Obasanjo Attributes Climate Change to Human Activities, Urges Youth to lead the Green Economy Effort
By Grace Samuel
Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo has placed the blame for climate change, resulting in phenomena such as flooding, droughts, deforestation, and pollution, squarely on human activities.
In his call to action against climate change, Obasanjo has called upon Nigerian youth to spearhead the fight and contribute to the growth of the green economy to establish a sustainable and eco-friendly environment.
He has also advocated for tree planting and the use of organic manure to reduce the risk of environmental disasters and challenges associated with climate change, including flooding, extreme droughts, and deforestation.
Obasanjo addressed these pressing issues during a retreat themed “Contribution to Green Economy” on Monday, November 6, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
He encouraged the youth to rise up and remove the barriers created by ineffective leadership.
The Presidential Youth Retreat (0.4) was organized by the Youth Development Centre, a branch of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), and attracted young people from across the country.
He emphasized that the notion that “youths are the leaders of tomorrow” is misleading and urged the youth to realize that they are the leaders of today.
Obasanjo encouraged them not to wait for those who erected the barriers to remove them, as it is not in their interest to do so.
Instead, he called on the youth to unite and take the initiative to display their leadership capabilities.
Furthermore, Obasanjo challenged Nigerian youth to lead campaigns against climate change and actively contribute to the growth of a sustainable environment and the promotion of the green economy.
Dr. Bisi Kolapo, the Chairperson of the Youth Development Centre at OOPL, informed the youth that this year’s edition of the presidential retreat was designed to shape a future that is environmentally responsible and committed to sustainable practices.
