By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Executive Director of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, has emphasized the need for a radical shift in environmental policies towards promoting practices that address the escalating climate crisis.
He made the call at the Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Summit, organized by Connected Development (CODE) at the NAF Conference Centre, in Abuja on Thursday.
The dialogue brought together religious leaders, civil society groups, and climate advocates, where stakeholders were urged to mount pressure on policymakers to implement concrete solutions.
Fr. Ehusani who delivered the keynote address decried the widespread pollution and lack of proper waste management in Nigeria, noting that urgent policy interventions were needed.
He said, “Religious organizations, civil society groups, and concerned citizens must mount pressure on our policymakers and legislators to take climate change seriously.
“We cannot continue to pay lip service while our environment is deteriorating at an alarming rate.”
“Nigerians have adjusted themselves to a high level of environmental degradation.
“We see mountains of refuse, toxic waste in our rivers, and worsening air pollution, yet there is little action. If we do not act now, future generations will pay the price.”
Daniel Oladoja, Country Lead, Strategic Communications at Global Strategic Communications Council lauded the forum, saying it is an effort to maximize collective potential in confronting the challenge of climate change.
“The Bible says without faith it is impossible to please God. Faith therefore is the umbilical cord that binds all faiths together. Faith is what challenges us to rise to a higher ideal.
“Every generation must rise to the challenges of its own time. I have said in the past that we cannot allow the generation that fought two world wars, conquered the lethal bacteria and viruses, put man on the moon and got massive Airplanes flying across the skies tell us it impossible to conquer climate change.
“If this is in the challenge of our time then In God’s name we all must rise up with faith to fight that battle and win. Speaking of winning Tom Brookes said we will not win because we are stronger or more intelligent but because we can out organize and unite ourselves for a common purpose. So let’s us unite in faith to today to fight climate change.”
Speaking also, the Executive Director of the Kukah Center, Rev. Fr. Attah Barkindo, stressed the influence of faith leaders in mobilizing climate action, noting that their voices resonate deeply within communities.
“Religious leaders have millions of followers listening to them every week,” he said.
“If they understand climate change, they can shape public opinion and drive action. This is why we must mainstream climate education in faith-based discussions.”
Chief Executive of Connected Development (CODE), Hamzat Lawal, called attention to Nigeria’s failure to access sufficient climate finance, stating that the country had only secured 20% of available funds, most of which were loans.
He said, “Nigeria is one of the countries suffering the worst effects of climate change, yet we are not getting the resources we need to adapt.
“Faith-based advocacy is critical. We must demand justice and ensure Nigeria is at the center of global climate discussions.”
The summit featured the launch of the first Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Report & Policy Brief, highlighting strategic messaging and policy recommendations for faith-driven climate action.
