In an effort to bolster the role of journalism in environmental advocacy, a group of National Youth Services Corps (NYSC) members advocating for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) visited the Nigerian Observer newspaper complex in Benin City, May 3, 2024. Their visit coincided with the World Press Freedom Day, which this year had the theme, “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the Environmental Crisis.”
The delegation was spearheaded by Mr Emmanuel Adebayo, the president of the NYSC Community Development Service (CDS) group for Sustainable Development Goals. In his address, Mr Adebayo underscored the pivotal role the press plays in confronting ecological adversities, such as rampant deforestation, unchecked illegal mining operations, and the escalating issue of water contamination. He called on the media to intensify awareness campaigns and ensure comprehensive coverage of these pressing environmental concerns.
Welcoming the advocates, the Nigerian Observer’s Managing Director, Mr Osa Victor Obayagbona, reaffirmed the newspaper’s commitment to journalistic freedom. Reflecting on recent high-profile celebrity controversies, he underscored the perils of circulating unverified information and implored his editorial team to uphold the highest standards of fact-checking.
Representing the Nigerian Observer, Mr Teliat Sule, one of the editors, conveyed the publication’s dedication to environmental stewardship and expressed eagerness to join forces with the SDGs CDS Group on upcoming initiatives. He emphasized the significance of crafting indigenous policies and harnessing local expertise to drive sustainable progress across the African continent.
The gathering also featured an interactive session, where members of the National Youth Service Corps and the Nigerian Observer’s staff engaged in a dialogue about the hurdles and potential remedies associated with the proliferation of misinformation, the oversight of social media platforms, and the enhancement of Nigeria’s global reputation.
As the event progressed, discussions delved into the intricate relationship between environmental journalism and policy-making. Experts highlighted the need for a symbiotic partnership where media coverage informs policy decisions, and in turn, robust policies provide substantive content for journalistic exploration.
The Corps members concluded their visit with a rallying cry, urging the media fraternity to align with their mission in championing the realization of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
