Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on African nations to unite in addressing climate change and the social challenges facing the continent. Speaking at the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) 2024 in Lagos on Thursday, Shettima, represented by Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Special Adviser to the President on Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and Investment, emphasized the urgency of collaborative action to develop sustainable practices and protect ecosystems.
“The brunt of climate change that Africa faces can only be mitigated if we stand together,” Shettima stated in his keynote address, underscoring the existential threat climate change poses as “the elephant in every social impact room.”
He highlighted the necessity of joint efforts in climate change mitigation and adaptation, alongside technological innovation in agriculture and energy sectors. Shettima also stressed the importance of investing in quality education and skills development across the continent and called for collaborative efforts to improve healthcare systems.
Emphasizing the need for innovation, Shettima said, “Whatever blueprints we promote must focus on innovation. That’s the compass of social impact.” He urged African nations to empower local innovators, invest in research, and create ecosystems that foster groundbreaking solutions.
He also pointed out that harnessing technology and creativity is crucial for addressing current challenges and preparing for the future. “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,” he said, calling for investments in quality education, vocational training, and lifelong learning.
Describing education as “the bridge to a system that works” and “the secret ingredient of every development,” Shettima praised Lagos as a model for successful urban development and public-private partnerships. “Lagos is a template for the synergy of private and public sectors to build a system that works,” he noted.
Shettima concluded by calling for a unified approach to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adding, “Only as a unified front can we create an all-inclusive approach to achieving the SDGs and deliver social impact across the board.”
