Oluwatosin Enesi
The event which was held to discuss the current state of broadcasting in Nigeria and to chart a course for the future had the theme “Broadcast Media in Quagmire: What are the Options?”
The event provides an opportunity for stakeholders in the broadcasting industry to network, share ideas, and discuss ways to improve broadcasting in Nigeria. It also features keynote speeches from industry experts, panel discussions, and presentations on various topics related to broadcasting.
Guests at this year’s event include Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako.
In his address, the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako talked about ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND SYNERGY WITH THE MEDIA IN RELATION TO EFFECTIVE PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT.
Dr. Salako spoke about how crucial public enlightenment is to environmental issues.
“The crucial intersection of environmental issues and the role of the media in fostering effective public enlightenment in relation to the unprecedented challenges facing humanity in the form of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, loss of biodiversity and pollution, all a consequence of suboptimal environmental responsible human activities over the years cannot be over emphasized. Climate change is the most pressing and most threatening issue facing humanity today which according to the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, is akin to “humanity opening the gate of hell”. In Nigeria we see the effects of climate change manifesting as desertification, desert encroachment, land degradation, flooding and erosion all occurring on a grand scale and demanding our immediate attention and action.” He said.
He further noted the role of broadcasters in driving meaningful change in people’s approach to dealing with environmental challenges.
“As broadcasters, you occupy a unique and privileged position to drive meaningful change in our approach to dealing with these environmental challenges through awareness creation, sensitization, information dissemination and education to promote environmental responsibleness. Climate change is caused mainly by human activities such as burning fossil fuel for industrial and domestic use, tree felling, bush burning and over consumption.
These activities have resulted in irreversible increase in global temperature and extreme weather conditions as listed above. I am not trying to alarm us, but I must let you know that these extreme weather conditions are here with us and all we can do now is to slow down the rate and limit global warming so that things do not get worse than we currently have and adapt to the current realities.”
The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), established in 1973, is a coalition of public and private broadcasters in Nigeria. The organisation aims to foster a future-proof environment for radio, TV, and new media broadcasters to serve their audiences and contribute to the development of Nigerian society.
The General Assembly is the highest decision-making body of BON, and it meets annually to discuss issues affecting broadcasting in Nigeria. The Central Working Committee, Secretariat, and Board of Trustees are other organs of BON that work together to achieve the organization’s objectives.
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