Media
Media Expert Decries Poor Media Coverage of Environment
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Veteran Environmental journalist and Editor-in-Chief of NatureNews Newspaper, Aliu Akoshile has decried the low coverage and little space being accorded environment issues by media professionals in the country.
Akoshile, former Managing Director of Daily Times Newspapers disclosed this in Obajana during a two-day environmental journalism workshop at Dangote Cement Company, Obajana, Kogi State.
The training workshop was organized by Dangote Group in partnership with Climate Africa Media Initiative Centre (CAMIC) for about 50 journalists from the North Central Geo-political zone of the country.
The veteran journalist who was also the lead facilitator for the Media training themed: “Reporting the Environment For Sustainability”, said journalists had the onerous task of informing and educating the people and should consistently inform and educate them about their environment.
“Environment has placed responsibility on us as journalists. Our professional calling imposes on us responsibility of informing the public. There is therefore need for us to incorporate environment into everything we do.
Akoshile, who is also the Executive Director, CAMIC regretted that the environment had been grossly under reported adding that International Press Institute (IPI) also recently pointed out this aberration.
He noted that the environment was equal to, if not more important than the socio-economic and political issues which dominate the media space.
He posited that climate change had necessitated a shift in journalism practice making constant update a dire requirement adding that as journalists, “You are the link between the environment and the people.
“Neglecting our environment as journalists is detrimental to us as a nation. We must join hands together, to secure our environment. This can be done by giving in-depth coverage of what is happening in our environment.”
He urged that all hands must be on deck to check devastating effects of climate change which now posed the single biggest health threat to humanity.
Akoshile said that it was therefore imperative to organize the workshop to train and encourage Media Professionals to delve into environmental journalism.
“Our survival is dependent on the well-being of the environment. The environment has been there before us and we need it more than it needs us, therefore, we must protect it from harm for our own good as humans.
Akoshile also frowned at the mode of the practice of Citizens journalism saying it remained a veritable tool for promotion fake news, misinformation and disinformation.
He therefore called for gate keeping through regulations in to check their operations and urged trained professional journalists to remain focused in the discharge of their duties.
“It is a major problem we are facing today in the media. It is affecting our revenue and affecting our integrity. We must join hands to protect our profession”, he said.
Akoshile charged journalists to increase their capacity by interrogating information gotten from their environment and avoid use of scientific jargons to prevent mis-leading or misinforming the general public. (Ends)
The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has bestowed its prestigious Award of Excellence on Mrs. Georgina Humphrey, the Head of Political and Current Affairs at Radio Nigeria’s Kapital FM, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to promoting urban and regional planning initiatives in Nigeria.
Mrs. Humphrey, a respected journalist and advocate for sustainable development, also received a special honor for amplifying the Institute’s commitment to best practices in urban development and planning.
While accepting the award, Mrs. Humphrey expressed gratitude to God’s grace and wisdom for guiding her career. She remarked:
“Doing what gives me joy, I never knew people were listening and following.”
The recognition highlights Mrs. Humphrey’s dedication to journalism and her role in fostering public awareness about the importance of effective urban planning and development policies in Nigeria.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has expressed deep sadness over the passing of veteran journalist and National Treasurer of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria), Hajia Rafatu Salami, who died early Friday in Abuja.
In a condolence message, Governor Ododo extended heartfelt sympathies to her family, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the International Press Institute (IPI), and the Voice of Nigeria (VON), where she served as Assistant Director, Digital Media until her death.
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah in a statement quoted the Governor to have jndicated,
“We mourn the loss of Hajia Rafatu Salami, an exceptional journalist, a woman of integrity, and a devoted public servant. Her legacy of courage, professionalism, and compassion will remain a source of inspiration,”
Governor Ododo prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and asked God to grant her family strength and comfort in this time of grief.
Hajia Rafatu Salami, who hailed from Ihima in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State, died at the age of 55 and was buried at the Gudu Cemetery in Abuja in accordance with Islamic rites.
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation, popularly known as Radio Kogi (FM 94.1), is set to commence 24-hour uninterrupted broadcasting, thanks to the financial support and commitment of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
The Director-General of the corporation, Princess Nana Hauwa Yusuff, made the announcement during the 2025 Budget Defense session of the Ministry of Information and Communication at the Kogi State House of Assembly.
She disclosed that Governor Ododo had approved and released funds for the acquisition and installation of a Studio Transmission Link (STL), a key component necessary for continuous transmission. She added that the installation was currently underway.
“This achievement is a testament to the unwavering support of Governor Ododo, whose interventions have been instrumental in revitalizing the state’s broadcasting services,” Princess Yusuff stated.
While commending the governor’s efforts, the Director-General appealed for the renovation of the corporation’s headquarters in Lokoja, which she described as overdue after years of operation without significant upgrades.
She further urged the state government to exempt the corporation from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to enable management to respond promptly to operational challenges and improve service delivery.
Princess Yusuff highlighted that Governor Ododo’s initiatives had not only enhanced the infrastructure of Radio Kogi but also motivated staff to perform better, positioning the station to serve the information and entertainment needs of the people of Kogi State effectively.
The planned 24-hour transmission is expected to expand the station’s reach and impact, solidifying its role as a reliable platform for communication within the state.
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