Sterling One Foundation (SOF) in partnership with the British High Commission, organised a media dialogue to promote support for effective communication for development and raising awareness on critical issues with priority for Climate Action.
The media dialogue was in commemoration of the International Day of Climate Action for 2022, with the theme: ‘The Transition to a Circular Economy- Partnerships to Solve Pressing Challenges’ in Lagos.
Speaking to participants at the event, chief executive officer (CEO) of Sterling One Foundation, Peju Ibekwe said,“There has never been a more urgent need to revive damaged ecosystems than now and we need urgent action to address these pressing issues. We must shift from harming the planet to healing it.”
Ibekwe said, “Unfortunately, in Nigeria, we still experience rampant ignorance, apathy, carelessness and lack of follow through when it comes to issues and conversations around climate action and clear understanding by the common man.
“The role of the media in communicating this effectively, breaking down the implications to all levels of government and society, especially setting the agenda and driving much needed action across all realms in the society is critical, hence this timely dialogue.”
She noted that climate change is one of the defining issues in society today, adding that, Sterling One Foundation has prioritised multi-stakeholder engagements in driving advocacy, furthering conversations towards increased awareness and effective action in driving innovative solutions to combat this menace while promoting collaboration and accountable reportage by the media.
She said,“As the world pursues a transformative recovery from COVID-19 and continues on the Decade of Action for accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), people, organisations and the media are essential parts of the intrinsic system to drive the required change and there has never been a more urgent need to focus on this mandate than now.”
The CEO of SOF said, the partnership with the British Deputy High Commission, led by Mr. Ben Llewellyn-Jones, will activate pre-COP27 engagements with young people, schools, educators, government, CSOs, media and the private sector.
In his address of welcome, British deputy high commissioner, Mr. Ben Llewellyn-Jones said climate change is a common concern for all countries because it is an urgent and potentially irreversible threat.
He noted that, considering the impact of climate change, and of course COVID-19, building back a fairer, greener and more resilient recovery and safer economy should be a big priority of all governments and gatekeepers across the globe, including the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
Llewellyn-Jones said, key sectors impacted by climate change in Nigeria are; agriculture, water and health sector, stressing that 70 per cent of the population rely on climate-dependent resources while about 55 per cent of the 200 million plus population have access to electricity and fuel, whereas wood and charcoal are the major sources of energy for the rural population.
