Media Has A Role In Combating Climate Change – Bago

By Oduyemi Odumade

In a bid to raise awareness and tackle the pressing issue of climate change, the Governor of Niger State, Mr. Muhammed Umar-Bago has urged the media to play a pivotal role by giving prominence to climate change-related issues.

Speaking at the 2023 retreat of the House of Representatives Press Corps, in Minna, Niger State with the theme ‘The Role of the Media in Mainstreaming Climate Change Policies Governor Bago noted the underreporting of adverse effects of climate change in Nigeria by the media.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, Alhaji Bago decried lack of adequate tools and skills among journalists to address climate change issues effectively.

The Governor who highlighted some adverse effects of climate change to include “desertification, erratic rainfall patterns, increased temperatures, insecurity among others said the consequences have far-reaching effects on agriculture, water resources, and the livelihoods of the residents of the state .

“This retreat could not have come at a better time since it precedes the first Green Economy Summit in Nigeria to be hosted by Niger State in a few days time.

“The theme of the retreat is indeed timely ahead of the Summit because whatever we discuss and whatever resolutions arrived at if the media does not convey it to the public, the essence would be defeated”.

“This can enable you to set an agenda for the Legislature and indeed the Executive. I hope that at the end of this retreat, you will all be better positioned to inform, educate and enlighten the society on the implications of climate change.Do not concentrate on reporting politics alone but also pay due attention to climate change because it directly affects human welfare and condition of living.

Governor Bago stressed that his administration is priotizing climate change to mitigate natural and manmade disasters through public awareness campaigns on preventive measures to save lives and reduce damage to property and infrastructure.

The Chairperson of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Comrade Grace Ike, described the governor’s decision to organize the Green Economy Summit in the state as an indication that he is at home with contemporary developmental issues.

The training which she described as the first of its kind, was organized to equip participants with the necessary modern techniques to effectively report issues of climate change.

Edited By Grace Namiji