FIRST LADY URGES STATES TO EMBRACE GREEN INITIATIVES, PREVENT FLOODING

FIRST LADY URGES STATES TO EMBRACE GREEN INITIATIVES, PREVENT FLOODING

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has renewed her call on state governments to invest in cleaner and greener communities through improved waste management and environmental sustainability measures aimed at preventing flooding.

The appeal was contained in an update released by her office on the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Green Nigeria Challenge, which announced the official closure of the Community Category of the competition.

According to the statement, the initiative was designed to encourage communities to transform degraded spaces, including dumpsites, landfills and abandoned areas, into green parks, gardens and other environmentally friendly spaces.

The First Lady stressed the need for proper waste disposal and the clearing of drainage channels of plastic waste and other obstructions to reduce the risk of flooding across the country.

The statement noted that despite the objectives of the competition, no significant entry was received from states before the July 15 deadline for the Community Category.

Mrs. Tinubu, however, commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for the remodelling of the Abuja City Gate, describing it as a notable environmental transformation and a practical example of the vision behind the initiative.

She encouraged households and state governments to take advantage of the Household and State Categories of the Green Nigeria Challenge, which remain open until December 20, 2026.

The First Lady urged interested participants to submit entries through the offices of the wives of state governors in their respective states and advised them to visit the Renewed Hope Initiative website for details on participation guidelines and competition criteria.

The Green Nigeria Challenge is part of efforts by the Renewed Hope Initiative to promote environmental sustainability, beautification of public spaces and community participation in climate-friendly projects across the country.