From Sola Ojo, Kaduna
As climate change related-issues such as environmental degradation, floods, wildfire, pollution, deforestation, desertification, and gully erosion bite harder, stakeholders including journalists are collaborating to reduce the impacts in Kaduna and Nigeria as a whole.
A diverse group of stakeholders from various fields including education, science, geology, journalism, concerned civil society, and non-governmental organizations had gathered at the Kaduna State secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) for a one-day climate hangout to discuss issues raised in COP 28, develop a strategy towards environmental sustainability through shared responsibility.
Speaking during the meeting, Special Assistant to the Kaduna State Governor on Climate Change, Yusuf Idris Amoke, underscored the imperative of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to position the state as a leader in environmental conservation.
Reflecting on the lessons learned from Cop 28, Amoke emphasised the pivotal role played by journalists covering climate change, environment, and science issues in educating the public.
The SA asserted that environmental journalism serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness about climate change, highlighting that an informed society is the most effective defense against environmental challenges.
He called on environmental journalists to monitor weather patterns and investigate the factors contributing to the extinction of various species, including plants and animals.
Amoke further asked journalists to include the minority tribes especially those that have been adversely affected by deforestation and environmental degradation in their reportage to ensure all hands are on deck to address the ugly situation.
He however expressed the state government’s willingness to collaborate with organisations supporting development initiatives with great ideas to work collectively for the good of the state.
Representative of the Africa Institute of Waste Management and Environmental studies, Dr. Ahmed Lateef Tayo emphasised the necessity of engaging more stakeholders in the fight against environmental degradation and climate change in the country ahead of the 2030 sustainable development goal target.
For example, he suggested involving all the wives of the 36 state governments in tree-planting activities and encouraging households and teenagers to participate.
On his part, Executive Director of Ozone Layer and Climate Initiative, Rabiu Abubakar, called on all Nigerians to support the government in preventing atmospheric pollution caused by human activities.
Rounding up the meeting, the Acting Chairman of NUJ in Kaduna State, Mr. Daniel Duniya, thanked the organisers of the climate hangout, calling for increased training opportunities for environmental journalists.