The Sterling One Foundation (SOF), in partnership with Microsoft Nigeria, Sterling Bank, The Sun Media, Oando Foundation, Coca Cola, and other private sector organisations, has launched a National Sustainability Media Workshop aimed at empowering media professionals to play a pivotal role in addressing the climate change crisis.
The programme, titled ‘Achieving the SDGs: Strengthening Media Capacities for Effective Reportage,’ kicked off in Lagos with a two-day advocacy training designed to equip journalists and media practitioners in Nigeria with the skills and knowledge needed to amplify narratives on climate adaptation and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Marking the International Day for Climate Action, Sterling One Foundation showcased its commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship through this initiative. The workshop responded to the urgent global challenge of climate change, which poses severe risks to human health, well-being, and the overall stability of societies, economies, and the natural world.
According to statistics from the United in Science report, nearly 12,000 recorded disasters from 1970 to 2021, linked to extreme weather, climate, and water-related incidents resulted in over two million casualties and $4.3 trillion in economic losses. Projections from the World Health Organisation also indicate that climate change could contribute to approximately 250,000 additional annual fatalities between 2030 and 2050.
Recognising the crucial role of media in addressing these challenges, the Sterling One Foundation aims to empower journalists with the tools needed to make a positive impact.
Chief Executive Officer of the Sterling One Foundation, Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, in her address, stated that complacency and the status quo are no longer sustainable with only seven years remaining until 2030,
“It is now imperative for both the media and the private sector, in collaboration with stakeholders, to proactively address the challenges posed by climate change.”
The foundation has taken on the responsibility of providing comprehensive training to over 100 journalists, utilising both in-person and virtual formats, with a specific focus on the northeastern regions of the country.
The two-day media capacity-strengthening workshop featured sessions on editorial issues, the art of effective climate reporting, and sustainable environmental practices. Facilitators included Victor Emeruwa, CEO of The Sun Media Foundation, Fidelis Mbah, Senior Journalist at Al Jazeera English TV, and Seun Akioye, Executive Director of Development Reporter.
Microsoft Nigeria’s Country Manager, Ola Williams, expressed satisfaction with the training’s achievements and anticipated societal impact. She emphasised Microsoft’s commitment to working with key stakeholders to elevate the importance of the climate crisis and foster an environment where the media plays a central role in combating climate change and advocating 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.”
SOF is a registered non-profit focused on tackling the root causes of poverty in Nigeria and Africa through interventions and social impact programs across five critical sectors: climate action, health, education, and youth development, gender equality and empowerment, and food security. The Foundation’s programs adopt a central theme of prioritising partnerships for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). More information on the foundation can be found on www.onefoundation.ng.
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