By Atokolo Emmanuel Adejo

As the nation celebrated World Press Freedom Day on the 3rd of May, 2024 at the National Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja, the theme was focused on the challenges faced by journalists through the environmental crisis. There was a joint press conference with UNESCO and the Federal Ministry of Environment with the theme, “A Press For The Planet: Journalism In The Face Of Environmental Crisis.”

The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris in his speech noted that the theme is a call to action as “we are confronted with an environmental crisis of unprecedented magnitude that is hazardous to the planet and human existence.”

Still speaking, he emphasised that in the heat of this crisis, Journalists are the “guardians of truth and champions of accountability. They are the watchdogs of the government and society that are tasked with exposing ills in the society and amplifying the voices of those affected by environmental degradation and through investigative reporting, they hold the government and corporations accountable for their actions.”

He noted that the theme of the conference echoes the vision of the Ministry and that of President Tinubu which is poised at restoring trust, reorienting national values and fostering a good relationship with journalists and a conducive environment for the media. He further stated that he is happy that the current administration under the leadership of President Tinubu gives precedence to responsible media coverage as credible and timely information can help enlighten and inform the public.

In advocating for the rights of Journalists, the Minister pointed out that Journalists face vile treatments in carrying out their job as they are often threatened and harassed. He noted that press freedom is not just a fundamental human right but is also key for environmental sustainability. He appreciated those who made the conference possible and gave Journalists a call to action to see themselves as defenders of truth and as members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, they are important in the strategising and development of the nation.

A follow up speech was made by the Honourable Minister of State for Environment, Federal Ministry of Environment,  Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako who stated that the Environmental crisis is a “central culprit” that has caused havoc to livelihood and has displaced so many others. According to him, the press is a framework for informing, educating and stimulating the public.

While still speaking, he noted that many people are ignorant about the impact of climate change and through the press, people can be fully aware of such developments which helps stimulate mass action that pivots towards positive change. He said that lifestyle is a key factor contributing to the environmental crisis and as such they are ready to work with members of the press to come to a resolution on how to tackle lifestyle related environmental crises which the press will inform and sensitise the public on.

He stated that at the forefront of trying to combat environmental crisis in the nation are Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), their long term low development emission strategy, commitment to achieving net zero emissions and their framework for biodiversity which is a testament to its dedication to combat these crisis plaguing the planet.

In regard to this, the Federal Ministry of Environment is propagating nature based solutions to these crises through planting of trees, urban greening and restoring wetlands, mangrove restoration and are also on the pathway to adopting more environmentally friendly energy sources with the sole aim of reducing air pollution through gas flaring and plastic pollution.

The Minister added that these efforts made by the ministry are “fully in tune with the inclusivity agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which is a key pillar in the eight-point presidential priority. Recognising the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic issues, we understand that sustainable development cannot be achieved without addressing the needs of all members of society. By promoting inclusivity, we ensure that no one is left behind in our journey towards a greener, more prosperous Nigeria.”

Seplat Energy PLC, leading Nigerian independent energy company listed on both the Nigerian Exchange and the London Stock Exchange, has clinched the Daily Independent Newspaper’s Indigenous Oil & Gas Company of the Year Award.

 The company was recognised for recording remarkable exploits in the Nigerian oil and gas sector while partnering local communities who are seen and treated as key stakeholders to its operations and overall corporate well-being through inclusive engagement models.

Speaking at the Independent Newspaper Award Ceremony held in Lagos at the weekend, the Managing Director/Editor-In-Chief of the Publication, Mr. Steve Omanufeme, said Seplat Energy was also recognised for its invaluable contributions to the Nigerian economy in many other ways since it was founded, including the supply of natural gas to the domestic market while helping to displace expensive and carbon-intensive oil based power, which dominates Nigeria’s electricity sector.

Omanufeme added, “In all of these, the Company creates direct and indirect employment, while enhancing expertise and technology across the nation’s energy value-chain.

