The wife of the Vice President, Her Excellency, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima has launched the Environmental Societies in four tertiary institutions in Jigawa State with a call on residents to embrace the Household Category of the Challenge by planting sustainable, drought-resistant tree species such as Neem (Dogonyaro), Moringa, Date Palm, Mango, Guava, and other suitable indigenous trees capable of improving our environment and mitigating the effects of climate change.

It is now my singular honour and privilege to formally inaugurates the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Green Nigeria Challenge, the Jigawa State Governance Structure, the Environmental Societies, and the School Environmental Clubs in Jigawa State.

May this initiative contribute significantly to building a cleaner, greener, healthier, and more sustainable Nigeria for the benefit of present and future generations.

The programme is designed to nurture a new generation of environmentally conscious Nigerians who will champion biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, climate action, and responsible natural resource management.

Hajiya Nana stated that This initiative was first launched on the 10th September 2025 at the State House as part of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s commitment to promoting environmental conservation and climate resilience.

Similarly, the Environmental Societies in our tertiary institutions will champion environmental advocacy, reforestation programmes, clean-up campaigns, and other initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable ecosystems and promoting sustainable development.

In his remarks, Governor Umar Namadi, climate resilience requires active participation by citizens, particularly young people, whom he described as the custodians of the state’s environmental future.

He disclosed that nearly 3,000 students have already been mobilised into conservation teams across senior secondary schools, while six Environmental Societies have been established in tertiary institutions to champion tree planting, biodiversity conservation, environmental sanitation, recycling and erosion control.

To further encourage innovation and grassroots participation, Governor Namadi announced a ₦50 million grand prize to reward outstanding Environmental Societies and youth organisations participating in the Green Nigeria Challenge.

The Governor also directed State and Local Government Marshals to provide mentorship and technical support to the newly established Environmental Clubs and Environmental Societies, adding that programme implementation would be monitored using geo-tagging technology and the Survival Rate Index (SRI) to ensure accountability and measurable environmental outcomes.