By SALISU SANI-IDRIS

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged world leaders to take decisive steps toward tackling climate change with urgency and practical action.

Shettima made this appeal on Friday during the launch of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) in Addis Ababa.

The Green Legacy Initiative aims to combat deforestation, promote biodiversity, and lessen the negative impact of climate change across the country.

It sets a bold target of planting 20 billion tree seedlings over four years, mobilising communities and resources nationwide.

Shettima described climate change as a real danger that requires firm, immediate action beyond discussions or conferences.

He noted that every nation must respond to its specific ecological challenges with tailored and practical solutions.

The Vice-President expressed admiration for Ethiopia’s resolve in addressing climate change “with clarity, courage, and conviction.”

Invited by Prime Minister Abiy Ali, Shettima called on nations to improve climate action through greater adaptation and mitigation efforts.

He said climate change “is not a problem to solve in a conference room but a danger needing practical intervention.”

According to him, Ethiopia’s Green Legacy is an inspiring plan that reimagines the future and shows true leadership.

He added that GLI represents a bold vision that other nations can learn from and emulate in their own contexts.

Shettima praised the initiative’s figures of 20 billion seedlings, over 20,000 nurseries, and hundreds of thousands of green jobs created.

He said such efforts prove the future must be planted, nurtured, and actively built through bold environmental action.

He conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s and Nigerians’ support, applauding those who brought GLI to life.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to support Ethiopia and hailed the partnership as crucial for Africa’s environmental future.

Shettima stressed that Nigeria and Ethiopia, being Africa’s most populous nations, bear a major responsibility for the continent’s future.

He noted this responsibility extends to protecting millions of lives from the threats posed by climate change.

“The cost of inaction is too high. That’s why we must move from being spectators to active participants,” he said.

Shettima affirmed Nigeria’s readiness to play its part in keeping Africa green and environmentally sustainable.

He recalled promises made at annual UN climate summits and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to those pledges.

Referencing the last COP meeting in Azerbaijan, Shettima said Ethiopia’s example brings those promises to life.

He thanked Ethiopia for the hospitality extended to him and the Nigerian delegation during their visit.

Shettima said they felt truly welcomed, not only through warm gestures but also shared environmental aspirations.

He praised the Green Legacy as a project reflecting shared dreams for a liveable planet for future generations.

Prime Minister Abiy Ali urged African nations to adopt the Green Legacy as a cultural commitment, not just a campaign.

Ali expressed pride in Nigeria’s bold move to support and champion green initiatives across the continent.

He called for African partnerships, emphasising home-grown solutions over dependency on foreign assistance.

Ali said this year’s theme, ‘Rise by Planting,’ reflects Ethiopia’s ambition to stun the world through environmental transformation.

He noted that Ethiopia received no foreign aid when initiating its 20 billion tree programme.

Ali thanked Nigeria for its support, saying President Tinubu’s leadership will boost awareness and cooperation in Africa.

He expressed hope that the upcoming UN Climate Summit in Ethiopia will rally nations toward collective green revolution goals.

Earlier, Vice-President Shettima toured Unity Park, the Science Museum, and the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa.

The visit showcased Ethiopia’s historic journey, scientific progress, and commitment to sustainable development. (NAN)