…Says Nigeria, Ethiopia bear Africa’s greatest ecological responsibility
Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged world leaders to adopt practical, home-grown solutions to tackle climate change, emphasizing that the environmental crisis demands more than boardroom discussions. He made the call during the official launch of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) on Friday, June 28, 2025, in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event, Shettima praised Ethiopia’s bold environmental vision, describing it as a model for Africa and the world. The Green Legacy Initiative targets the planting of 20 billion tree seedlings over four years, alongside the creation of over 20,000 nurseries and thousands of green jobs to combat deforestation and biodiversity loss.
“Climate change is not a challenge that will be resolved in conference rooms. It is a danger we must confront with urgent, context-specific action,” Shettima stated. “Ethiopia’s Green Legacy is not just a reforestation effort—it is a powerful demonstration of resolve, planning, and people-centered governance.”
He stressed that Nigeria and Ethiopia—Africa’s two most populous nations—bear the largest stake in the continent’s environmental future and cannot afford to be spectators in the fight against climate change.
“Our populations face the highest risks from climate change. But we also hold the greatest potential to lead the continent’s green transition,” Shettima noted. “Nigeria is committed to being a responsible and active partner in Africa’s green transformation.”
He pledged Nigeria’s support for Ethiopia’s green ambitions, highlighting the shared vision between both countries to build a sustainable future for the next generation.
In his remarks, Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the GLI and urged African nations to turn green action into a cultural norm. He emphasized the importance of domestic solutions over foreign aid, noting that Ethiopia’s 20-billion tree initiative was achieved without external assistance.
“We thank Nigeria for embracing the green vision,” said Abiy. “The presence of Vice President Shettima signals the growing pan-African commitment to a sustainable future. Together, we can shock the world with what Africa can do.”
The event also coincides with Ethiopia’s preparations to host the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Summit, further placing the country at the center of global green diplomacy.
Earlier in the day, VP Shettima visited Ethiopia’s Unity Park, Science Museum, and the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum. He commended the Ethiopian people for their historical contributions to African sovereignty and environmental leadership.
The Vice President concluded his remarks by reinforcing Nigeria’s readiness to scale up its climate actions, strengthen green partnerships across the continent, and uphold the promises made at global climate platforms such as COP.
“This is about the future of our children and the dreams we plant today,” Shettima declared.
