VP Shettima calls for united African effort on climate change

By Kunle Sanni

Vice President Kashim Shettima has implored African nations to unite in addressing the climate change and social impact challenges facing the continent.

He called on the continent’s leaders to work together in developing sustainable practices and protecting ecosystems to secure a greener future and act as a springboard for overall development and progress amid existential climate realities.

Speaking on Thursday during the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) 2024 in Lagos, VP Shettima, represented by Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Special Adviser to the President on the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and Investment, stressed the urgency of collaborative action.

“The brunt of climate change that Africa faces can only be mitigated if we stand together,” the VP stated in his keynote address.

Noting that climate change is an existential issue, Senator Shettima described it as “the elephant in every social impact room.”

The Vice President emphasized the need for joint efforts in climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as technological innovation in the agriculture and energy sectors.

He also stressed the importance of investing in quality education and skills development across the continent, calling for collaborative efforts to improve healthcare systems in African nations.

“Whatever blueprints we promote must focus on innovation. That’s the compass of social impact,” he said.

The Vice President urged African nations to empower local innovators, invest in research, and create ecosystems that foster groundbreaking solutions to deliver maximum social impact.

He emphasized that from agricultural to energy solutions, harnessing technology and creativity is crucial for saving today and preparing for tomorrow.

“We may gather in meeting rooms and conferences to philosophize about changing our world, but the truth remains that we can never guarantee social impact without an educated society,” Shettima stated.

He called for investments in quality education, vocational training, and lifelong learning, and reiterated the need to equip African youths with relevant skills for the digital age.

The Vice President described education as “the bridge to a system that works” and “the secret ingredient of every development.”

VP Shettima praised Lagos as a model for successful urban development and public-private partnerships, noting that “Lagos is a template for the synergy of private and public sectors to build a system that works.”

The Vice President called for a unified approach to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adding that “only as a unified front can we create an all-inclusive approach to achieving the SDGs and deliver social impact across the board.”