In the city of Aba, in southeastern, a group of Catholic nuns are focused building a community interested in helping fight climate change. Leading this effort for the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, is Sister Maria Obiomachukwu Osuji, a nursing lecturer at the Archbishop Charles Heerey Memorial College of Nursing Sciences.
This small group of nuns is modeling climate friendly actions from planting a variety of trees that provide fruit, shade and help to hold soil in place against flooding to eco-friendly farming practices. They use waste collected from the goats and chickens they raise to create organic pesticides and compost their food waste to use as fertilizer.
Osuji also uses digital platforms to share information to encourage others to take climate actions.
As detailed in an article, despite the challenges of “limited land for cultivation, persistent pest infestations, irrigation challenges during the dry season, and insufficient funding for essential farming equipment” the Sisters remain committed to their efforts.
In conclusion Osuji says “‘We don't need to go to Mars or Jupiter. Earth is our common home. It's our responsibility to protect it.’”