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Tinubu Hails Wike as Remodeled Abuja City Gate Signals Capital’s Renewal (Photos)
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday declared that the newly remodeled Abuja City Gate stands as an enduring symbol of national renewal, unity and progress, while commending the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, for transforming the nation’s capital through sustained infrastructure development.
Represented by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the commissioning ceremony in Abuja, the President said the remodelling of the iconic monument was a fitting tribute to both the third anniversary of his administration and the 50th anniversary of the Federal Capital Territory.
“It gives me great pleasure to join you this evening for the commissioning of the remodeled Abuja City Gate,” the President said.
“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.”
Describing the City Gate as one of Nigeria’s most recognisable national monuments, Tinubu said the project reflects the administration’s commitment to building a capital city worthy of the nation’s status.
“There is no better time than this historic anniversary to remodel the Abuja City Gate, an iconic landmark that stands as a symbol of our national identity and serves as the gateway to our nation’s capital,” he said.
According to the President, Abuja represents the heart of the Nigerian federation as the nation’s diplomatic and administrative centre where all 36 states converge.
“Our city gate is one of the major first impressions of this city. It welcomes visitors, reflects the character of our people and communicates the pride our nation takes in its capital.
“This newly remodeled 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.”
Tinubu said the remodeled gateway could now stand alongside renowned public monuments across major cities of the world.
He praised Wike for driving the transformation of Abuja through ambitious infrastructure projects.
“I commend the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON, for remodeling 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.
“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.”
The President said the ongoing projects were repositioning Abuja as a capital city Nigerians could take pride in while advancing the administration’s vision of purposeful leadership, sustainable development 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 urged residents to safeguard the facility, stressing that public infrastructure belongs to all Nigerians.
“I encourage you all to protect and preserve this landmark. Public infrastructure belongs to all of us, and its maintenance is a shared responsibility.”
The President thereafter declared the remodeled Abuja City Gate officially commissioned.
Earlier, the FCT minister, Barr Nyesom Wike disclosed that the project originated from a directive by First Lady, who insisted that the entrance into Nigeria’s capital should reflect the stature of the country.
The minister recounted how persistent rainfall had threatened the commissioning but said postponing the event was never an option.
“Since late last night, it has been raining. This morning it started raining. I came here to see what we were doing this afternoon… I said, whatever they do, we must commission this city gate today.”
He revealed that although successive administrations had left the City Gate untouched, President Tinubu questioned why such a strategic national monument had remained unattractive.
“Your Excellency, this is your brainchild,” Wike said.
“You called me and asked, ‘Has he not been travelling? Is this how other city gates look? Is there no way you can beautify this place so that anybody coming to Abuja will say, indeed, I am entering the capital city of a country?’”
Wike said he immediately mobilised officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority and construction giant Julius Berger to redesign the facility despite initial delays.
“I told Julius Berger that if I lose my job, they too would lose their job,” he said jokingly, drawing laughter from the audience.
According to him, the engineering work beneath the monument was far more complex than it appeared on the surface.
“When I came here while they were working, I didn’t understand what they were doing. They were digging everywhere. They told me to be patient.
“You have come here now and it looks simple, but it is not simple. If you know what they have put underground, you will marvel.”
The minister expressed confidence that Nigerians would appreciate the transformation, particularly the newly installed water fountain and lighting system, describing the project as another milestone in the renewal of Abuja.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the remodeled City Gate as a visible symbol of the Renewed Hope transformation taking place across the nation’s capital.
She commended President Tinubu for his vision and Wike for driving the rehabilitation, reconstruction and completion of critical infrastructure projects across Abuja.
Mahmoud also praised the First Lady for her compassionate leadership, patriotic service and steadfast support for programmes that improve citizens’ wellbeing, noting that her presence added dignity and national significance to the commissioning ceremony.
She said the upgraded landmark represented “a new era of infrastructural renewal, urban rebirth and national pride,” adding that the ongoing projects were restoring Abuja’s original master plan and repositioning it as a capital city of global standard.
As preparations intensify for the forthcoming Osun State Governorship Election, the Nigeria Police Force has urged members of the public to promptly report emergencies, security concerns and other election-related incidents through designated contact lines.
The public can reach the police through the following numbers:
📞 DIG Election: 08139235585
📞 CP Election: 08134277587
📞 Control Room: 08108756818
Members of the public who wish to report cases of police misconduct can contact the Complaint Response Unit on:
📞 08057000001
📞 08057000002
📞 08057000003
The police urged residents to remain vigilant, peaceful and law-abiding, stressing that timely reporting of incidents would help security agencies respond effectively and maintain a safe environment before, during and after the election.
