Obasanjo Warns Nigerians On Global Warming

Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has warned Nigerians against actions that could destroy the environment and endanger human existence.

* Ex-President Obasanjo

Saudauna Magazine reports that Obasanjo made this warning statement at the Centre for Human Security of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State, western Nigeria on Thursday.

According to the report, the one time military Head of State in Nigeria warned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainages, using of vehicles and motorcycles that emit smoke and indiscriminate felling of trees.

Obasanjo also stated at the occasion that all these acts contribute to the warming of the planet “which melt the polar ice and raise the sea levels.”

He noted that there was flood in many parts of the world because of the rising sea levels brought about by global warming.

“Many cities, towns and villages in Nigeria and in other parts of the world are witnessing flooding especially in coastal cities such as Lagos and Port Harcourt and many towns in the riverine areas in most southern states,” Obasanjo said.

Commenting on this year’s World Environment Day with the theme: ‘Raise Your Voice, Not The Sea Level,’ Obasanjo implored Nigerians to endeavour to plant trees, reduce garbage by recycling and reuse, walk or ride bicycle, drive fuel-efficient cars, and use public transport rather than individual cars among others.

He said, “Global warming is mainly caused by the release into the atmosphere of greenhouse gases especially carbon dioxide from emissions from our cars and other engines which burn petrol, diesel and kerosene.

“Cutting down trees takes off carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and it worsens the matter.”