GBEMILE OLUWATOSIN
We now eat plastics instead of fresh fish as a result of our attitude of littering the environment and throwing of pet bottles in ocean.
This was the submission of Executive Director, Development Reporter, Seun Akioye while addressing fellow journalists during a two day advocacy training program “Achieving the SDGs, Sustainable Development Goals: Strengthen Media Capacities for Effective Reportage”.
Seun Akioye, stressed on the need to actively report on environmental news that will translate to healthy lifestyle. However, the training is basically aimed to empower media professionals across the country to amplify issues surrounding climate adaptation and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In celebration of the International Day for Climate Action, the Sterling One Foundation, Microsoft Nigeria, Sterling Bank, The Sun Media, Oando Foundation, Coca-Cola and other private sector entities, team up as a forces in funds and other resources to showcase their commitment on SDGs to address the global challenges on climate change.
The workshop served as a response to the global challenge of climate change, which poses a significant risk to human health and well-being, affecting various aspects of society, economics, and the natural world.
Alarming statistics from the United in Science report reveal that from 1970 to 2021, almost 12,000 recorded disasters, associated with extreme weather, climate, and water-related incidents, led to over two million casualties and a staggering $4.3 trillion in economic losses.
Additionally, projections from the World Health Organization news indicate that between 2030 and 2050, climate change is poised to contribute to approximately 250,0000 additional annual fatalities, primarily attributed to malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress. Empowering the media with the necessary tools to address these pressing issues is important.
Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of the Sterling One Foundation, underscored the vital importance of enhancing media advocacy on climate change during her address. She conveyed that the training was more than just a conventional capacity-building exercise; it served as a resolute call to action. “With only seven years remaining until 2030, complacency and the status quo are no longer sustainable. It is now imperative for both the media and private sector working with stakeholders to proactively address the challenges posed by climate change. In line with this commitment, the Sterling One Foundation has taken on the responsibility of providing comprehensive training to over 100 journalists, utilizing both in-person and virtual formats, with a specific focus on the northeastern regions of the country,” she said.
Furthermore, CEO, The Sun Media Foundation, Victor Emeruwa, spoke on “The Role of Media in Climate Action,” that journalist needs to keep reporting on climate stories until change happens, while Al Jazeera English TV Senior Journalist, Fidelis Mbah, noted that journalist should always put human face whenever they’re reporting climate change stories as it is International Best Practices on Reporting Climate Change.
The trainers collectively instructed journalists to look deeply into issues, presenting them in an editorial context that enriches policy formations. They emphasize the importance of crafting engaging and compelling headlines that captivate readers without being dull or off-putting.
Microsoft Nigeria’s Country Manager, Ola Williams expressed her satisfaction with the training’s achievements and its anticipated societal impact. She also underscored Microsoft’s collaboration with various sectors and foundations that share the organization’s mission of effecting positive change by providing nationwide training opportunities to empower individuals.
“Microsoft is committed to working with key stakeholders across both the public and private sector to escalate the importance of the climate crisis. The goal of this two-day workshop was to serve as a catalyst for change, fostering an environment where the media assumed a central role in helping to combat climate change and advocate for sustainable practices. By bringing together industry experts and thought leaders, we created a platform for fruitful discussions, knowledge sharing, and strategic collaborations, with the potential to drive positive momentum in sustainability efforts and climate action,” she said.