By Gabriel Ameh, The Sight News
Recognizing the urgent need for faith-driven environmental solutions, Connected Development (CODE) hosted the Interfaith Climate Change Summit on Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Abuja.
The event with the theme; “Interfaith Symposium: Harnessing Faith for Climate Action,” brought together religious leaders, climate experts, policymakers, and advocacy groups to explore the role of faith in fostering environmental sustainability.
Faith as a Catalyst for Climate Action
In his remarks, Mukhtar Modibbo, Secretary General of FollowTheMoney, emphasized the importance of faith communities in climate discourse. “We all believe in God, yet climate change affects us all. Unfortunately, this reality is often overlooked in religious contexts,” he remarked.
Also, Climate communication specialist Daniel Oladoja underscored the moral and philosophical responsibility of humanity in combating climate change.
Citing Socratic principles, he noted, “The perfect human being is all human beings put together. Interfaith dialogue seeks to unify this wholeness in the fight against climate change.” He further urged young people to challenge narratives that paint climate action as unattainable, advocating for strategic collaboration to drive change.
Call for Interfaith Responsibility
Delivering the first keynote address, Sheikh Muhammad Nurudeen Lemu of the Dawah Institute highlighted the interconnectedness of faith and environmental stewardship. He pointed to climate-induced conflicts resulting from deforestation, unplanned urbanization, and resource scarcity as pressing concerns.
“We must integrate faith, science, and governance to drive sustainable solutions,” he stated, urging religious leaders to utilize their platforms for climate advocacy and emphasize sustainability in their teachings.
Similarly, Reverend Father George Omaku Ehusani of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, delivered a compelling presentation on human-induced climate change, with a particular focus on plastic pollution.
Citing research, he revealed that over 14 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean annually, wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems. “The earth is God’s gracious gift, and we are meant to be stewards, not exploiters,” he asserted, calling for a renewed ethical framework rooted in humility, solidarity, and sustainability.
Insights from the Panel Discussion
A thought-provoking panel session, moderated by journalist Zainab Bala, further deepened the discourse.
Fr. Attah Barkindo of The Kukah Centre (TKC) championed localized climate education, urging faith leaders to make policies more relatable for grassroots communities.
Dr. Mike Terungwa, founder of the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), highlighted the influence of religious leaders in shaping public attitudes and generating political will for climate policies.
Rifkatu Joseph Odeyemi of Eco-Friendly Sensitisation and Advocacy, stressed the need for increased collaboration between religious institutions and climate organizations to amplify awareness.
A key takeaway from the discussion was the necessity of simplifying complex environmental concepts through culturally relevant narratives, leveraging faith-based structures to mobilize communities effectively.
Launch of the Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Report
A major highlight of the summit was the official launch of the Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Report, presented by Dr. Augustine Okere, Hamzat Lawal (Chief Executive of CODE), Daniel Oladoja, and Mukhtar Modibbo.
The report underscores the importance of integrating faith-based leadership into climate policy discussions and calls for increased governmental support for faith-led environmental initiatives.
Recommendations for Faith-Based Climate Action
The summit culminated in key recommendations to foster faith-driven climate action:
- Integrating Climate Education – Faith leaders should incorporate climate awareness into sermons and teachings.
- Government Collaboration – Government agencies must actively engage religious communities in climate policy discussions.
- Curriculum Inclusion – Climate education should be embedded in school curricula at all levels.
- Community Mobilization – Religious institutions and civil society organizations should collaborate for broader grassroots impact.
- Sustainable Practices – Faith communities should promote activities like tree planting and plastic waste reduction to mitigate climate change effects.
- Establishing an Interfaith Climate Action Coalition – A structured coalition should be set up to monitor commitments and progress in religious climate advocacy.
Faith, Science, and Governance: A Shared Responsibility
The Interfaith Climate Change Summit reinforced the undeniable link between faith and climate action. Sheikh Lemu succinctly captured the essence of the event, stating, “Faith, science, and government must work together – everyone has a role to play.”
With increasing interfaith collaboration, Nigeria’s faith communities are poised to become key drivers of climate justice and sustainable development.
