By Samson Adeyanju

Twenty finalists from across Nigeria have begun the final stage of the fourth edition of the National Essay Competition in Abuja, following an orientation session designed to prepare them for the decisive examination.

The finalists arrived in the Federal Capital Territory for a four-day, all-expenses-paid programme featuring the essay examination, institutional tours and opportunities for learning and networking.

The competition, the brainchild of Mr Foluso Ojo, is sponsored by the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).

Ahead of the examination, the finalists participated in an orientation session led by Professor Omotosho Borisade of Ekiti State University, who serves as the competition’s umpire.

The session familiarised participants with the competition’s rules and regulations, examination guidelines and assessment criteria, helping them understand the requirements of the final stage.

The essay examination is scheduled to begin today at 9 a.m., after which the finalists are expected to embark on institutional tours around Abuja.

The programme is designed to extend beyond the contest itself, exposing the finalists to new learning opportunities, professional connections and experiences in the nation’s capital.

The competition brings together young Nigerians to demonstrate their writing ability, knowledge, creativity and critical-thinking skills as they compete for the top honours.

With the finalists prepared for the examination, attention now turns to their performance and the eventual emergence of the competition’s champion.

By Samson Adeyanju

Caritas Nigeria has called on Nigerians to embrace what Pope Francis describes as “ecological conversion,” urging citizens, institutions and governments to move beyond environmental rhetoric and take concrete action against climate change and environmental degradation.

The call was made during the commemoration of World Environment Day 2026 at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) Training Hall, Abuja, under the theme: “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”

Delivering an address on behalf of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, the Deputy Secretary, Rev. Fr. Augustine Okochi, described care for the environment as a moral, spiritual and ethical responsibility rooted in Christian faith.

“Our concern for the environment is not a passing trend. It is part of our moral duty, our Christian witness, and our responsibility to future generations,” he said.

Fr. Okochi noted that climate change is already affecting communities through flooding, land degradation, water pollution, rising temperatures and declining livelihoods, with the poor, women, children and displaced persons bearing the greatest burden.

He commended Caritas Nigeria’s efforts in environmental awareness, tree planting, climate-smart agriculture and support for vulnerable communities, while urging families, schools, parishes and institutions to cultivate a culture of environmental stewardship.

Speaking at the event, Caritas Nigeria’s Environmental Focus President, Dr. Pascal Onu, stressed the importance of educating young people on environmental protection through debate and quiz competitions.

“We believe it is important to catch them young. When we imbibe the right environmental culture in our children, it goes a long way in protecting the environment,” he said.

Dr. Onu identified inadequate infrastructure, poor waste management systems and limited funding as major obstacles to environmental sustainability despite increasing public awareness of climate issues.

Also speaking, Director of the Department of Climate Change at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to climate action through initiatives such as the National Adaptation Plan, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the Just Transition Action Plan and the National Clean Cooking Policy.

She emphasized the role of young people in advancing climate solutions through programmes such as the Eco-Schools Initiative and the Youth Climate Innovation Hub.

In a goodwill message, the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), represented by Chief Environmental Health Officer Omenta Rachael Chinenye, urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from nature in addressing environmental challenges and commended the active participation of students in climate debates.

Students at the event said the programme deepened their understanding of environmental protection, forest conservation and sustainable living, pledging to promote environmental responsibility in their schools and communities.

The event brought together religious leaders, government officials, environmental experts, students and development partners who renewed their commitment to building a cleaner, greener and more climate-resilient Nigeria.

By Samson Adeyanju 

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has described the recent attack on a church gathering in Eda Oniyo, Ekiti State, where a pastor was killed and several worshippers abducted, as an assault on the Church, human dignity, and the sanctity of life.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the President of CAN, His Eminence, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN expressed deep shock over the incident, noting that the victims were attacked while peacefully gathered for an open-air crusade.

The association strongly condemned the violence, stressing that it was not only an attack on a place of worship but also a “brutal assault on shared humanity.”

CAN mourned with the family of the slain pastor and expressed solidarity with the victims and the Christian community in Ekiti State. It also called for the immediate and safe release of those abducted, urging security agencies to act without delay.

The association further noted that the Ekiti incident reflects a disturbing pattern of insecurity, referencing similar attacks in parts of Kogi State where residents, including clergy and their families, were abducted. It warned that the repeated incidents point to a deepening security crisis in the country.

CAN stressed that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government, calling for swift, decisive, and transparent action to apprehend the perpetrators and rescue the abducted victims unharmed.

It also urged authorities to strengthen security presence in vulnerable communities and improve intelligence gathering to prevent further attacks.

The body condemned what it described as the growing normalization of violence against worshippers, warning that such acts reflect a dangerous disregard for life, faith, and national values.

It called on Nigerians and relevant authorities to speak out firmly against insecurity and ensure that places of worship are not turned into targets for criminal attacks.

CAN concluded by praying for comfort for the bereaved families, the safe return of the abducted worshippers, and lasting peace and security in the country.