Enugu Emerges Nigeria’s Model Green State, Wins N100m Award
Enugu State has been crowned the Model Green State of Nigeria, receiving a cash award of ₦100 million for its outstanding record in environmental cleanliness and sustainability.
The honour came as Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, unveiled the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Green Nigeria Challenge at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
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Green Nigeria Challenge Launched
The RHI Green Nigeria Challenge is a nationwide competition designed to inspire households, communities, and states to take proactive steps in tree planting, waste management, and environmental renewal.
The programme, themed “Go Green Today for a Greener Tomorrow,” features three categories:
- Households – Best-performing family wins ₦20 million.
- Communities – Top-performing community receives ₦50 million.
- States – Best state earns ₦100 million.
Presenting the award to Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, wife of the Enugu State Governor, the First Lady praised Enugu’s proactive approach.
“They earned it. It is not only in planting trees but in environmental cleanliness. If you go to Enugu, Enugu is clean,” Senator Tinubu declared.
She highlighted her personal passion for cleanliness, recalling her days unclogging drains during her husband’s tenure as Lagos Governor. She also linked the initiative to global efforts against plastic pollution, citing discussions at the G20 Summit in Brazil.
RHI’s Environmental Agenda
Beyond the competition, the RHI is working with the Federal Ministry of Environment to establish Environmental Clubs in secondary schools and Environmental Societies in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. International collaborations, including a study visit to Ghana, are part of the framework.
Enugu Reacts to the Honour
Speaking after receiving the award, Mrs. Mbah expressed gratitude to the First Lady, her husband Governor Peter Mbah, state officials, and agencies such as ESWAMA.
“The key to keeping the state clean and green is not just by giving instructions but by being proactive—moving around, inspecting, and taking immediate action. We will not relent; we will keep pushing to remain a role model state,” she assured.
Looking Ahead
The Green Nigeria Challenge is open to submissions until 2026, with households, communities, and states encouraged to participate. Interested participants can learn more at www.rhinitiative.org.
With Enugu setting the pace, the Challenge is expected to drive a new culture of environmental responsibility nationwide.