TANZANIA: “Ignorance and Insolence has plunged us into Environmental Crises!” Says 100- Year-Old man
Elizabeth Asasha
One hundred-year-old man, Fidelis Nguvumali Ngadaya has linked the current environmental challenges to ignorance and deeply rooted human misconduct.
In an exclusive interview with AMECEA Online following the closure of the 20th AMECEA Plenary Assembly on Sunday, July 17, ‘Mzee’ Ngadaya drew a stark contrast between the past and present ecological situations, blaming obliviousness and a lack of decorum for the current human-nature.
According to Ngadaya, there was less pollution and the consequent impact on humanity in the past because young people were more responsible, and paid more attention to the advice of their elders, as opposed to the modern society, where such virtues have been eroded.
“Environmental pollution was not common during our times because children grew up with a lot of wisdom, obedience, and heeded the wise counsel given by their elders, but now things have changed; cultural morals have been lost” opined Ngadaya who recently celebrated his hundredth birthday anniversary.
When asked about the timeliness of acting to save our common home the earth, Ngadaya remained confident that there is still time to address crises, restore the long-lost splendor, and promote a healthy symbiotic existence between humans and nature.
“We cannot give up because the word of God itself reminds us to have faith. Parents should play their role of correcting, warning, and guiding children in the right direction,” he asserted adding that giving up would be even more detrimental to us, our children and the future generation
The elderly Tanzanian has also urged the youth to uphold their faith and lead virtuous lives as they promote environmental protection.
“I encourage young people to retrace the ancient ways; embrace faith, humility, and obedience to be able to shun delinquent behavior and focus on doing good to God’s people and the environment. “advised the elderly man who is a devout Catholic.
Mzee Ngadaya’s sentiments expressed his appreciation of the message of the papal encyclical “Laudato Si”, and the position of the Catholic Church, which views climate change as a moral issue that needs to be addressed in order to safeguard the planet Earth and everyone who lives on it.
