WED: Minister Wants Journalists To Shape National Agenda

Ahead of the World
Environment Day (WED) celebration on Thursday, the Minister of Environment, Mrs Laurentia Mallam, on Tuesday tasked journalists to use the media to shape national agenda on sustainable environment.
Mallan told newsmen in Abuja that the role of the media was crucial in transmitting to the public critical issues of environmental concern.
World Environment Day is a day set aside by the UN for the entire world to reflect on and draw global attention to issues of the environment.
It is celebrated yearly on June 5 and the 2014 edition has the theme ‘Raise Your Voice, Not the Sea Level’.
She said that the theme was targeted at addressing climate change and the impact of sea level rise on the environment.
“There can be no better channel for us to raise our voices than the media, Mallam noted.
She further said that it was the responsibility of the media to let the people know that the world was indivisible as far as issues of the environment were concerned.
Mallam underscored the importance of intensified sensitisation campaign programmes on issues of bush burning, clearing of gutters, cutting down trees, use of generators and refuse management.
Others are use of candles and lanterns, vehicular emission and use of dangerous chemicals.
The minister also urged Nigerians to make extensive use of the social media to create the desired awareness on challenges to the environment.
“Especially, the need to refrain from critical actions and activities that will or likely lead to the ozone layer depletion, melting of the arctic region, increased rainfall and rising sea levels.
“Help enlighten Nigerians that it is important to develop environmental consciousness, to think globally and act locally.