By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – President Bola Tinubu on Thursday inaugurated the remodeled Abuja City Gate, describing it as a powerful symbol of Nigeria’s unity in diversity and a landmark that reflects the nation’s pride, identity and shared aspirations.
The President, who was represented at the ceremony by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, called on residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to protect and preserve the iconic public infrastructure, stressing that the city gate serves as the first impression for visitors entering Nigeria’s capital.
Speaking during the inauguration, Tinubu said the skyline of Abuja had been transformed with the upgraded monument, which now better represents the country’s unity and national character. He noted that city gates across the world are important symbols of identity and hospitality, adding that Abuja, as Nigeria’s administrative and diplomatic capital, deserves a gateway befitting its status.
“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, 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,” the President said.
He explained that the remodeled gate, featuring a water fountain symbolising the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, conveys a message of unity, diversity and collective aspirations to every visitor arriving in Abuja.
According to him, the monument can proudly stand alongside notable gateways and public monuments in major cities around the world.
President Tinubu said the project serves as a towering monument to Nigeria’s unity in diversity and was executed to commemorate the third anniversary of his administration as well as the 50th anniversary of the Federal Capital Territory.
The President also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for delivering the project and urged Abuja residents to take ownership of the facility by protecting it from vandalism and misuse.
In his remarks, Wike disclosed that the idea for the remodeling originated from the First Lady, whom he praised for drawing his attention to the poor condition of the Abuja City Gate before the renovation.
According to the minister, Senator Oluremi Tinubu demonstrated genuine concern for the nation’s image by recommending the facelift of the iconic structure.
He encouraged public office holders to emulate the First Lady’s commitment to national development, noting that the transformed City Gate has become a major attraction for residents and visitors alike.
“When people come here now for their social events and to take pictures, they can proudly say they are in Nigeria’s own overseas,” Wike said, describing the project as another milestone in the ongoing transformation of the nation’s capital.
Precise Post recalls that originally constructed in 1991 during the administration of former military President Ibrahim Babangida, the Abuja City GateIbra was built to welcome the three arms of government following the relocation of Nigeria’s capital to Abuja.
The remodeled structure is among several landmark infrastructure projects completed by the FCT Administration to mark the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration.
