate would strengthen Abuja’s image as Nigeria’s administrative and diplomatic capital while projecting a positive impression of the country to visitors from around the world.

According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the First Lady, Busola Kukoyi, the remodelled monument features a modern water fountain symbolising Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The President noted that city gates across the world often serve as defining landmarks that reflect the identity, values and aspirations of their people, stressing that Abuja deserves a gateway that represents the nation’s character.

“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 thirty-six states meet. Therefore, her city gate is one of the major first impressions of this city that welcomes visitors, reflects the character of our people, and communicates the pride our nation takes in its capital,” he said.

Tinubu added that the remodelled structure conveys a message of national unity and shared purpose to everyone entering the city from the airport.

He said the landmark now stands among notable gateways in major cities across the world, showcasing Nigeria’s diversity and progress while enhancing the beauty of the nation’s capital.

The Merit Newspaper reports that the President also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for executing the project and urged residents to protect the facility as a national asset for future generations.

In his remarks, Wike disclosed that the renovation was initiated after the First Lady drew his attention to the deteriorating condition of the City Gate.

He praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her commitment to national development, saying her intervention demonstrated the importance of identifying and addressing areas requiring government attention.

Wike expressed confidence that the remodelled landmark would become a major recreational and tourism attraction, providing residents and visitors with an iconic location for sightseeing, photography and other social activities.

He added that the project reflects the ongoing efforts of the Federal Capital Territory Administration to modernise Abuja and improve its public infrastructure.