Nigeria’s first lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has lamented the absence of significant entries for the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Green Nigeria Challenge Community Category, which closed on July 15.

Mrs Tinubu, in a statement on Tuesday, said there was “no significant entry” submitted, an outcome she described as disappointing. She said the programme aimed to transform degraded community spaces into green public areas.

She, however, encouraged Nigerians to participate in the second phase of the programme before it officially closes by December 20.

The programme is a nationwide environmental competition launched to promote tree planting and environmental cleanliness across the country.

The programme features three categories with major cash prizes: N20 million for households, N50 million for communities and N100 million for the best-performing state.

“The RHI Green Nigeria Challenge Community Category, which aimed to transform degraded community spaces such as dumpsites, landfills, and abandoned areas into green parks, gardens, and other eco-friendly spaces, officially closed on July 15.

“Unfortunately, no significant entry was received. The Household and State categories of the Green Nigeria Challenge remain open until December 20. We encourage households and states to participate,” Mrs Tinubu said.

According to Mrs Tinubu, entries for the next phase should be submitted through the Office of the First Lady in the respective states across the country.

Mrs Tinubu commended FCT minister Nyesom Wike for the remodelling of the Abuja City Gate, and urged other states to emulate the initiative in promoting a greener Nigeria.

She urged Nigerians to participate by logging into www.rhinitiative.org.

(NAN)