Connected Development (CODE), in partnership with Transcorp Hilton Abuja, marked the 2026 Earth Hour with a strong call for collective climate action, as stakeholders gathered to commemorate two decades of the global environmental movement.
The event, held in Abuja, featured the symbolic switching off of non-essential lights between 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM, creating a candlelit atmosphere that underscored the urgency of sustainability and climate responsibility.
Delivering the keynote address, Acting Chief Executive Officer of CODE, Hyeladzira James Mshelia, described the moment as more than a ritual, but a reflection of intentional action.
“There is something quietly powerful about people choosing to show up not because they have to, but because they believe,” he said, emphasizing that Earth Hour represents “a lifetime of choices” rather than just one hour of darkness.
Marking 20 years of the global initiative, Mshelia noted that the milestone is a testament to sustained commitment toward environmental protection and civic responsibility.
He stressed that while Nigeria is rich in potential and resilience, the country must prioritize intentional actions that safeguard the future.
“Earth Hour is one hour, but what it represents is a lifetime of choices — a reminder that collective action reshapes culture, culture drives policy, and policy changes lives,” he added.
The event featured a blend of advocacy and creative expression, including a sustainability talk by the Greenspark Initiative led by Chima Ernest Okoli, poetry performances by the Sahel Scribes Poetry Club, and a symbolic candle-lighting ceremony accompanied by the “Earth Song” performed by the AMEMUSO Choir.
Participants also made climate action pledges, reinforcing the commitment to sustainable living beyond the event.
CODE highlighted its over-a-decade-long work in promoting accountability and amplifying the voices of underserved communities, noting that environmental sustainability must include grassroots participation.
The collaboration with Transcorp Hilton Abuja further demonstrated the role of corporate institutions in advancing sustainability. The General Manager of Transcorp Hilton hotel Martin Zarybnicky reiterated its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint through energy conservation and waste management initiatives.
With the 2026 theme, “Give an Hour for Earth,” organizers said the initiative is designed to go beyond symbolism by inspiring year-round behavioral change among individuals, organizations, and policymakers.
As the lights went out, the message remained clear: climate action begins with intention, and every small step counts toward securing a sustainable future.
