Vice-President Kashim Shettima has called on world leaders to take decisive and practical steps toward addressing climate change, warning that time is running out for passive discussions.
Shettima made the appeal on Friday during the official launch of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) in Addis Ababa.
The Green Legacy Initiative is a national environmental effort aimed at combating deforestation, promoting biodiversity, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
It sets an ambitious target of planting 20 billion tree seedlings over four years, engaging communities and resources across the country.
Describing climate change as a present and pressing threat, Shettima stressed that firm, immediate action is needed—far beyond conference-room conversations.
“Every nation must rise to the challenge of its own ecological realities with practical, targeted solutions,” he said.
He praised Ethiopia’s resolve in addressing the climate crisis “with clarity, courage, and conviction,” adding that Nigeria stands in full support of its green ambitions.
Invited by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Shettima urged other nations to scale up both climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. He emphasized that climate change is not a theoretical problem, but a danger demanding hands-on intervention.
He described Ethiopia’s Green Legacy as a transformative vision that demonstrates true leadership and offers a model for others to emulate.
Highlighting the scope of the initiative—20 billion seedlings, more than 20,000 nurseries, and hundreds of thousands of green jobs—Shettima said it proves that the future must be “planted, nurtured, and actively built.”
He delivered President Bola Tinubu’s message of solidarity, applauding those behind the Green Legacy for their dedication and ambition. Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia and emphasized the importance of the partnership for Africa’s environmental future.
“As Africa’s most populous nations, Nigeria and Ethiopia share a major responsibility,” he said. “That responsibility includes protecting millions of lives from the escalating threats of climate change.”
He warned that the cost of inaction is too high, calling for a shift from passive observation to active leadership.
Shettima also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to global climate pledges, referencing the most recent UN Climate Change Conference (COP) in Azerbaijan. He said Ethiopia’s initiative brings those promises to life in a tangible way.
He thanked Ethiopia for the warm hospitality shown to the Nigerian delegation and lauded the nation’s shared vision for a greener, more livable planet.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed encouraged African nations to adopt the Green Legacy as more than a campaign, but as a cultural and generational responsibility. He expressed pride in Nigeria’s support and underscored the importance of African-led solutions over dependency on foreign aid.
Abiy revealed that Ethiopia had received no foreign assistance when launching the initiative, adding that this year’s theme—“Rise by Planting”—reflects Ethiopia’s bold ambition to lead a continental environmental transformation.
He expressed hope that the upcoming UN Climate Summit in Ethiopia would inspire collective momentum toward a green revolution across Africa.
Earlier, Vice-President Shettima visited Unity Park, the Science Museum, and the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa. The tour highlighted Ethiopia’s historical legacy, scientific progress, and deep commitment to sustainable development.
