It gladdens my heart to be so honoured by everyone who joined me in celebrating the successful completion of my Doctorate Degree in Ecotheology and Palynological Studies at the Global Christian-Care
Biblical University & Chaplaincy College (GCBUCC), Ibadan. I am here to say, "Thanks for being there and for sharing my joy." May God mark you all up for honour and recognition.
Coming from an academic background in the pure sciences; B.Sc. Botany, Unilag and M.Sc. Botany (Palynology), Unibadan, nurturing a growing interest in Ecotheology is like the viewing of a new vista, the obtaining of new perspectives.
The challenges of being an ecotheologist are many:
1. The ecotheologist stands at the intersection of faith and environment, analysing how religious world views contribute to or can help solve environmental problems.
2. He investigates and interrogates a holistic view of creation, arguing that a deity is not just the God of salvation for humans, but also the creator of all living things, emphasizing their intrinsic value and interconnectedness.
3. He explores the moral imperative for humans to act as stewards of the Earth and care for all creation.
4. He is solution-oriented, seeks not only to identify problems but also to propose solutions, often integrating spiritual and theological insights with scientific and educational efforts.
5. He is multidisciplinary and interfaith, incorporating insights from various religious traditions and indigenous worldviews.
With the conferment on me today of a Doctorate in Ecotheology and Palynological Studies, I humbly accept these challenges. Thomas Kuhn once said, "The answers you get, depend upon the questions you ask". I'm trusting God to guide me to ask the right questions at all times, and to obtain the right answers every time, for the benefit of our people and the uplifting of our fatherland.
Your support goes a long way in making this happen. It propels me to extend the frontiers of knowledge and contribute original thought, thereby shaping policies and influencing development. Together, we will make our world and society a better place than we met it.
Once again, thanks.
Mr Olubunmi Sodipo, Ph.D.
October 25, 2025
#faith #environment #ecotheology
#ecotheologist #holisticview #ethics
#moral. #multidisciplinary. #interfaith
#palynology. #palynologist #bunmidipo
