The Sterling One Foundation has partnered with key stakeholders to launch a transformative capacity-strengthening workshop as part of its committed to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

the stakeholders included Microsoft Nigeria, Sterling Bank, The Sun Media, Oando Foundation, Coca Cola and other private sector organizations.

The goal of the collaboration is to empower the media to escalate the urgency of the climate change crisis through their reporting.

This programme with the theme: “Achieving the SDGs: Strengthening Media Capacities for Effective Reportage” commenced in Lagos with a two-day advocacy training aimed at equipping media professionals and journalists in Nigeria with the skills and knowledge required to amplify narratives on climate adaptation and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Marking the International Day for Climate Action, Sterling One Foundation underscores its commitment to fostering sustainable development and environmental stewardship by launching this initiative.

The workshop served as a response to the global challenge of climate change, which poses a significant risk to human health and well-being, affecting various aspects of society, economics, and the natural world.

The CEO of the Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, underscored the vital importance of enhancing media advocacy on climate change during her address.

She conveyed that the training was more than just a conventional capacity-building exercise; it served as a resolute call to action.

“With only seven years remaining until 2030, complacency and the status quo are no longer sustainable. It is now imperative for both the media and private sector working with stakeholders to proactively address the challenges posed by climate change. In line with this commitment, the Sterling One Foundation has taken on the responsibility of providing comprehensive training to over 100 journalists, utilizing both in-person and virtual formats, with a specific focus on the northeastern regions of the country”, Ibekwe said.

The two-day media capacity-strengthening workshop featured in-depth sessions covering an array of topics, including editorial issues, the art of effective climate reporting, and sustainable environmental practices. Distinguished facilitators at the event included Victor Emeruwa, Chief Executive Officer of The Sun Media Foundation, Fidelis Mbah, Senior Journalist AI Jazeera English TV, and Seun Akioye, Executive Director, Development Reporter.

Microsoft Nigeria’s Country Manager, Ola Williams, expressed her satisfaction with the training’s achievements and its anticipated societal impact.

She also underscored Microsoft’s collaboration with various sectors and foundations that share the organization’s mission of effecting positive change by providing nationwide training opportunities to empower individuals.

“Microsoft is committed to working with key stakeholders across both the public and private sector to escalate the importance of the climate crisis. The goal of this two-day workshop was to serve as a catalyst for change, fostering an environment where the media assumed a central role in helping to combat climate change and advocate for sustainable practices”.

“By bringing together industry experts and thought leaders, we created a platform for fruitful discussions, knowledge sharing, and strategic collaborations, with the potential to drive positive momentum in sustainability efforts and climate action,” she said.