Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, has attributed global warming to human greed, selfishness, and reckless exploitation of the environment, warning that such actions continue to disrupt the natural balance of the ecosystem.

Obasanjo made the remarks in Kano during an event organised in honour of former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abubakar Mahmoud, and his Environment and Sustainability Initiative and Trust Fund.

Speaking at the event, Obasanjo acknowledged the reality and growing impact of climate change, stressing that human activities remain a major driver of global warming.

“God created our world in balance, but we, as human beings, out of selfishness and carelessness, have done more harm than good to our environment, and we need to do more in the safekeeping of our environment,” the former president said.

Obasanjo also revealed that he has personally planted more than 3.5 million trees as part of efforts to combat climate change, stressing that protecting the environment is a collective responsibility and a global public good.

The Kano State Government commended the initiative and pledged its support to ensure its sustainability.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Dahiru Hashim, described the initiative as a significant step towards environmental protection and sustainable development.

“In recognition of this laudable initiative, the Kano State Government has approved the donation of 10,000 seedlings for the Mahmoud Environmental and Sustainable Trust,” Hashim said.

In his remarks, Abubakar Mahmoud said the initiative seeks to promote environmental sustainability and preserve the ecosystem for the benefit of both present and future generations.

“I started a small project that has grown into something quite formidable, providing protection to villages around and to preserving various species of plants,so what we are trying to do is to continue with this legacy,” he said.

The event attracted several dignitaries, including the vice presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, officials of the Kano State Government, and other stakeholders.

Participants at the event called for deliberate and collective action to address climate change and environmental degradation. (Channels TV, excluding headline)