Archbishop Martins Calls for Stronger Environmental Protection, Condemns Pollution

Archbishop Martins Calls for Stronger Environmental Protection, Condemns Pollution

The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins has called on governments, religious institutions, industries, and other stakeholders to take stronger action to protect the environment, promote sustainable food production, and condemn pollution in all its forms.

Archbishop Martins made the call in his message marking the 2026 Season of Creation, urging governments to adopt policies and practices that guarantee access to safe and nourishing food while ensuring that the benefits of biodiversity are shared equitably.

He also appealed to churches, mosques, and other faith-based organisations to support greening initiatives and empower communities to cultivate their own food.

The Archbishop further urged governments, industries, farmers, and local authorities to protect water sources and embrace responsible waste disposal practices.

Reflecting on the 2026 Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi, Archbishop Martins, encouraged the faithful to emulate the virtues of the revered saint, including humility, poverty, love, peace, and respect for nature.

St. Francis of Assisi, widely regarded as the patron saint of ecology, remains a powerful symbol of environmental stewardship. The Season of Creation will end on October 4, his feast day, which this year also marks the 800th anniversary of his passing.

The Jubilee Year began on January 1, 2026, and will run until January 2027.

Archbishop Martins noted that the message of St. Francis remained particularly relevant in a world confronted by division, materialism, environmental degradation, and uncertainty.

He said Christians across denominations would join in the global ecumenical celebration of the Season of Creation, which runs from September 1, observed as the World Day of Prayer for Creation, to October 4.

“Dear brothers and sisters, men and women of goodwill, lovers of God’s creation, we rejoice in Season of Creation 2026,” the Archbishop said.

“Every year, Christians around the world are invited to pause and remember a truth that is at the heart of our faith: that creation is a gift of God and we are called to take care of it.”

He explained that the Season of Creation provides an opportunity for prayer, reflection, and practical action towards protecting the earth, which he described as humanity’s common home.

According to him, the 2026 celebration, themed “Immersion in Living Water,” calls attention to renewal, new life, and humanity’s responsibility to protect the environment.

Archbishop Martins stressed the importance of universal access to clean water and proper sanitation in homes, schools, healthcare facilities, and places of worship.

He also called for greater environmental education, urging parents, catechists, clerics, and faith communities to promote a culture that combines scientific knowledge, ethical responsibility, and spiritual formation.

“We must advocate for universal access to clean water and proper sanitation in our communities, homes, schools, health care facilities, churches, and mosques,” he said.

The Archbishop urged Nigerians to move away from the exploitation and domination of nature towards a relationship built on respect, humility, and responsible stewardship.

He said society must shift from mindless exploitation of natural resources to sustainable environmental practices and from short-term economic gains to long-term prosperity.

“We must recognise the fact that our own flourishing is intertwined with the healing of creation, and one can not be separated from the other,” he said.

Archbishop Martins urged individuals and communities to become agents of transformation by protecting the environment and accepting responsibility for the sustenance of the earth.

“Respect your environment, hold yourself accountable for the sustenance of the earth, and be a true steward of creation,” he said.

The message aligns with the environmental teachings of the late Pope Francis, particularly in his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si, which emphasised the connection between environmental protection and the wellbeing of humanity, especially the poor.

The call was also echoed in the message of Pope Leo XIV, who urged the people of goodwill to embrace peace, humility, and environmental responsibility.

“Let us all become Living Waters of God’s Peace, refreshing our wounded world,” Pope Leo XIV said.