Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has blamed global warming on human greed, selfishness and reckless exploitation of the environment, warning that continued abuse of nature is worsening climate change and threatening the balance of the ecosystem.
Obasanjo spoke in Kano on Friday at an event organised in honour of former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abubakar Mahmoud, and his Environment and Sustainability Initiative and Trust Fund.
The former President said climate change was no longer a distant concern but a reality driven largely by human activities, urging individuals, governments and organisations to take deliberate steps to protect the environment.
“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,” he said.
Highlighting his personal commitment to environmental conservation, Obasanjo disclosed that he had planted more than 3.5 million trees as part of efforts to combat climate change.
He described environmental protection as a collective responsibility and a global public good that requires sustained commitment from all stakeholders.
The Kano State Government pledged support for the initiative, describing it as a significant contribution to environmental protection and sustainable development.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Dahiru Hashim, announced that the state had approved the donation of 10,000 seedlings to support the Mahmoud Environment and Sustainability Trust.
According to Hashim, the gesture is aimed at strengthening afforestation efforts and ensuring the long-term success of the initiative.
Speaking at the event, Mahmoud said the project was established to promote environmental sustainability and preserve the ecosystem for future generations.
He explained that what started as a modest initiative had expanded into a major conservation programme that now protects communities and preserves various plant species.
“I started a small project that has grown into something quite formidable, providing protection to villages around and preserving various species of plants. What we are trying to do is to continue with this legacy,” Mahmoud said.
The event attracted prominent personalities, including the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Attahiru Jega, senior Kano State Government officials and other stakeholders.
Participants at the gathering also called for stronger collaboration among governments, private organisations and citizens to tackle climate change, curb environmental degradation and promote sustainable development.
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