Media and climate change experts have called for the radio in driving climate action and education in rural communities across the country.
They made the call during an X space programme to commemorate World Radio Day by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, on Thursday, February 13.
The theme of the discussion was “Enhancing Radio’s Role in Climate Action and Education at the Grassroots in Nigeria.”
The panelists included Publisher of Nature News, Aliu Akoshile; Founder of the International Climate Change Development Initiative, Olumide Idowu; Radio host at RadioX Basel, Ugochi Ayanka-Oluigbo; Reporter at Climate Home News, Vivian Chime; Al-a’min Umar from HumAngle Media; and Founder of The Scoop Storytelling Initiative, Zainab Bala Modibbo, who moderated the session.
Mr. Idowu explained how radio can spread climate awareness and educate local communities, noting that radio helps balance education and information.
“We need to learn through this process. Radio helps us educate people and build a community by sharing important information,” Idowu said.
In her contribution, Mrs. Anyaka-Oluigbo emphasized the vital role of radio in educating farmers about their work, noting that “farmers understand how their crops are affected because they listen to the radio.”
She recounted an incident in her community during which erosion devastated a village and the locals attributed the disaster to a man who had killed a snake, reflecting deep-seated traditional beliefs.
“Radio can be a platform for promoting environmental awareness. This is a global issue, and we must speak out. Radio is a powerful tool in the fight against environmental misuse,” the climate reporter stated.
Speaking about his experience in Northeast Nigeria, Mr Umar said hearing familiar voices on the radio builds trust.
“Many people do not believe in climate change or that human actions are causing it. But when they hear explanations in their local language, such as how deforestation contributes to the problem, they begin to understand,” he said.
In her opening remark, the Executive Director and CEO of the Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism, Motunrayo Famuyiwa-Alaka, said, “Even in a digital age, radio is still king, especially in Africa where the capacity to afford data to stay online is low. Over 80% of Nigerians rely on radio for information.
“As a center for investigative reporting, we are particular about not just surface conversations. Research has shown that the language used in reporting issues around climate change is often too technical for the people who would be in rural areas.”
The speakers emphasized that radio remains an effective mass medium for educating people, spreading climate awareness, and encouraging action to protect the environment.
World Radio Day is celebrated on February 13 every year to acknowledge and celebrate the significance of radio in shaping society and culture globally.
It brought together environmental advocates and seasoned journalists to discuss practical ways to use radio to raise awareness and inspire sustainable practices at the grassroots level.
