Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s visit to Ethiopia to attend the launch of the Green Legacy Initiative provided a platform for a powerful call to action on climate change. Shettima’s message resonated with the urgency and practicality needed to address this global challenge. He emphasized that climate change is not merely a topic for discussion but a tangible threat demanding immediate and concrete interventions. The Vice-President lauded Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, a program aiming to plant 20 billion trees over four years, as an exemplary model for other nations to emulate. He underscored the importance of tailoring solutions to specific ecological challenges, moving beyond theoretical discussions to tangible actions that effectively mitigate the impacts of climate change. Shettima’s presence at the event signified Nigeria’s solidarity with Ethiopia and affirmed a shared commitment to environmental sustainability across the African continent.
Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, with its ambitious target of planting billions of trees, serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to proactive environmental stewardship. The initiative not only aims to combat deforestation and enhance biodiversity but also strives to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. Shettima commended the initiative’s tangible outcomes, including the establishment of numerous nurseries and the creation of hundreds of thousands of green jobs. He highlighted these achievements as evidence that a sustainable future requires deliberate action, emphasizing the need to “plant, nurture, and actively build” our environment. The Vice-President’s praise underscored the initiative’s potential to inspire and guide other nations in developing their own context-specific environmental programs.
Shettima’s address emphasized the shared responsibility, particularly for Africa’s most populous nations like Nigeria and Ethiopia, to protect their citizens from the escalating threats of climate change. He stressed the dire consequences of inaction, urging a shift from passive observation to active participation in combating this global crisis. The Vice-President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fulfilling its pledges made at various UN climate summits, citing Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative as a practical embodiment of those commitments. He expressed confidence that the initiative would serve as a catalyst for greater cooperation and awareness across Africa, paving the way for a collective green revolution.
Prime Minister Abiy Ali echoed Shettima’s sentiments, urging African nations to embrace the Green Legacy Initiative not as a mere campaign but as a deeply ingrained cultural commitment. He expressed pride in Nigeria’s support for green initiatives across the continent, advocating for home-grown solutions and partnerships within Africa, rather than relying on external assistance. Ali emphasized the self-sufficiency of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy program, highlighting that it was initiated without foreign aid. He expressed optimism that the upcoming UN Climate Summit in Ethiopia would galvanize nations towards achieving shared goals in environmental transformation. Ali’s vision resonated with Shettima’s call for collaborative action, reinforcing the importance of African leadership in addressing climate change.
The visit of Vice-President Shettima to Ethiopia transcended mere diplomatic formalities, signifying a deeper connection rooted in shared environmental aspirations. His tour of Unity Park, the Science Museum, and the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum provided insights into Ethiopia’s historical journey, scientific advancements, and unwavering commitment to sustainable development. These visits underscored the interconnectedness of history, science, and environmental consciousness in shaping a nation’s future. Shettima’s expressions of gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to him and the Nigerian delegation further emphasized the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect between the two nations.
The convergence of Nigerian and Ethiopian leadership on the platform of climate action signifies a powerful alliance in addressing this global challenge. Both nations, recognizing their significant roles within Africa, are committed to leading the charge towards a greener, more sustainable future. This collaborative approach, underpinned by home-grown solutions and mutual support, offers a promising model for other nations to emulate. The shared vision for a habitable planet for future generations, as reflected in initiatives like the Green Legacy, serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for collective action and the potential for transformative change.
