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Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has called upon the nation's youth to take the lead in combatting climate change. The call was made during the Presidential Youth Retreat (0.4) organized by the Youth Development Centre, a division of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
At the retreat, which centered on the theme 'Contribution to Green Economy,' Obasanjo emphasized the importance of Nigerian youths in contributing to the growth of the green economy, which aims to create a more environmentally sustainable future. He encouraged the adoption of practices such as the use of renewable energy, tree planting, electric cars, and organic manure to combat the challenges posed by climate change.
Obasanjo pointed out that human activities are a significant contributor to climate change, resulting in issues such as flooding, extreme droughts, pollution, and deforestation. He stated, "Climate change is a reality, though some still believe it is a myth or not real, but we have seen it in flood, drought, the extreme weather conditions, among others."
The former president also underscored the role of scientists in helping the world understand how human actions have disrupted the balance of nature, impacting forests, hills, valleys, and wildlife. He noted that the consequences of this imbalance have led to rising sea levels, floods, droughts, food insecurity, and other environmental challenges.
Obasanjo's call to action highlights the need for collective efforts, especially involving young people, to address climate change and its devastating consequences. It reflects the recognition of climate change as a pressing issue that demands both awareness and concrete actions to mitigate its effects.
