Emphasising the need for a green economy that fosters sustainable development, Obasanjo implored the younger generation to take charge and work towards creating a better world to inhabit.
Obasanjo also told the youth to reject the toga of being called leaders of tomorrow, as they are indeed leaders of today and should therefore go all out to remove any barrier that could hinder them from demonstrating their leadership capacity.
The former President made this call while speaking at the Presidential Youth Retreat with the theme “Contributing to Green Economy” held at the Youth Development Centre inside the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta.
Speaking on the theme of the retreat, Obasanjo said, “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 scientists have helped us to understand that man has abused the balance of all that God created, the forest, the hills, valleys, animals among others to the extent that there is now imbalance and it is we that caused the imbalance that will also be victims of these consequences like the sea level rising, victims of floods, drought, extreme weather conditions and of course change in climate, food insecurity among others.
Obasanjo said the way to fight climate change is to embrace the green economy, which encompasses all efforts to generate less carbon and absorb more of it through green vegetation.
Obasanjo said, “The use of fossil fuels is one of the greatest sources of carbon dioxide emissions which contribute greatly to climate change. This is why we talk of clean and renewable energy like the use of wind, solar power and electric car to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
“We also talk about planting of more trees that help to absorb carbon dioxide, the more tree we plant the less of the carbon dioxide that we have. The same thing goes for proper handling of waste generated, waste recycling especially. These are the areas as youth you must take leadership, these are the areas you can make your contribution to the green economy and help reduce drastically the challenge of the climate change.
“And let no one keep deceiving you that youths are the leaders of tomorrow, no, you are the leaders of today but don’t ever think that anybody will help you remove the barrier, those who put the barrier will never remove it because it is not in their interests to remove it.
“So, you have to get together and remove the barrier and go ahead to demonstrate that God’s given leadership capacity in you. As long as you continue to accept that you are the leaders of tomorrow, that tomorrow may never come”.
Welcoming the youth to the training, the Chairperson of the Youth Development Centre, OOPL, Dr Bisi Kolapo, told the youths that this year’s edition of the presidential retreat was geared towards creating an environmentally responsible future.
Kolapo said that as a set of pragmatic youths, there’s a need for them to be the driving force and inspire others to contribute to green economy.
“Contribution to the green economy can be in many forms, it could be through renewable energy process, sustainable agriculture, waste management, technology innovation or conservative efforts.
“Seizing the moment as youths, we can drive change and inspire others to do the same. We build a more sustainable future where economic growth and environmental preservation go hand in hand,” she said.
