By Esther Onyegbula

Climate activist and founder of Our Tomorrow Endowment, Prince Emeka Obasi Jnr, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to do more action against the menace of climate change.

Obasi, a Nigerian born student in the United Kingdom, while commending Buhari’s commitment to tackling the challenge of climate change in the country and on the continent, encouraged the Nigerian leader to step up efforts by coordinating continental response against the challenge. 

The activist, who remarked that he was prompted to set the NGO because he was deeply concerned about the growing challenges of environmental pollution and climate change in Africa, said he was prompted to write to Buhari because it had become necessary to bring his attention to the true nature of the challenges. 

“Climate change and environmental pollution are matters I care strongly about, because I am aware of the danger they pose, particularly to our continent’s survival. The 22nd of April was the Earth day and the theme was ‘Invest in our planet.’ I have resolved to invest my time and contribute my quota to raise awareness about the impending dangers of climate change and environmental pollution,” Obasi said. 

He continued: “My resolve in this respect was further strengthened when, while on a visit to Nigeria in January, I visited a number of communities that are already bearing the brunt of the environmental crisis. Mr. President, it was an unpleasant experience. In Ogoni, Rivers State for example, the environment has been degraded by oil spills; farmlands have been destroyed and water bodies polluted. In Port Harcourt metropolis, black soot has become a terrifying fact of life. The people of the region complained bitterly because their means of livelihood, which revolves around fishing and farming, has been destroyed. The situation is similar in most parts of the state and indeed the entire Niger Delta region. 

“I also witnessed the threat that rising sea levels pose to inhabitants of the coastal areas of Lagos, and equally got acquainted with the devastating impact desertification is already having in the northern parts of the country. 

“Indeed, across Africa, we are witnessing the most severe effects of climate change. It has led to seasons of drought, excess floods and desertification which have exacerbated the security situation in the continent. 

“UNICEF projects that as many as 20 million people in Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia will need water and food assistance in the next six months. At the moment, nearly 5.5 million children in these four countries are threatened by acute malnutrition and an estimated 1.4 million children by severe acute malnutrition. There are fears that this number will increase by 50 percent if the rains do not come in the next three months.”

The activist, while praising Buhari’s presentation at Conference of Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland last year, regretted, however, that not much has been done by way of action in its aftermath. “I was glad when, during your presentation, you pledged that Nigeria will cut its emissions to net zero by 2060, while also stressing the need for easier access to climate finance for developing countries, especially given the fact that Africa is only responsible for 5% of global emissions.  Therefore, it is only fair that developed countries help fund the transition away from fossil fuels in developing countries that are yet to industrialize.”

Obasi, however, noted that, “Sadly, after the COP26 in November last year, I have not seen much follow up action and I am apprehensive that the programmes which you had eloquently canvassed stand the risk of being relegated to the background. I am worried because climate change and environmental pollution are too important to be treated with negligence. They are matters that have grave implications for the survival of our continent. They have the potential to cause a food crisis and worsen security challenges if not tackled. Therefore, the time for action is now.

“The situation is dire and unfortunately, there is not much continental effort to tackle it. Mr. President, you have a responsibility, as the leader of the most populous country in Africa, appropriately nicknamed the Giant of Africa to step up to the challenge, mobilize the entire continent and lead the campaign against climate change and environmental pollution.

“The experience I had interacting with impacted communities made me commit to doubling my effort towards creating awareness around these issues. I held a press conference at UNILAG and engaged youths in the Lagos area to inform them of the issues and encourage them to be conscious of the environment. 

“However, your administration must step in here and establish a national media campaign to educate Nigerians on these issues. Collaboration between the private and public sector is critical if Nigeria is to achieve net zero emissions by 2060. State and local governments should take the initiative and address the effects of climate change within their jurisdictions.

“In all these, Mr. President, you should take the lead, and from the front. Let me add with every sense of responsibility that we also appreciate your effort in driving infrastructure development in our country, and you’re other efforts in ensuring that we achieve food sufficiency. Most certainly, history will be kinder to your legacy than many imagine,” He stated.