The Sterling One Foundation has held a two-day capacity-strengthening workshop for journalists with the aim of equipping media professionals with the skills and knowledge required to amplify narratives on climate adaptation and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Themed: ‘Achieving the SDGs: Strengthening Media Capacities for Effective Reportage’, the two-day workshop was held in collaboration with Microsoft Nigeria, Sterling Bank, The Sun Media, Oando Foundation, Coca Cola and other private sector organizations.
While giving her welcome remarks at the event, Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of the Sterling One Foundation, said the workshop is more than just a conventional capacity-building exercise but has been designed to serve as a resolute call to action.
Mrs. Ibekwe said “with only seven years remaining until 2030, complacency and the status quo are no longer sustainable. It is now imperative for both the media and private sector working with stakeholders to proactively address the challenges posed by climate change.
“In line with this commitment, the Sterling One Foundation has taken on the responsibility of providing comprehensive training to over 100 journalists, utilizing both in-person and virtual formats, with a specific focus on the northeastern regions of the country,” she added.
Ola Williams, Microsoft Nigeria’s Country Manager, expressed her satisfaction with the training’s achievements and its anticipated societal impact. She also underscored Microsoft’s collaboration with various sectors and foundations that share the organization’s mission of effecting positive change by providing nationwide training opportunities to empower individuals.
“Microsoft is committed to working with key stakeholders across both the public and private sector to escalate the importance of the climate crisis. The goal of this two-day workshop was to serve as a catalyst for change, fostering an environment where the media assumed a central role in helping to combat climate change and advocate 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,” she said.
Victor Emeruwa, Chief Executive Officer of The Sun Media Foundation, urged journalists to provide a watchdog role, adding that “the role of the media transcends transmitting information, you must provide a watchdog role.”
On his part, Fidelis Mbah, Senior Journalist, AI Jazeera English TV, who spoke on the need for journalists to make SDGs connection for adequate reportage also charged journalists to tell the whole stories, including the solutions.
The two-day media capacity-strengthening workshop featured in-depth sessions covering an array of topics, including editorial issues, the art of effective climate reporting, and sustainable environmental practices. Facilitators include Seun Akioye, Executive Director, Development Reporter, and David Lawal of Sterling One Foundation.