Executive Director, Climate Africa Media Initiative Centre (CAMIC), Aliyu Akoshile, has tasked journalists to give premium attention to reportage of the environment to ensure its preservation and sustainability.
Akoshile gave the challenge during a two-day Environmental Journalism Workshop for 5O media personnel at Dangote Cement plant, Obajana, Kogi State on Tuesday.
Akoshile noted that issues relating to the environment are grossly Underreported by newsmen.
“The environment we all live in is a very important subject matter that journalists should develop interest in and give it prominence in their reportage but the reverse is the case.
“What journalists and the entire people of Nigeria should know that environmental sustainability is an attitude and a way of life, which all and sundry must play a role to keep.
“The environment has been there before us and we need it more than it needs us, therefore, we must protect it from harm for our own good as humans,” he said.
Akoshile noted that of recent, the International Press Institute (IPI) reports raised the alarm that environmental reporting has not been given its utmost priority place in the media.
According to him, if the environment is not conducive, there could not be free movement of both human and animals nor activities like sports, businesses and other important activities.