Though God gave man control over the earth, it is also expected that he treats it with respect. That is the advice given by the Most Reverend Mathew Kukah, the Catholic bishop of Sokoto diocese recently. He was speaking at the 24th edition of CHIEF S. L. Edu Memorial lecture. The event, which was organised by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, NCF, held on January 30, 2026, at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Hall, Victoria Island, Lagos. Speaking on the theme “To Have and To Hold: Faith, Moral Authority and Care of our Common Home”, Bishop Kukah admonished Nigerians across the divide and also the people of faith to treat the earth with decency.
He said, the theme of the lecture does not signify ownership or domination, rather it indicates love, fidelity, restraint and responsibility.
While quoting from the Bible, he said the call for humanity to “subdue” and “rule” the earth should not be seen as a blank cheque to plunder the earth of its forest but to align with God’s will.
He opined that our moral and political failures has made the forests bare through extractive industries and logging companies.
While he also averred that Africa as a continent and Nigeria in particular are only relating to environments from the perspective of subjugation and utility, he noted that Nigeria’s acceptance of “bush meat” culture, and the neglect of animals is a question of moral crisis.