First Lady Expresses Disappointment Over Lack of State Entries in ₦50m Environmental Challenge

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has expressed disappointment following the lack of participation from state governments in the ₦50 million prize category of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Green Nigeria Challenge.

The national initiative was established to encourage young people to convert neglected public spaces and illegal dumpsites into community parks and gardens.

Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, Mrs. Tinubu revealed that the community category of the competition received zero entries from any of Nigeria’s 36 states despite the significant financial incentive.

“It was a ₦50m prize money, and they didn’t enter. This was supposed to get our youth involved,” Mrs. Tinubu stated, calling on the wives of state governors to active mobilization efforts by setting up environmental clubs in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions.

While the community category closed without participation, the First Lady noted that the Household and State categories for the Green Nigeria Challenge will remain open for submissions until December 20, 2026.

The event also served to formally recognize Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and Minister of State for the FCT Dr. Mariya Bunkure for their recent rehabilitation of the Abuja City Gate into a recreational landmark. Presenting both officials with certificates of commendation, Mrs. Tinubu lauded the project as a practical example of the urban renewal the Green Challenge aims to inspire nationwide.

In his remarks, Minister Wike disclosed that the redesign of the City Gate was directly prompted by feedback from the First Lady regarding urban aesthetics in foreign capitals. He added that the FCT Administration plans to replicate the green recreational model in other parts of the territory, including the Lifecamp district, to improve public leisure spaces and overall urban cleanliness.