The Executive Chairmen of Shelleng, Yola South, and Ganye Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Adamawa State have pledged their commitment to support UNICEF in achieving open defecation free communities.

The Chairmen, Abubakar Abba (Shelleng), Salihu Malkohi (Yola South), and Farouq Mohammed (Ganye), made the pledge during a courtesy visit by UNICEF officials on Thursday in Yola.

Mr Abba expressed appreciation to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for selecting Shelleng as one of the benefiting LGAs for health and hygiene interventions.

He said, “Shelleng is privileged to benefit from UNICEF’s initiatives, and we will not misuse this opportunity. We are committed to supporting all programmes, especially the Fathers for Good Healthinitiative, which aims to improve household health outcomes.’’

He noted that Adamawa State currently ranked high in non-compliance with routine immunisation, adding that the new initiatives would promote awareness and cooperation, particularly through increased male involvement.

Similarly, Farouq Mohammed of Ganye LGA commended UNICEF’s community-based interventions and pledged full local government support.

“These initiatives are timely and critical to our people’s well-being. Ganye LGA will ensure the necessary resources are provided to attain ODF status and improve the overall health of our communities,” he said.

UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Officer, Nanbam Michael, stated that Nigeria currently ranked highest in the world for open defecation.

She noted that the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toiletcampaign, led by the Office of the Vice President, was a national effort to reverse the trend.

She said, “All three LGAs are currently classified as open defecation zones. We urge the chairmen to adopt and implement this campaign in their localities to help Nigeria move from OD to ODF status.’’

Mrs Michael highlighted benefits of the campaign, such as improved toilet facilities in homes, markets, parks, and business areas, which would help reduce cholera outbreaks and disease burden.

She also encouraged engagement with toilet business owners through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to increase toilet access, boost employment, and improve hygiene standards.

Also speaking, UNICEF’s Social Behaviour Change Specialist, Eki George, said male involvement was key to improving health outcomes, especially in rural areas.

Mr George said, “Our research shows many women rely on their husbands’ permission before seeking immunisation or healthcare services for their children. Men also influence decisions about nutrition and school enrolment.’’

He noted that the Fathers for Good Health initiative had already achieved success in Gombe, Bauchi, and Plateau states, and would now be formally inaugurated in Shelleng, Yola South, and Ganye LGAs.

“Ten men will be selected at the ward level to support efforts in immunisation, nutrition, education, and birth registration,” he said.

Mr George also assured the chairmen of UNICEF’s continued technical support, including the training and equipping of local artisans to construct and upgrade household toilets, and the mobilisation of male resource groups for sustained impact. 

(NAN)