Clean Water, Greener Communities: Archbishop Martins Challenges Governments, Others

Clean Water, Greener Communities: Archbishop Martins Challenges Governments, Others

 

The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, has called on governments, industries, farmers, local authorities and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to protect the environment.

He specifically urged them to ensure access to clean water and promote responsible waste disposal.

Archbishop Martins made the call as Christians across the world commenced the 2026 Season of Creation, a period dedicated to prayer, reflection and action for the protection of the earth.

In his homily and special message marking the season, which runs from September 1 to October 4, the Archbishop urged governments to formulate and implement policies that would guarantee universal access to safe and nourishing food, while ensuring that the benefits of biodiversity are shared equitably.

He also called on churches, mosques and other stakeholders to support greening initiatives and encourage communities to grow their own food, while denouncing pollution in all its forms.

Martins further urged governments, industries, farmers and local authorities to protect water sources and demonstrate greater responsibility in the disposal of waste.

He said the 2026 Season of Creation, themed “Immersion in Living Water,” provides an opportunity for people to recognise creation as a gift from God and accept the responsibility of protecting it.

According to him, Christians across denominations are expected to use the period to deepen their commitment to ecological responsibility through prayer, reflection and concrete action.

“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 also stressed the importance of environmental education, urging parents, catechists, clerics and faith communities to promote education that combines scientific knowledge with ethics and spiritual formation.

He warned against the continued exploitation of nature for short-term gains, saying humanity must move from “mindless exploitation to care of the earth” and rethink its values, economic systems and priorities.

Martins said human wellbeing was inseparable from the health of the environment, noting that the flourishing of humanity was intertwined with the healing of creation.

“Becoming part of the river, let us all overcome our fears and step into the waters of God’s love. Let us become part of the river of transformation, bringing healing and renewal to creation, bringing hope and blessing to the earth, our common home,” he said.

He urged Nigerians and other people of goodwill to become responsible stewards of the environment by respecting their surroundings and accepting personal responsibility for sustaining the earth.

The Season of Creation coincides with the 2026 Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology. The Jubilee runs from January 1, 2026 to January 2027, while the Season of Creation ends on October 4, the feast day of St. Francis.

The Archbishop also referenced the environmental teachings of the late Pope Francis in Laudato Si’, particularly its emphasis on the inseparable relationship between the “cry of the earth” and the “cry of the poor.”

Pope Leo XIV, in his own message, similarly urged Catholics and people of goodwill to draw inspiration from St. Francis’ commitment to peace, humility, poverty and care for creation.

The 2026 Season of Creation, now in its fifth edition, is therefore expected to galvanise Christians and other stakeholders worldwide towards greater environmental responsibility and action.