Enugu State has emerged as Nigeria’s Model Green State, clinching the prestigious N100 million award for cleanliness and environmental excellence at the unveiling of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Green Nigeria Challenge, spearheaded by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

The landmark recognition was conferred during the quarterly meeting of Wives of State Governors and RHI Coordinators held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where the First Lady presented a cheque and a commemorative plaque to Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, wife of the Enugu State Governor, who received the award on behalf of the state.

Lauding Enugu’s proactive strides in environmental cleanliness and tree planting, Senator Tinubu declared:

“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 emphasized the importance of leading by example, recounting her personal commitment to environmental stewardship since her years in Lagos and linking the challenge to global priorities such as combating plastic waste and ocean pollution.

The RHI Green Nigeria Challenge, themed “Go Green Today for a Greener Tomorrow,” is a nationwide competition spanning households, communities, and states. Prizes include N20 million for the best household, N50 million for the best community, and N100 million for the best state. With Enugu already decorated as the Model Green State, other states are set to vie for the top slot.

In her remarks, Mrs. Mbah dedicated the award to Governor Peter Mbah, state officials, local government chairmen, ESWAMA, and the people of Enugu for their collective efforts in maintaining a clean and green environment.

“The key to keeping the state clean and green is not just by giving instructions, but also by being proactive—moving around, inspecting, and doing the needful. We will not relent; we will keep pushing to remain that role model state,” she affirmed.

The First Lady further revealed RHI’s collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment to establish Environmental Clubs in senior secondary schools and Environmental Societies in tertiary institutions, with modalities already underway.

With submission deadlines set for 2026, the Green Nigeria Challenge is expected to galvanize households, communities, and states into transformative environmental action across the federation.