Chima Azubuike
The Public Affairs Officer at the United States Consulate, Julie McKay, urged Nigerian journalists to focus on environmental stories, emphasising that there are many untold climate change-related happenings.
McKay stated this during a virtual panel discussion organised in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation and the United Nations Information Centre.
The theme of this year’s event is “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.”
She revealed that many Nigerians are eagerly awaiting accurate information from journalists, emphasizing that her organization has trained hundreds for enhanced reporting.
“The role of the independent press is more important than ever; what you do matters. For years, the US embassy has sponsored training for hundreds of Nigerian journalists in fact-checking, investigative journalism, and media ethics, covering topics such as health, elections, and the environment. The ongoing climate change is perhaps the most significant news story of our time and poses the greatest threat modern humans have ever faced,” she said.
McKay also stressed the need for renewed efforts, stating, “There are numerous environmental stories to be told in Nigeria. I hope this training will empower you to tell these stories for the benefit of your country and the millions of Nigerian citizens who rely on you for accurate reporting.”
Abdourahamane Diallo, the UNESCO Representative in Nigeria, highlighted the crucial role of journalism in addressing the existential crisis, particularly in Nigeria.
He pointed out that globally, over 70 per cent of environmental reporters have been attacked, with approximately 44 per cent killed in the past 15 years.
“70 per cent of environmental reporters have been victims of attacks and threats, and 44 per cent of environmental journalists have been killed in the last 15 years,” he added.
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