First Lady unveils N20m ‘Green Nigeria Challenge’

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has launched the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Green Nigeria Challenge, a nationwide competition designed to promote tree planting and environmental cleanliness among households, youth groups, communities, and state governments.

The initiative, unveiled on Wednesday during the quarterly meeting of RHI state coordinators and governors’ wives, carries the theme “Go Green Today for a Greener Tomorrow.”

It offers a grand prize of ₦20 million for the best-performing household, with additional rewards for exemplary communities and states.

Green Nigeria Challenge

At the launch, Mrs. Tinubu presented a ₦100 million cheque to Enugu State, naming it the “Model Green State” for its early achievements in maintaining a clean environment.

“They earned it. It’s not only in planting trees, but also in environmental cleanliness. If you go to Enugu, it is clean. When the First Lady of Enugu State sees anything the governor doesn’t want to see—any litter around—they call and fix it immediately. And I think that’s the best way to go”, she said.

The competition is divided into three categories.

The Household Category targets 11 northern states prone to desertification, where families are encouraged to plant at least one tree to qualify.

The Community Category invites local governments, youth groups, schools and NGOs across the country to reclaim degraded or abandoned spaces and turn them into green areas.

The State Category will see states—except Enugu, which has already been recognized—compete based on the extent of tree coverage along major roads and within neighborhoods.

Explaining her motivation, the First Lady cited her personal experience and professional background.

“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. I had the energy, and people have to see you do what you want them to do. It’s more appealing and attractive that way”, she said.

She also drew from her international exposure, recalling her recent trip to the G20 Summit in Brazil with President Bola Tinubu.

“One of the things they are going to be looking at is plastic waste. Every country is buying into it, cleaning their oceans and waterways because the fauna in the sea is being affected,” she noted.

She added that similar efforts were already underway in states such as Lagos and encouraged schools to form environmental clubs to drive youth participation.

Mrs. Tinubu emphasized the importance of collaboration, revealing that her office has been working closely with the Ministry of Environment and has organized learning visits to Ghana.

She also announced plans to recognize the gardeners who maintain the Presidential Villa’s grounds, saying, “The Villa has to be given a prize.

“They’ve been keeping the gardens beautiful. Even the flowers in my waiting room come from the Villa gardens. They’ve done well, and we have to commend them”, she said.

Kwara State’s First Lady and Chairperson of Governors’ Spouses Forum, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq, spoke about the importance of reaching the grassroots, saying, “We have commissioners, the State House of Assembly, religious leaders, traditional leaders, local governments, CSOs, and school children involved.

“We make sure everyone is part of this effort.” She added that sustained sensitization is key: “We do jingles on TV, radio, and other platforms so people know the good work being done”, she said.

Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of her husband, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, the state’s First Lady, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, thanked the First Lady for honouring Enugu as the Model Green State.

“My husband’s tireless effort and proactive leadership have made Enugu not just about planting trees but also about sanitation and cleanliness. We will not relent. We’ll continue pushing to be the role model for other states”, she said.

The RHI Green Nigeria Challenge will run until 2026, with key submission deadlines already set.

Families, schools, communities, and state governments are encouraged to participate by registering at www.rhinitiative.org.