First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative, Declares Enugu Cleanest State, Awards It N100m Cash

By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiative, (RHI), has floated a nationwide environmental challenge among states. In the assessment, Enugu State emerged the cleanest in the country and was rewarded with a N100 million.

The challenge features three categories: Household,  focusing on tree planting in 11 northern states vulnerable to desertification, Community : inviting youth groups, NGOs, schools, and local governments nationwide to reclaim degraded spaces and state : encouraging states to plant trees along major roads and inner streets (excluding Enugu).

The award was presented on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa during the quarterly meeting with wives of State Governors and RHI coordinators, where Mrs. Tinubu officially launched the Nationwide Environmental Challenge.

With the theme “Go Green Today for a Greener Tomorrow,” the programme encourages households, communities, and states to engage in tree planting and environmental cleanliness.

Enugu’s First Lady, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, received the prize and plaque on behalf of the State.

Expressing delight, Mrs Tinubu said Enugu earned the award not only for tree planting, but for its outstanding commitment to sanitation.

“They earned it. It is not only in planting trees, but in environmental cleanliness. If you go to Enugu, Enugu is clean,” she declared, praising Mrs. Mbah’s proactive role in keeping the State free from litter.

Sharing her inspiration, Mrs. Tinubu, a trained Biologist, recalled her personal involvement in environmental work during her husband’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State.

She also cited global conversations on plastic waste, drawing from her experience at the G20 Summit in Brazil, where ocean pollution was a major concern.

The First Lady revealed that RHI is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Environment to set up environmental clubs in secondary schools and societies in tertiary institutions, with modalities already in progress.

In her remarks, Mrs. Mbah dedicated the award to the people of Enugu and her husband, Governor Peter Mbah.

“The key to keeping the state clean and green is not just by giving instructions, but by being proactive—moving around, carrying out inspections, and doing all the needful.

“We will not relent; we will keep pushing to remain a role model state,” she said.

The RHI Green Nigeria Challenge will run until 2026, with ₦20 million earmarked for the best household, ₦50 million for the best community, and ₦100 million for the best-performing State.