Your voice matters. Report promptly. Stay peaceful. Help keep Osun safe.
Major Candidates in Osun Governorship Election
The 2026 Osun State Governorship Election is shaping up as a closely contested race, with 14 candidates on the ballot. However, the contest has largely centred on three major candidates — Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, and ADC candidate Najeem Salaam.
Ademola Adeleke — Accord Party
Ademola Adeleke is seeking re-election for a second term as governor of Osun State.
Adeleke, who won the 2022 governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is now contesting under the Accord Party.
His campaign is anchored on his administration’s record in office, with the governor seeking to retain the state’s top political position for another four years.
Bola Oyebamiji — APC
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is represented by Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, a former Commissioner for Finance in Osun State and former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
Oyebamiji emerged as the APC candidate and is regarded as one of the strongest challengers to Adeleke.
The APC is banking on its political structure and support base across the state to return the party to power in Osun.
Najeem Salaam — ADC
Najeem Salaam, the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is another prominent contender in the election.
Salaam is a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly and has considerable political experience in the state.
His candidacy has also attracted attention as the ADC seeks to strengthen its presence in Osun and across the country ahead of the wider political contests leading to the 2027 general elections.
The Three-Way Contest
With the election approaching, the race is increasingly being viewed as a three-way contest involving Adeleke, Oyebamiji and Salaam, although other candidates are also participating.
The election will therefore test the strength of the incumbent governor’s political machinery, the APC’s efforts to reclaim Osun and the ADC’s growing influence in the state’s political landscape.
With voters across the state expected to decide who will govern Osun for the next four years, security, voter turnout, electoral integrity and the ability of the candidates to mobilise supporters peacefully are expected to be critical factors in determining the outcome.
The Nigerian Army has opened applications for eligible Nigerians seeking commission into the force under the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC) Course 50/2027.
The Army announced the commencement of the recruitment exercise in a statement released on Tuesday, saying the application is open to qualified civilians and serving military personnel who meet the required conditions.
Successful applicants will undergo training and, upon commissioning, serve as SSCC officers in the Combat Arms, including the Infantry and Armour Corps, as well as Combat Support Arms comprising the Artillery, Engineers, Signals and Intelligence Corps.
Prospective applicants are required to visit the official Nigerian Army recruitment portal at nashortservice.army.mil.ng and select the SSCC option.
Applicants are expected to carefully follow the instructions provided on the portal when completing their applications.
The Nigerian Army urged members of the public to disregard any recruitment portal or announcement claiming that applications were opened before the official publication.
The Army also advised prospective applicants to rely only on information published through its official channels.
Applicants and members of the public were further encouraged to watch for official recruitment jingles on television and radio stations following the announcement.
The deadline for applications is Saturday, October 17, 2026.
The governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) in the Osun State governorship election, Hon. Adebayo Simon Adewale, has withdrawn from the race and declared his support for the incumbent governor and Accord Party candidate, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke.
Adewale announced his decision at a press conference on Thursday, August 13, saying he had reached the decision after deep reflection and extensive consultations with party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders.
He described his withdrawal as a “conscious choice to place the interest of Osun State above personal ambition,” urging members of the APM and his supporters across the state to vote for Adeleke in Saturday’s election.
According to him, the decision was motivated by his conviction that Adeleke deserves another term to consolidate the achievements of his administration.
“Having carefully assessed the situation, I believe Governor Ademola Adeleke deserves another term to consolidate the progress his administration has recorded,” Adewale said.
He added that his decision was not influenced by pressure or personal interest, but was based on what he described as the collective interest of Osun State.
Adewale said politics should ultimately be about serving the people, stressing that his decision was aimed at promoting peace, stability, development and the overall wellbeing of the state.
“Accordingly, I hereby declare my full support for the re-election of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, and I call on all my supporters, members of the Allied People’s Movement, and the good people of Osun State to join me in supporting his re-election,” he said.
The APM candidate also directed members of his party and his supporters to back Adeleke at the polls scheduled for Saturday.
He concluded by calling for unity and a focus on the future of Osun State, saying his decision was taken in the belief that it would best serve the people.
“Politics should always serve the people, and today, I have chosen the path that I believe will best advance peace, stability, development, and the collective interest of our state,” he added.
The development comes less than 48 hours before Osun State voters are expected to elect their next governor.
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