In commemoration of World Environment Day 2026, Caritas Nigeria, in collaboration with the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, yesterday joined the global community to celebrate the day under the theme: “Inspired by Nature: For Climate, For Our Future.” The event brought together students, government representatives, development partners, and environmental advocates to promote environmental stewardship and climate action.
Delivering the welcome address, the Deputy Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Augustine Okochi, warmly welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of caring for the Earth with the same dedication with which we serve humanity. Drawing inspiration from Catholic Social Teaching and the message of Laudato Si’, he highlighted Caritas Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability through awareness campaigns, community mobilization, tree-planting initiatives, climate-smart agriculture, advocacy efforts, and support for vulnerable communities. He encouraged all participants to embrace ecological responsibility and become active stewards of our common home.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), and CAFOD, who underscored the urgent need for collective action to address climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss.
A major highlight of the event was the debate and quiz competitions involving students from secondary and primary schools, respectively, which focused on environmental conservation and sustainability. Rex Christus College emerged as the winner of the debate competition, while Kingdom Heritage Model School secured first place in the quiz competition. Awards were presented to the winners, while certificates of participation were awarded to all participating students in recognition of their enthusiasm, knowledge, and commitment to environmental conservation.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Dr. Pascal Onu of the Caritas Nigeria Environment Unit noted that it reaffirmed stakeholders’ collective commitment to environmental protection and to inspiring future generations to embrace sustainable practices for a healthier planet.
