Lagos: The Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, emphasized the role of religious leaders in promoting environmental conservation and opposing exploitation, which he described as a violation of divine trust. Kukah addressed these issues during the 24th Chief S.L. Edu Memorial Lecture in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the memorial lecture was organized by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and focused on the theme: ‘To Have and to Hold: Faith and Care of the Environment’. Kukah stressed that religious leaders hold a significant responsibility as custodians of moral clarity amidst environmental crises. He argued that when ecological funds are misappropriated, environmental assessments overlooked, and regulatory bodies weakened or politicized, a state risks losing its moral authority.
Kukah highlighted the consequences of neglecting environmental responsibilities, such as social disintegration and rising grievances among communities. He called for increased participation from individuals, groups, organizations, and governments in protecting the environment, emphasizing that faith demands restraint, equity, and accountability.
The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Most Rev. Adewale Martins, reinforced Kukah’s message by stating that caring for the earth is a moral, spiritual, and social imperative. He noted that the Catholic Church of Nigeria is committed to addressing environmental degradation and social injustice as interconnected issues.
Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director-General of the NCF, highlighted the importance of involving the religious community in environmental conservation, noting the widespread influence of faith in people’s lives. He indicated that similar discussions would continue to engage religious perspectives on environmental issues.
Justice R.I.B. Adebiyi, Chairman of the National Executive Council, NCF, acknowledged the importance of the lecture’s theme, given the increasing threats from deforestation, pollution, and climate change. She stressed that conservation is a shared responsibility that requires collective action from individuals and faith communities to protect the environment for future generations.