Religious leaders have said the changes of climate change were beyond the Niger Delta region as the menace has adverse effects on many parts of the country and called for collaboration of all in addressing the issues.
They made their position known at the energy transition conference with the theme, “Multi-faith National Dialogue on Medium and Long-term Climate Goals”, organised by GreenFaith Nigeria in Abuja on Monday.
In his speech, Executive Director, The Kukah Centre, Rev. Fr Atta Barkindo, called on stakeholders to resist the temptation of restricting conversations around climate change to the Niger Delta region.
According to him, the level of degradation in Northern Nigeria—from Maiduguri through Damaturu down to Chad—was alarming, and hence, climate change is a national challenge.
The Catholic Cleric said: “We must not restrict the conversation to just the Niger Delta. Travel from Maiduguri to Damaturu and down to Chad, and you will see aggressive degradation. You will see carcasses of camels and cows that have died due to lack of water. In some places in the northeast, even digging a borehole will not produce water.
“The impact of this extractive industry is not limited to the physical environment but extends to the social environment. We have witnessed the displacement of communities as people compete for limited resources.
“From the 1950s, when oil was discovered in Nigeria, until today, Nigeria has relied on fossil fuels and abandoned other sectors of the economy, from farming to animal husbandry, and we have yet to make investments in infrastructure and hospitals.
“Our land, once fertile, now bears the scars of oil exploration, which has poisoned water and darkened our sky. Communities are torn apart by environmental degradation.”
For his part, the Chief Imam of the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Faud Adeyemi, sued for synergy among faith leaders to tackle climate change’s impact on the country.
Represented by Ibrahim Idris, a director at Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Adeyemi said environmental degradation is a sin that faith leaders rise against before it consumes humanity.
“I challenge you to return to your communities with renewed purpose. Educate, advocate, and lead by example. Let us be the voice of change, guiding Nigeria towards an equitable, just, and sustainable future for all.
“Faith leaders have always held a unique position of influence in Nigerian society. We are trusted voices, often pillars of strength and guidance in our communities.
“This places a profound responsibility upon us to not only raise awareness but to lead the way in advocating for a transition to a clean energy future that leaves no one behind,” he said.
In her remarks, Meryne Warah, the Global Programme Director of GreenFaith, explained that the conference aimed to harness collective efforts to mitigate the dangers of climate change.
Warah, who spoke through the Programme Manager for GreenFaith Africa, Pius Oko, reminded religious leaders of their divine authority and their intervention in critical issues and times in people’s lives.
She said: “Remember the power of our collective faith to inspire change, advocate for the vulnerable, and guide our leaders in this critical time. Today, we envision a better future and are committed to taking bold steps to bring that vision to life.”
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