Panellists at a virtual conversation of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) to mark the 2025 World Radio Day have stressed the importance of radio to simplify complex climate issues, challenge cultural misconceptions, amplify voices of affected communities, combat misinformation and hold policymakers accountable. They appealed for greater investment in climate action to address the financial barriers hindering climate advocates’ efforts. The session on X was themed ‘Enhancing radio’s role in climate action and education at the grassroots in Nigeria.’
In her opening remarks, Motunrayo Alaka, Executive Director/CEO, WSCIJ, said the conversation was important to highlight the menace of climate change on humanity and how radio can be deployed as a tool to bridge the information gap and ensure that climate change information reaches and resonates with communities in the hard-to-reach areas.
Aliu Akoshile, publisher of Nature News, stressed the vital role of radio in climate communication, particularly at the grassroots level. Akoshile noted that in its 90-year history in Nigeria, radio has evolved into a powerful and strategic tool for addressing societal needs. With over 60% of Nigerians tuning in to radio across cities and rural areas, he asserted that leveraging the platform for climate awareness is crucial.
Vivian Chime, Africa energy transition reporter at Climate Home News, urged radio journalists to step up and engage more in global climate interventions. Chime, who pioneered climate reporting for TheCable in 2021 urged broadcasters to leverage radio’s reach to create explainers that simplify complex climate issue and cultural misconceptions. For her, impactful journalism goes beyond studio analysis, it requires sending reporters into communities to engage directly with people. Chime stressed that despite the perception of limited climate news sources, many scientists and researchers are eager to discuss climate change. She encouraged journalists to expand their network, read reports, and collaborate with Non-Governmental Organisations to connect with vital sources and bring relevant voices to radio discussions.
On his part, Olumide Idowu, a climate activist and co-founder of the International Climate Change Development Initiative, described radio as a powerful platform for education, advocacy and community engagement. He emphasised radio’s ability to foster local learning, counter climate denial and drive meaningful action. He noted the limited financial support for climate change crusaders while addressing some challenges within the ecosystem. Idowu also pushed for a radio-youth network in Nigeria to connect millions of young people and amplify climate change awareness.
Ugochi Anyaka-Oluigbo, radio host, Radio X Basel, Switzerland, stated that the fight against climate change is a global battle against capitalist interests, making radio crucial in amplifying climate messages. While environmental journalism is growing, she noted that it remains less profitable, requiring strong passion and commitment. Despite the challenges, she urges more journalists to take up climate reporting, noting the increasing demand for compelling stories and the availability of training opportunities to enhance storytelling skills.
Al’amin Umar, a climate reporter with HumAngle Media, spoke about the severe human cost of climate change in the North West and North East geopolitical zones of Nigeria. He noted that women and children bear the worst impacts, with female farmers facing reduced yields, forcing them into risky jobs like firewood collection, where they encounter terrorists who rape or kidnap them, commercial sex work and early child marriage. For the men who lose their land to climate disasters, they often battle depression. Also, Umar said affected communities struggle with diseases, maternal mortality and malnutrition. He emphasised radio as the most accessible medium for reaching conflict-affected communities. He recommended using local dialects to simplify scientific terms and address age-long myths because many still attribute climate change as an act of God rather than human actions. He stressed that human-centred storytelling can make climate change relatable and build media trust.
The session moderated by Zainab Bala-Modibbo, Founder, The Scoop Storytelling Initiative, had journalists, climate change advocates, journalism students and other members of the society in attendance.
