Remi Tinubu’s Expresese Disappointment As ₦50m Community Green Challenge Closes Without Entries

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has disclosed that the community category of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Green Nigeria Challenge ended without attracting any significant entries, despite offering a ₦50 million prize.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the First Lady said the category officially closed on 15 July 2026 after falling short of its objective of encouraging communities to reclaim and transform neglected public spaces into environmentally friendly areas.

The initiative was designed to inspire local governments, community groups, schools, youth organisations and non-governmental organisations to convert degraded sites such as dumpsites, abandoned land and refuse-filled areas into green parks, gardens and other sustainable spaces.

“Unfortunately, no significant entry was received,” Mrs Tinubu stated.

Despite the disappointing outcome, the First Lady applauded the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for the remodelling of the Abuja City Gate, describing the project as a practical example of the environmental transformation the competition sought to encourage.

She said the upgraded landmark reflects the vision of the Green Nigeria Challenge and demonstrates how public spaces can be revitalised for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.

Mrs Tinubu also urged state governments to prioritise environmental sustainability by investing in cleaner and greener communities. She stressed the need for proper waste management and the regular clearing of drainage channels to prevent flooding caused by plastic waste and other blockages.

She encouraged households and state governments to take advantage of the two remaining categories of the competition, which will remain open until 20 December 2026.

According to her, entries should be submitted through the Offices of the First Ladies in the respective states.

The Renewed Hope Initiative Green Nigeria Challenge is a nationwide environmental campaign aimed at promoting tree planting and restoring degraded ecosystems across the country.

The competition features three categories. The Household Category is open to households in 10 frontline northern states Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara and offers a ₦20 million prize for outstanding tree-planting initiatives.

The State Category is open to every state except Enugu, which has already been recognised as the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Model Green State. The winning state will receive a ₦100 million prize for exceptional tree-planting and environmental restoration efforts.

While the Community Category has now closed without any notable entries, the remaining categories will continue to accept submissions until 20 December 2026.