By:
Aisha Mohammed
Climate change, deforestation, overgrazing and poor farming practices are major factors contributing to food insecurity, water scarcity and displacement in Nigeria, particularly among rural communities.
To address the environmental impact of climate change through tree planting, the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has implemented the Accelerating Sanitation and Water for All, ASWA III, project in Adamawa State.
The ASWA III project is aimed at providing sustainable and climate-resilient water, sanitation and hygiene, WASH, services to vulnerable communities.
Like many rural communities in northeastern Nigeria, Shelleng Local Government Area, located in the south central part of Adamawa State, is characterized by savanna vegetation and fertile floodplains.
Building on the gains recorded through the ASWA III project in the State, the Chairman of Shelleng Local Government Area, Isa Mai-Jama’a, on August 20, 2026, inaugurated the Green Shelleng Initiative, a strategic environmental sustainability campaign aimed at promoting a cleaner, greener and healthier Shelleng.
Mai-Jama’a explained that the initiative is designed to promote tree planting, environmental sanitation, ecosystem restoration, climate change awareness and community participation in protecting the environment for present and future generations.
He emphasized the importance of environmental conservation and called on community leaders, youth groups, women’s associations and schools to actively participate in the programme.
Mai-Jama’a noted that the Green Shelleng Initiative is part of his administration’s commitment to creating a healthy environment, combating desertification, reducing the effects of climate change and improving the overall well-being of the people.
The Chairman pledged his administration’s continued support for policies and programs that promote sustainable development and environmental protection across Shelleng Local Government Area.
The event was attended by government officials, traditional leaders, community representatives, environmental stakeholders, youth groups and other well-meaning individuals who expressed support for the initiative.
The ASWA III project is led by the Adamawa State Government with support from UNICEF and the Government of the Netherlands.
It is aimed at improving access to safe, sustainable and inclusive WASH services across communities.
Activities under the ASWA III project in Adamawa include improved water supply, sanitation facilities, hygiene, education, community mobilization and capacity building to ensure sustainability.
