Enugu State has been named the cleanest state in Nigeria, securing a ₦100 million award as First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, officially launched the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Green Nigeria Challenge. The nationwide competition aims to encourage households, communities, and states to get involved in tree planting and environmental cleanliness.
Senator Tinubu unveiled the initiative during a quarterly meeting with the Wives of State Governors and RHI Coordinators at the Presidential Villa. The challenge, themed “Go Green Today for a Greener Tomorrow,” features three prize categories:
- Household: Best household wins ₦20 million.
- Community: Top community wins ₦50 million.
- State: Best-performing state wins ₦100 million.
Enugu’s Recognition
At the event, the First Lady presented a cheque and plaque to Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, wife of the Enugu State Governor, recognizing Enugu as the “Model Green State.” “They earned it,” Senator Tinubu remarked. “It is not only in planting trees, but in environmental cleanliness. If you go to Enugu, Enugu is clean.” She praised the state government’s proactive approach, noting that officials and residents swiftly respond to environmental issues.
RHI Green Nigeria Challenge Categories
The challenge is structured with specific goals for each category:
- Household Category: Targets 11 northern states vulnerable to desertification, requiring each household to plant at least one tree.
- Community Category: Encourages local governments, youth groups, schools, and non-governmental organizations across the country to reclaim degraded spaces to create parks and gardens.
- State Category: Awards states based on tree coverage along roads and inner streets. Enugu is excluded from this category, as it has already been recognized.
The RHI also plans to address plastic waste in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment and will establish Environmental Clubs in senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions.
Mrs. Mbah thanked the First Lady and her state’s residents for their contributions, stating, “The key to keeping the state clean and green is not just by giving instructions, but also by being proactive, moving around, carrying out inspections, and doing all the needful.”
The challenge aims to inspire a nationwide commitment to environmental sustainability, with key submission deadlines scheduled for 2026.
Source: ladunliadinews