Green Fellow Danjuma Samuel Drives Sustainability in Nigeria

Danjuma Samuel, a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability from Adamawa State, Nigeria, has been at the forefront of grassroots efforts to combat climate change. As a Green Fellow with the Officially Green Movement, Samuel’s work focuses on advancing sustainable practices, educating communities, and inspiring young people to take climate action.

Born and raised in Numan, Samuel’s journey into environmental advocacy is rooted in his academic background and a commitment to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Below, he shares insights into his work, the challenges he has faced, and his vision for a greener future in an interview with The Africa Daily Post.

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1. Can you share with us your background and what inspired you to become a Green Fellow?
I am an individual who was born and raised in Numan, Adamawa, Nigeria. I had my primary and junior education in Numan Local Government Area and later moved to Yola-South Local Government Area, where I completed my secondary school. From there, I gained admission into Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola, where I obtained a National Diploma in Computer Science in 2017. In 2023, I graduated with a Higher National Diploma in Statistics and also completed a Professional Diploma in Education in the same year.

I am passionate about learning and research. What inspired me to become a Green Fellow is my strong interest in the SDG goals, particularly goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 13.

2. What does the Officially Green pledge mean to you, and what motivated you to commit to it?
The Officially Green pledge means commitment to me. It is a binding code that prepares younger generations to become responsible individuals. I was motivated to commit to it because it teaches love for others.

3. In December 2024, you visited two primary schools, Jimeta Modern Market, and Spirit Life Power Embassy Church in Yola. Can you tell us about the purpose of these visits and the activities you conducted?
Yes, I visited these places intending to champion a cause—my environment. The purpose was to:
i. Combat desertification and improve air quality.
ii. Educate business owners, community members, and students on the importance of sustainable climate action practices.
iii. Urge my community members to join the green initiative.

4. Between November and December 2024, you led a tree-planting campaign in several schools. What were the objectives of this campaign, and how did you engage the students and staff?
The objectives of the tree-planting campaign were to:

• Create nursery bags using commonly available materials, such as pure water sachets.
• Select appropriate sand types for nurturing seedlings.
• Propagate and care for popular tree species.

5. What challenges did you encounter during your environmental outreach and tree-planting campaigns, and how did you overcome them?
My main challenges were acceptance, finance, logistics, and maintenance. Persistence was key. At the first school I approached, they insisted on formal procedures and raised concerns about school policy on photographs. I complied but eventually moved to the next door.

Finance was my biggest obstacle. Knowing community service was required of me, I struggled to afford it. Initially, I planned to buy just 10 trees and take photos, but I later decided to grow and nurture the trees myself. This method not only saved money but aligned with sustainable practices.

For logistics, I designed flyers seeking partnerships and reached out to friends and well-wishers for assistance. Maintenance was also a challenge, especially in schools without ready access to water. I improvised by arranging small containers and buckets for watering the trees.

6. Can you share a memorable experience or success story from your recent initiatives that had a significant impact on the community?
My most memorable experience was at Government Girls Secondary School, Yola. The turnout was overwhelming, and the students were very inquisitive.

7. How have the communities and institutions you’ve engaged with responded to your environmental initiatives?
The communities and institutions responded positively.

8. In what ways do you measure the success and impact of your projects on environmental awareness and sustainability within these communities?
I measure success through the ripple effects of the tree-planting campaign. In every school I visited, I encouraged students to plant at least five trees at home. Reports show that many students have followed through.

9. What are your future plans as a Green Fellow to further promote environmental sustainability in your community and beyond?
My future plans include leveraging partnerships and green clubs to advance the 1,000+ tree-planting campaign. I aim to take this campaign to schools, higher institutions, organizations, and households.

10. How do you envision the role of young leaders in driving environmental change in Nigeria and across Africa?
I envision young leaders playing a pivotal role in driving environmental change. This will be one of the most transformative developments for our continent.

11. What advice would you give to individuals who are passionate about environmental sustainability but are unsure how to get involved?
My advice is to ask for guidance from local advocates. That’s how I started.

12. Can you recommend any resources or networks that have been instrumental in your journey as an environmental advocate?
I recommend friends and family members. They have been my primary support system throughout this journey.