Enugu State has been named the cleanest state in Nigeria, receiving a N100 million award as the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, launched the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Green Nigeria Challenge
The nationwide competition encourages households, communities, and states to engage in tree planting and environmental cleanliness. Senator Tinubu unveiled the initiative during a quarterly meeting with Wives of State Governors and RHI Coordinators at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday.
The Challenge, themed “Go Green Today for a Greener Tomorrow,” features three categories: Households, Communities, and States. Prizes include N20 million for the best household, N50 million for the top community, and N100 million for the best-performing state.
At the event, the First Lady presented a cheque and plaque to the wife of Enugu State Governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, recognizing Enugu as the “Model Green 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 said, praising the proactive approach of the state government in tackling environmental issues.
She added: “When [the First Lady of Enugu State] sees anything that the governor doesn’t want to see — any litter — they call and fix it immediately. And I think that’s the best way to go.”
The RHI Green Nigeria Challenge focuses on different areas depending on the category:
- Household Category: Targets 11 northern states vulnerable to desertification, requiring at least one tree per household.
- Community Category: Encourages local governments, youth groups, schools, and NGOs nationwide to reclaim degraded spaces for parks, gardens, and eco-friendly areas.
- State Category: Awards states based on tree coverage along roads and inner streets, excluding Enugu, which has already been recognized.
Reflecting on the initiative, Senator Tinubu shared her inspiration: “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…People have to see you do what you want them to do. And it’s more appealing and attractive that way.”
She also highlighted ongoing RHI efforts to address plastic waste in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment and plans to establish Environmental Clubs in Senior Secondary Schools and Environmental Societies in tertiary institutions.
Speaking to journalists, Mrs. Mbah thanked the First Lady, her husband Governor Peter Mbah, state officials, and residents for their contributions to keeping Enugu clean and green.
“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…We will keep pushing to remain that role model state,” she stated.
The RHI Green Nigeria Challenge aims to inspire nationwide commitment to environmental sustainability, with key submission deadlines set for 2026. Participants can learn more and submit entries at www.rhinitiative.org.
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