First Lady Honours Wike for Environmental Efforts, Urges Nigerians to Protect the Environment

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Nigerians to take greater responsibility for protecting the environment, stressing that collective action is essential to addressing the growing threats of environmental degradation and flooding across the country.

The First Lady made the call while presenting a Certificate of Commendation to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in recognition of its environmental initiatives under the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Green Nigeria Challenge.

Senator Tinubu praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what she described as the remarkable transformation of Abuja’s iconic City Gate, saying the project reflects the objectives of the Green Nigeria Challenge, which seeks to promote environmental sustainability, beautification and community participation.

According to her, the recognition is aimed at encouraging governments and communities to invest more in environmental conservation and create cleaner, greener surroundings for residents.

The First Lady, however, expressed concern that no state qualified for the Community Category of the environmental competition, describing the development as a missed opportunity for grassroots participation in environmental protection.

She urged the wives of state governors to champion environmental awareness by encouraging schools and young people to establish environmental clubs and actively participate in sustainability programmes capable of fostering a culture of environmental responsibility from an early age.

Senator Tinubu noted that engaging young Nigerians in environmental education would not only improve awareness but also help build a generation committed to protecting the country’s natural resources.

Responding to the recognition, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike expressed appreciation to the First Lady for honouring the Federal Capital Territory Administration, describing the award as a motivation to intensify efforts toward making Abuja cleaner, greener and more environmentally friendly.

Wike said the FCTA remains committed to improving public spaces across the nation’s capital, revealing that plans are already underway to develop another green recreational park in the Life Camp area of Abuja.

He assured residents that the administration would continue to invest in projects that promote environmental sustainability, enhance the city’s aesthetics and improve the quality of life for people living in the Federal Capital Territory.

The event forms part of ongoing efforts by the Renewed Hope Initiative to encourage environmental stewardship, climate awareness and sustainable development across Nigeria, amid increasing concerns over the impact of flooding, deforestation and other environmental challenges.