From Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Nigeria Network of Peace Journalists (NNPJ) has organized a week-long series of activities to promote peace building, climate action, and environmental protection across the country, marking this year’s World International Interfaith Week of Harmony.
The Team Leader of the Nigeria Network of Peace Journalists, Ibrahima Yakubu, stated that the Network dedicated the week to intensive awareness campaigns through radio, television, print media, and stakeholder advocacy engagements focused on peace and environmental sustainability.
According to him, this year’s commemoration placed special emphasis on engaging multi-sectoral stakeholders, including religious leaders, government institutions, civil society organizations, youth groups, and development partners, to address pressing issues related to climate change, environmental degradation, deforestation, desertification, and other ecological challenges affecting humans, wildlife, and plant life.
He explained that the World International Interfaith Week of Harmony provides a unique and strategic opportunity for media networks to conduct large-scale campaigns—both online and offline to educate the public on the importance of loving and protecting the Earth.
Ibrahima emphasized that religious teachings across faiths encourage stewardship of the environment and discourage destructive practices such as indiscriminate tree felling.
He further noted that several newspapers, radio stations, and television platforms used the Harmony Week to sensitize the public on the dangers of deforestation and the long-term consequences of environmental neglect.
Media programs highlighted the role of religious leaders in encouraging afforestation, responsible land use, and sustainable environmental practices.
He said from 1st -7th February 2026, media organizations under The network has inform the general public on the importance of trees planting to mitigate deforestation desertification and other forms of environmental degradation
In addition, the Network utilized its monthly Kaduna Climate Hangout Forum (Kaduna climate hub) to engage media professionals, state government representatives, and development partners with environmentalist in discussions on how Interfaith Harmony Week could be used as a tool to mobilize indigenous communities toward tree planting initiatives and climate resilience programs.
He added that the week-long activities also included: Interfaith dialogue sessions focusing on climate justice and environmental peacebuilding. Community tree-planting campaigns involving youth and women groups.
“Public service announcements promoting eco-friendly practices while sensitizing the citizens on effect of air pollution due to burning of setting trash dump center on fire Social media campaigns targeting young audiences with climate awareness messages. Advocacy visits to relevant ministries and environmental agencies.
The Network stressed that environmental degradation is not only an ecological concern but also a peace and security issue. Resource scarcity, desertification, and climate-induced displacement can contribute to social tensions and conflict. Therefore, addressing environmental challenges through interfaith collaboration promotes both sustainable development and peaceful coexistence.
The Team Leader concluded by calling on religious institutions, media organizations, government agencies, and community leaders to institutionalize climate advocacy beyond Interfaith Week, ensuring sustained action throughout the year.
He urged faith leaders to integrate environmental messages into sermons, Friday prayers, and community teachings to foster a culture of environmental responsibility.
He reaffirmed the Network’s commitment to strengthening partnerships that promote environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
He thanked the King of Jordan for providing opportunities for people across the universe to think of working for peace to promote interreligious tolerance and better understanding towards promoting peaceful coexistence amongst different Faith based organizations.