WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2024: Ministries of Information & Environment join UN to focus on environmental challenges 

Oru Leonard 

The world marks May 3 every year as the World Press Freedom Day to highlight the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the society

This year’s focus is on the current global environmental crisis and in creating the awareness of all aspects of the global environmental crisis and its consequences Journalistic work is indispensable for this purpose.

According to the UN, Journalists encounter significant challenges in seeking and disseminating information on contemporary issues, such as supply-chains problems, climate migration, extractive industries, illegal mining, pollution, poaching, animal trafficking, deforestation, or climate change. Ensuring the visibility of these issues is crucial for promoting peace and democratic values worldwide.

Ministries of Information and National Orientation and Environment collaborated to commemorate this year’s World Press Freedom Day 2024, in Nigeria themed: “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.”

As Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris tasks Journalists On Actions Against Environmental Crisis, Minister of State for Environment. Dr Iziaq Salako, laments Growing Intensity Of Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, Others

Speaking on Friday, at the joint press conference in celebration, Honourable Mohammed Idris said the world is currently confronted by an environmental crisis of unprecedented magnitude, that poses a threat not only to planet earth but to the very future of humanity.

He noted that the theme is a calls to action for journalists to begin to advocate for policies that promote sustainability and safeguard the planet.

He commended the media for their role as guardians of truth and champions of accountability and emphasized the need to protect them to enable discharge their duties effectively,

“I am pleased to state that the present administration recognizes the importance of responsible media coverage in enlightening, informing, and educating Nigerians and the world. We also acknowledge the challenges that journalists face in carrying out their vital work. As we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, we must reaffirm our unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of journalists and ensuring their safety and security. As a Ministry and Government, we provided the most unfettered access to Journalists and provided the enabling environment that has continued to encourage the Nigeria media to grow in leaps and bounds. It is our conviction, that Press freedom is not just a fundamental human right; it is also essential for environmental sustainability. Without a free and independent press, we cannot hope to address the complex environmental challenges we face”, Information Minister said

Minister Idris, explained that disinformation and misinformation affect efforts towards addressing environmental issues effectively and misinformation undermine public understanding of environmental issues and hinder our ability to take meaningful action.

“Therefore, we must staunchly defend press freedom and support the work of journalists who are dedicated to reporting the truth. However, this day also throws open the flip side of press freedom which is responsible Journalism. It is a call for the press to uphold the tenets of journalism by being factual, truthful and responsible in their reporting. The Need to be nationalistic and patriotic cannot be over-emphasized. As journalists and members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, we must see ourselves as strategic partners in the development of our Nation and nothing short of this will suffice. Let us redouble our efforts to build a future where journalism thrives, press freedom is upheld, and our planet is safeguarded for generations to come”. He emphasised.

Also speaking, Minister of State for Environment. Dr Iziaq Salako,  reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to the principles of a free and independent press, as a sine qua non for effective climate journalism while noting that press freedom is essential in promoting transparency, accountability and social justice, which is critical to communicating the threat posed by climate crisis.

He called for collaboration across sectors and borders, to harness the power of media in addressing the environmental crisis and advancing sustainable development. Journalism plays a pivotal role in advancing environmental agendas, catalyzing change, a watchdog for accountability, and a voice for the voiceless.

Dr Salako said press for the planet at this point is most needed if we collectively get the public behind global and national agendas like net zero, energy transition, biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, 30 by 30 to end plastic pollution and other pathways to address the environmental crisis.

In his remark, the Head of Office, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation Nigeria (UNESCO), Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo, said that information plays a key role in responding to the existential environmental crisis, however, dis and misinformation pose a challenge. He added that about environmental issues is crippling public and political support for climate action, effective policies, and the protection of vulnerable communities, including women and girls affected by climate change.

“We all can relate to the effect of climate change in the communities in Nigeria, dis and misinformation on these issues have brought about insecurity in some of these areas. The role of the media in shaping public opinion and influencing behavior necessary for protecting the earth cannot be underestimated, especially in Nigeria where public patronage of media content is significantly high. Engaging the media and climate change actors here today to address this global issue is necessary to counter misinformation and disinformation associated with planetary crises, he explained.

World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO’s General Conference. Since then, 3 May, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.