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By Maduka Nweke, [email protected]
The Sterling One Foundation (SOF) said it has evolved a mechanism through which the public can be educated on hazards of environmental pollution and subsequent disasters that could be caused to the environment if not checked.
Recently, the SOF partnered with Microsoft Nigeria, Sterling Bank, The Sun Media Media, Oando Foundation, Coca Cola and other private sector organisations to launch a transformative capacity-strengthening workshop, with the goal of empowering media to escalate the urgency of the climate change crisis through their reporting.
The event with theme ‘Achieving the SDGs: Strengthening Media Capacities for Effective Reportage’ commenced in Lagos with a two-day advocacy training aimed at equipping media professionals and journalists in Nigeria with the skills and knowledge required to amplify narratives on climate adaptation and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The workshop is a response to the global challenge of climate change, which poses a significant risk to human health, affecting various aspects of society 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 Organisation 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.
CEO of the SOF, Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, underscored the importance of enhancing media advocacy on climate change during her address. She said that the training was more than just a conventional capacity-building exercise; it served as a resolutecall 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,” she said.
The two-day media capacity-strengthening workshop featured in-depth sessions covering an array of topics, including editorial issues, the art of effective climate reporting and sustainable environmental practices.
Facilitators at the event included, Victor Emeruwa, Chief Executive Officer of The Sun Media Foundation, Fidelis Mbah Journalist at Al Jazeera English TV and Executive Director, Development Reporter, Seun Akioye.
Microsoft Nigeria’s Country Manager, Ola Williams, expressed satisfaction with the training and its anticipated societal impact. She also underscored Microsoft’s collaboration with various sectors and foundations that share the same mission of effecting change by providing nationwide training oppourtunities.
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.
