The Destination Nigeria Governors’ Tourism Conference (DNGTC) has expressed strong support for Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, over her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Green Nigeria Challenge, aimed at fostering environmental cleanliness and sustainable development across the country.
At the official unveiling of the initiative at the Presidential Villa, Enugu State received the star prize of ₦100 million as the cleanest state in Nigeria. The Green Nigeria Challenge is a nationwide competition that encourages households, communities, and states to engage in tree planting and environmental sanitation.
With the motto “Go Green Today for a Greener Tomorrow,” the competition features three categories: Households, Communities, and States, with prizes of ₦20 million, ₦50 million, and ₦100 million respectively for the best performers.
Reacting to the development, DNGTC Convener, Ambassador Ayo Omotoso, described the initiative as a laudable step that aligns with global best practices in tourism and environmental sustainability as promoted by the United Nations.
“Climate change is an ever-pressing reality that profoundly impacts our daily lives. Our environment is a dominant factor in a sustainable way of living. A safe environment is a healthy environment for everyone. The fauna and flora of ecotourism flourish in a viable environment. At DNGTC, we embark on a journey to foster a more sustainable future, which aligns with the UN SDGs and preserves the well-being of our planet for generations to come,” Omotoso said.
He further revealed that the forthcoming 2025 Destination Nigeria Governors’ Tourism Conference, scheduled for October 7, 2025, at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, will spotlight climate change and environmental sustainability as key themes.
Organized in collaboration with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, and the Africa-International Tourism Economic Council (AITEC World), the event will also feature the DNGTC Awards.
The conference enjoyed the backing of corporate sponsors including MTN, Aero Contractors, Air Peace, Eko Hotels, Envoy Hotel, Radisson Hotels Group, Nigeria Bottling Company, and MUSIAD Nigeria, among others.
