- The Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, characterized climate change as one of the most significant issues currently facing the nation
Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has attributed the rising insecurity in the country in part to the challenges posed by climate change.
He made this observation on Friday in Minna, the capital of Niger State, during a climate change retreat organized by the Niger State Government for the House of Representatives Press Corps.
The Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, characterized climate change as one of the most significant issues currently facing the nation.
He said, “In Nigeria, it (climate change) is a matter of concern to governments and experts because it is happening at a very frightening level. We have problems of flood, desertification, environmental pollution, etc, and despite efforts being made, the devastating effects of climate change are recorded yearly. Even part of the insecurity we face today is attributed to climate change, which deserves priority attention.
“Unfortunately, it seems some of these disasters are even under-reported. Perhaps, the media is not adequately equipped to handle this. I believe that as journalists who report from the parliament, where laws are enacted, it is essential that you acquire the necessary skills and tools to mainstream climate change. This can enable you to set an agenda for the legislature and indeed the executive.”
“Since my assumption of office, we have raised the ante of informing the public about preventive measures to save lives and reduce damage to property and infrastructure. We are willing to collaborate with the media to drive this advocacy as well as work out strategies to put climate change issues on the front burner,” he added.
In his keynote address with the theme, “The role of the media in mainstreaming climate change policies,” Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Abubakar Suleiman urged the media to play an active role in sensitising the society on the importance of climate change policies and their place in the sustenance of the environment.
Represented by the General Manager, Democracy Radio, Mr Kudu Abubakar, the NILDS DG said, “The media must keep the legislature informed about issues and developments in climate change policies so that when it fails, it can be held accountable.”
Earlier in her welcome address, the chairperson of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Grace Ike, underscored the importance of the media in information dissemination.
“The media, as we are all aware, plays a significant role in the development of society. And any public or elected official who knows his or her onions and wants to succeed always courts the media because no matter how well you perform, if the media does not tell your story, your achievements will remain elusive and anonymous.