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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.

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The African Parliamentary Aides Association (AFPAA) has called on the African Union (AU) to urgently intervene in the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks against foreign African nationals in South Africa, describing the development as a grave threat to African unity, regional peace and continental integration.
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‎The association’s President, High Chief Barr. Emeka Nwala, made the appeal in a formal letter addressed to the Chairperson of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, expressing outrage over reports of attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals.
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‎According to Nwala, the violence, which reportedly involved killings, intimidation, looting, vandalism and the destruction of businesses and properties belonging to foreign Africans, runs contrary to the principles upon which the African Union was established.
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‎”The disturbing images and reports emerging from South Africa are not only heartbreaking but represent a direct assault on the ideals of African solidarity and brotherhood,” Nwala said.
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‎The number one Aide in Africa noted that no African should become a victim of hatred or violence simply because he or she comes from another African country, warning that repeated xenophobic attacks undermine efforts toward economic integration, regional stability and the African Union’s vision of seamless movement of people and trade across the continent.
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‎AFPAA urged the continental body to immediately engage the South African Government and, if necessary, convene consultations involving African Heads of State and Government to develop lasting measures to halt the recurring attacks.
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‎The association also called on the AU to ensure that perpetrators are identified and prosecuted, victims adequately compensated, and effective security measures put in place to guarantee the safety and dignity of all law-abiding foreign nationals living in South Africa.
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‎Nwala reminded South Africans that the country’s liberation from apartheid was achieved with the firm support of several African nations, particularly Nigeria, which provided financial assistance, diplomatic backing and sustained political advocacy during the anti-apartheid struggle.
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‎He said those sacrifices were made in the spirit of African brotherhood and shared destiny, making the continued targeting of fellow Africans both unjustifiable and morally unacceptable.
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‎The AFPAA President further observed that South African businesses and investors continue to enjoy significant commercial opportunities, investments and protection across many African countries without discrimination.
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‎”It is therefore unacceptable for citizens of other African nations to be subjected to violence, intimidation and economic sabotage within South Africa,” he stated.
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‎The association called on the South African Government to publicly condemn the attacks, restore law and order, prosecute those responsible without fear or favour, compensate victims for their losses and tender an unreserved apology to affected foreign nationals and the African continent.
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‎Nwala warned that continued silence or inadequate responses from relevant authorities could embolden perpetrators and encourage further attacks.
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‎”The African Union must rise to its responsibility by demonstrating principled leadership and ensuring that no African is treated as a foreigner in Africa,” he said.
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‎He expressed confidence that the African Union would accord the matter the urgency it deserves in the collective interest of peace, justice, security, human dignity and the realization of the continent’s integration agenda.
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‎The latest appeal adds to growing calls for stronger continental action against recurring xenophobic violence, which has continued to generate concern among governments, civil society organisations and regional stakeholders over its implications for Africa’s unity and economic development.

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The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, Senator Aliyu Wadada has promised to revive the committee’s activities after acknowledging concerns over its prolonged inactivity.

Wadada spoke on Thursday at the end of the committee’s meeting in Abuja.

Specifically, the chairman admitted that the committee had been underutilised, noting that it had met only once in the last three years.

He, however, said issues responsible for the situation had been identified during a closed-door session and would be addressed.

“Of course I feel concerned about it, but when we got into the details in a closed-door meeting, we got to know where the problems are, and they will all be taken care of. The committee will be as active as it should always be,” he said.

Commenting further, the chairman said the committee would focus on its core mandate of promoting and strengthening legislative relations between Nigeria’s National Assembly and parliamentary bodies across the world.

According to him, the committee will deepen engagement with regional and international legislative institutions, including the ECOWAS Parliament, the Pan-African Parliament, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), and other parliamentary organisations.

He disclosed that a new work plan had already been developed to guide the committee’s activities.

He added: “The direction is basically around the responsibilities of the committee, which is to promote and deepen legislative relationship within Nigeria and with other legislative bodies around the world”.

The chairman added that the committee’s first major activity would be a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament in Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation.

SINL NIgeria Online reports that Senator Wadada assured that the public would be kept informed of the committee’s activities as the new work plan is implemented.