ENUGU BAGS N100M MODEL GREEN STATE AWARD

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BY OWOLABI OLUWADARA

Enugu State has received a N100 million accolade as the most pristine state, announced by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during the launch of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Green Nigeria Challenge.

This Challenge represents a nationwide environmental contest designed to encourage families, youth organizations, communities, and states to participate in tree planting and maintain environmental cleanliness.

The First Lady introduced the Challenge at a quarterly assembly with the Spouses of State Governors and RHI Coordinators at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday.

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The Challenge, under the slogan “Go Green Today for a Greener Tomorrow,” is categorized into three segments: Households, Communities, and States, with a grand prize of N20 million allotted for the top household, N50 million for the premier community, and N100 million for the leading state.

During the event, the First Lady awarded a cheque for N100 million and a plaque to Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, the spouse of the Enugu State governor, who accepted the distinction on behalf of Enugu as the “Model Green State. ”

“They deserved this recognition. It encompasses not only tree planting but also environmental sanitation. If you visit Enugu, you will find it to be clean,” the First Lady asserted.

She shared a dialogue with the Enugu State governor’s wife, commending the government’s proactive strategies in addressing environmental challenges.

“When she notices anything that the governor prefers to avoid — any litter present — they promptly address and rectify it. I believe that is the optimal approach,” she remarked.

The RHI Green Nigeria Challenge is segmented into three categories. The Household Category targets 11 northern states (Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara) at risk of desertification, promoting tree planting with a minimum requirement of one tree per household to be eligible.

The Community Category encourages local governments, youth organizations, schools, and NGOs nationwide to rehabilitate and transform degraded or deserted spaces into parks, gardens, and environmentally sustainable areas.

The State Category encompasses competition amongst states (excluding Enugu, which has already been recognized) based on tree coverage along principal roads and inner streets, fostering tree planting initiatives.

Regarding the motivation behind this initiative, the First Lady of Nigeria shared her personal experiences and inspirations.

“As a biologist, I have always cherished cleanliness. During my husband’s tenure as governor of Lagos State, I frequently engaged in cleaning obstructed drains. I was youthful and possessed significant energy,” Senator Tinubu conveyed.

She underscored the importance of leading by example, stating, “Individuals must observe you performing the actions you wish them to emulate. It renders the concept more appealing and engaging. ”

Reflecting on her international experiences, Senator Oluremi Tinubu reminisced about attending the G20 Summit in Brazil alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“One of the focal points will be plastic waste. Every nation is investing in this effort, cleaning their oceans and waterways, as the marine wildlife is adversely impacted by waste discharged into the sea,” she recounted.
The First Lady emphasized the ongoing initiatives by the RHI to tackle this concern, which involves RHI’s partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment.

“We are collaborating with the Minister of Environment. We have conducted several meetings, including one in Lagos, and teams have traveled to Ghana to gain further insights,” she remarked.

She revealed that the RHI intends to work alongside the Ministry to establish Environmental Clubs for Senior Secondary Schools and Environmental Societies for Tertiary Institutions, with the framework still being refined.

Addressing journalists, Mrs. Mbah expressed gratitude to the Nigerian First Lady for the acknowledgment, as well as to her husband, Governor Peter Mbah, state officials, and the citizens of the state for their contributions that led to the state receiving the award.

“First, I wish to express my appreciation to the First Lady and the matriarch of the nation for recognizing Enugu State as a green and clean state. I also extend my thanks to my husband, the Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his unwavering commitment to maintaining Enugu’s cleanliness and greenery. I appreciate the commissioners, the local government chairpersons, and relevant agencies such as ESWAMA for their contributions as well.

“The essential factor in preserving the state’s cleanliness and greenery lies not solely in issuing directives, but also in taking proactive measures, conducting inspections, and fulfilling all necessary actions. They have significantly contributed to ensuring Enugu State is clean.

“I assured Her Excellency the First Lady that we will not waver. We will continue our efforts to maintain our status as a model state,” she affirmed.

In the meantime, the RHI Green Nigeria Challenge is aimed at fostering a national dedication to a cleaner and greener environment, with important submission deadlines set for 2026.

Interested participants were encouraged to find out more and submit their entries at www.rhinitiative.org.