“This award is to celebrate this Company that has stayed committed to its mission of leading Nigeria’s energy transition with accessible, affordable, and reliable energy that drives social and economic prosperity.”

The award ceremony was attended by leaders across industries in Nigeria, regulators, politicians, and other government leaders. Seplat Energy was represented at the event by General Manager, Finance, Adetaiwo Osindero; Associate General Counsel Corporate & Compliance, Adebowale Eboda; and Manager Corporate Communications, Stanley Opara.

In a related development, The Industry Newspaper at its 2024 Summit and Awards, also announced Seplat Energy as the Sustainable Energy Company of the Year whilst its Director, External Affairs & Social Performance, Chioma Afe, was honoured as the 2023 Industry Pathfinder in Sustainability (Corporate).

The Publication noted that Seplat Energy has demonstrated the capacity to be responsible and adhering to the ethics of the business during the period under review.

Responding to the awards by Daily Independent and The Industry Newspapers, Seplat Energy thanked the publications for the recognition and commended them for their display of professionalism, tact and commitment to developmental reportage over the years.

The company thus reemphasised its resolve to leading energy transition in Nigeria with strong focus on the environment, communities and governance frameworks.

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) B-Zone South West has joined forces with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to advocate for the routine immunisation of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, specifically targeting girls aged 9-14 years.

An advocacy program, organised by the Oyo State Ministry of Information and Orientation, was held at the Conference hall of Rolak Hotels and Suites in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

The event brought together stakeholders and health experts to raise awareness about the importance of HPV vaccination and its impact on preventing cervical cancer

The resolution stated the need for increased media awareness and having a successful HPV vaccine immunization program as a protection against cervical cancer for the target beneficiaries in the South West, and the country at large.

The programme put in place by the Oyo state ministry of information and orientation in conjunction with UNICEF had representation of NAWOJ members from news mediums of the six Southwest states which include, Ekiti, Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, and Oyo state.

In his welcome remarks, the programme Director, Oyo state Ministry of Information and Orientation, Rotimi Babalola emphasised that the program is a call to media professionals to improve their knowledge on Human Papilloma Virus and its Vaccine, and to start awareness campaign, with a view to disseminate the accurate information on the virus and the vaccine.

Asserting that Cervical Cancer is a worrisome disease, he pointed at skin to skin contact as a mode of infection, stressing on the importance of the young girls getting vaccinated before they become actively involved in sexual activities.

Mr Babalola who opined that prevention of Cervical Cancer is cheaper than the cure, maintained that HPV vaccine is safe for collection, and he highlighted the vision of the ending of the virus by year 2030.

In his discuss, the Health Educator of Oyo State Primary Health Care Development Board, Mr Samuel Olarinde stated that the second phase of the routine vaccination meant to save the Girl-Child and Women from cervical cancer will hold in twenty one states, and kick off by May ending, adding that about sixteen states have benefited from the vaccine.

Mr Olarinde who highlighted that building the partnership with NAWOJ was to promote HPV as part of the routine immunisation services as survival strategy for the target beneficiary, and he added that the vaccine is available and accessible in Primary Healthcare Centres in states.

Noting that nearly eight thousand women die yearly from cervical cancer disease, he appealed to women beneficiaries under age 35- 45 year to ensure that they always go for cervical screening, which its result will reveal the status of their cervix, and needed medical attention in case of discovery of any abnormal growth.

The UNICEF Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist Mr Sola Olanipekun and Mrs Aderonke the Social and Behavioral Change specialist in their various interactions with the women journalists group urged the association to educate all about HPV vaccine, for the survival, productivity and development of the female gender.

The duo positively maintained that the vaccine is safe with no side effects, and assured all, that the collection of it will keep the girl child in age 9 and 14 years, free from cervical cancer, while they advised women in the target group of age 35 – 45 to always take a pap-smear screening test, to know their health status.