The Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako has pledged to forge a collaborative alliance with the media to boost environmental awareness, emphasising the pivotal role of media in the ministry’s efforts.
This commitment was made during a courtesy visit to the ministry by the managing director of Nature News, Mr. Rasheed Yusuf.
Salako underscored the crucial impact that media publicity holds for the success of the ministry’s initiatives, highlighting the necessity for extensive sensitisation and media campaigns. The aim is to educate the public on environmental sustainability and protection, key aspects of the ministry’s policies and programmes.
Disclosing a significant government plan, Salako mentioned that through the ministry’s 18 key deliverable areas, the Federal Government aims to plant six million trees this year. He urged the public to actively participate by planting at least one tree per person, emphasising the vital role of animals and plants in the ecosystem.
Looking ahead, Salako revealed the ministry’s intent to intensify its media publicity activities this year. He encouraged the media to participate actively, contributing to the campaign for educating and sensitising the public on environmental issues.
“Our doors are always open to the media,” affirmed Salako, acknowledging the indispensable role of media in disseminating information and driving environmental awareness.
During the visit, Yusuf congratulated the minister on his appointment and sought increased collaboration between the ministry and the media organisation. Yusuf proudly mentioned that Nature News is ranked 1st in Africa and 13th globally in terms of nature issue coverage.
Yusuf extended an invitation to the minister for the annual general meeting (AGM) of Nature News, scheduled for February 27, 2024, in Abuja. This AGM aims to foster collaboration and discuss pertinent issues related to the environment, agriculture, water, mining and petroleum sectors.
The commitment to collaboration between the Ministry of Environment and Nature News reflects a concerted effort to leverage media influence for greater environmental awareness and engagement.
A statement by the ministry’s head of press and public relations, Ibrahim Haruna, recalled that Nature News as a media outfit started its operation on October 1, 2020, covering environment, agriculture, water, mining, petroleum sectors among others.
