…First Lady Oluremi Tinubu launches RHI Green Nigeria Challenge
…“Enugu is clean,” says First Lady
…Mrs. Mbah vows: We’ll keep pushing
ABUJA, September 10, 2025 – By Jungle-Journalist.Com
Enugu State has clinched the prestigious N100 million prize as Nigeria’s cleanest state, earning the title of Model Green State under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Green Nigeria Challenge, unveiled by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday.
The RHI Green Nigeria Challenge is a nationwide competition designed to mobilize households, communities, and states towards tree planting, waste management, and environmental cleanliness, with the motto: “Go Green Today for a Greener Tomorrow.”
During the award presentation, the First Lady handed over a cheque of N100 million and a plaque to the wife of the Enugu State Governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, who received the honour on behalf of the state.
“They earned it. It is not only in planting trees, but in environmental cleanliness. If you go to Enugu, Enugu is clean,” the First Lady emphasized.
Senator Tinubu further revealed her admiration for the proactive approach of the Enugu government, noting how Mrs. Mbah quickly addresses environmental lapses:
“When she sees anything that the governor doesn’t want to see — any litter around — they call and fix it immediately. That’s the best way to go.”
The Challenge Categories
The competition has three tiers:
- Household Category – focused on 11 northern states battling desertification, requiring at least one tree per household.
- Community Category – open to LGAs, schools, NGOs, and youth groups nationwide to transform degraded spaces into eco-friendly parks and gardens.
- State Category – for states to showcase tree planting and greenery along major roads and inner streets. (Enugu is exempt, having already been awarded as the Model Green State.)
First Lady’s Inspiration
Senator Tinubu traced her passion for environmental advocacy to her days as Lagos First Lady:
“As a biologist, I’ve always loved to go clean. During the time my husband was governor of Lagos State, I used to go clean clogged drains myself. People have to see you do what you want them to do.”
She also tied the initiative to global concerns, recalling her participation at the G20 Summit in Brazil, where world leaders addressed plastic waste and its impact on marine life.
The RHI is partnering with the Federal Ministry of Environment to set up Environmental Clubs in secondary schools and Environmental Societies in tertiary institutions.
Mrs. Mbah Speaks
Speaking to newsmen, Mrs. Mbah expressed gratitude on behalf of Enugu State:
“First, I want to thank the First Lady for recognizing Enugu State as a green and clean state. I thank my husband, Governor Peter Mbah, for his tireless effort, and all state agencies, especially ESWAMA, for their contributions.
The key to keeping the state clean and green is not just giving instructions, but being proactive, inspecting, and following up. We promise not to relent—we’ll keep pushing to remain a role model state.”
Meanwhile, the RHI Green Nigeria Challenge continues nationwide, with submission deadlines set for 2026. Interested participants can register via www.rhinitiative.org.