Lady Helen Obareki Flags Off Green Nigeria Challenge, Mobilises 31 LGAs for Tree-Planting Campaign

UYO- The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has flagged off the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Green Nigeria Challenge in the state, urging all 31 Local Government Areas to actively participate in the nationwide environmental sustainability campaign through tree planting and community beautification projects.

The initiative, which commenced with a symbolic tree-planting exercise along Clement Isong Road, Uyo, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, forms part of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s nationwide drive to promote environmental sustainability, enhance public spaces, and encourage citizens to take ownership of their environment through tree planting, landscaping, and waste to green projects.

Speaking at the event, Lady Obareki, who serves as the State Coordinator of the RHI, said the programme was initiated by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who directed First Ladies across the country to implement the project in their respective states.

She commended the First Lady for championing the initiative, describing tree planting as a lasting legacy that would benefit future generations by fostering a healthier and greener environment.

Lady Obareki urged residents to embrace environmental sanitation, beautification, and tree-planting activities, while calling on the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and the Wives of All Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (WALGON) to mobilise all 31 local government councils to replicate the initiative across the state.

She also encouraged participants to document their activities with photographs and videos as part of Akwa Ibom State’s entry for the national RHI Green Nigeria Challenge, expressing confidence that the state would emerge victorious.

The Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Nsikak Ekong, described tree planting as essential to environmental protection and human well-being, while the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, highlighted its benefits, including shade, environmental beautification, and erosion control.

Chairman of Uyo Local Government Council and Akwa Ibom ALGON Chairman, Hon. Uwemedimo Udo, pledged that the exercise would be replicated across all 31 local government areas.

The symbolic tree planting exercise was led by Lady Obareki alongside the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Inibehe Silas, Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Nsikak Ekong Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, a representative of the Ministry of Works, President of the Commissioners and Special Advisers Wives Association (COSAWA), Dr. Bright Archibong, ALGON Chairman, Hon. Uwemedimo Udo, President of WALGON, Mrs. Akaninyene Udo, SSA to the Governor on Agribusiness, Pastor Godwin Ukwat, a representative of the Rotary Club of Uyo District, Team Lead of GIFA, Pastor Anne Abraham, and the Akwa Ibom State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Felicia Kalu.