By Atoyebi Nike
Vice President Kashim Shettima has praised Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative as a model for African climate action and economic growth, following a tour of agricultural and industrial hubs across the country.
Shettima, who was on a state visit, toured sites including Adama Dairy Farms, Luke Avocado Nursery, and Biyyo Poultry Farm, describing the experience as proof that Africa’s renaissance is underway.
He revealed Nigeria’s ambitious plan to plant 20 billion trees in the next rainy season, drawing direct inspiration from Ethiopia’s programme.
“It’s not just about planting trees,” Shettima said. “It’s about restoring the environment and creating jobs. Ethiopia is showing us it can be done.”
Highlighting Ethiopia’s transformation from a major wheat importer to an exporter, he noted, “This is a path Nigeria must follow to ensure food security and sustainability.”
He emphasized the strategic potential of a Nigeria-Ethiopia partnership, saying: “If Nigeria and Ethiopia work, Africa will work.”
Dr. Kingsley Uzoma, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness, described the visit as a turning point and confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to replicating Ethiopia’s agricultural success.
Uzoma said Nigeria aims to diversify its economy through expanded export of crops like avocado, mango, cashew, and cocoa.
