Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has unveiled a new environmental initiative tagged the Green Nigeria Challenge under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). The programme, themed “Go Green Today for a Greener Tomorrow,” is designed to encourage tree planting, environmental cleanliness, and sustainable practices across the country.
The challenge, which comes with a ₦20 million grand prize for the best-performing household, also recognises outstanding efforts by communities and state governments. At the launch, Enugu State was honoured with a ₦100 million award and declared the “Model Green State” for its exceptional strides in promoting environmental cleanliness. The competition is structured into three categories. The Household Category targets 11 northern states facing desertification, requiring families to plant at least one tree to qualify.
The Community Category is open to local governments, NGOs, youth groups, and schools to rehabilitate degraded areas into green spaces. The State Category, excluding Enugu, will assess states based on their tree coverage along major roads and within residential areas. Speaking at the event, Mrs. Tinubu highlighted her passion for the environment, drawing from her background as a biologist and her earlier experiences promoting environmental cleanliness during her husband’s tenure as governor of Lagos State. She also stressed the urgency of addressing issues such as plastic pollution, which is threatening oceans and waterways globally.
To ensure wide participation, the initiative will work with the Federal Ministry of Environment, traditional and religious leaders, local governments, and youth groups. School environmental clubs and media campaigns will also be leveraged to drive awareness. The Green Nigeria Challenge will run until 2026, with details for registration and participation provided on the official Renewed Hope Initiative website.
