The Health of Mother Earth Foundation has called for accelerated action toward clean energy, environmental restoration, and stronger protection of ecosystems.

HOMEF, an ecology-focused non-governmental organisation, made the call in a statement on Wednesday by Kome Odhomor, the organisation’s communications/media lead, to commemorate the 2026 World Earth Day.

The executive director of HOMEF, Nnimmo Bassey, as saying that the theme for the 2026 edition, ‘Our Power, Our Planet’, underscored the need for both individual and collective efforts to cut carbon emissions, transition away from fossil fuels, and safeguard biodiversity.

Mr Bassey warned that escalating environmental challenges from erratic weather patterns to biodiversity loss required urgent and transformative responses rather than gradual change.

According to him, humanity must rethink its relationship with nature. People have the power to preserve the environment and secure a sustainable future.

”We must shift from colonial extraction to stewardship,” he said.

The HOMEF boss also highlighted the critical role ecosystems play in sustaining life, noting that environmental degradation threatens health, food security, and future generations.

He cautioned that failing to act was equivalent to ”burning our father’s house only to inherit the ashes”.

He drew attention to persistent environmental hazards in Nigeria, particularly ongoing oil-related disasters.

He described the disasters as urgent ecological and public safety threats requiring immediate government intervention.

Mr Bassey urged relevant authorities to decommission hazardous sites, rehabilitate affected environments, and support impacted communities. He also encouraged residents to mark the day through practical actions such as tree planting, reducing single-use plastics, and embracing zero-waste practices.

He explained that Earth Day should go beyond symbolic celebration, calling for a renewed global commitment to defend the planet and secure a liveable future for all.

(NAN)