The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project on Monday trained 100 journalists to strengthen the coverage of climate change and environmental issues in Gombe State.
The one-day capacity-building workshop, organized in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), aimed to raise awareness on land restoration and sustainable landscape management.
ACReSAL is a World Bank–financed initiative designed to address land degradation and climate change challenges across 19 northern states in Nigeria.
Dr. Sani Jauro, the Gombe State Coordinator of ACReSAL, described journalists as critical stakeholders in the campaign to reclaim degraded lands and promote sustainable environmental management.
He said the training was intended to improve journalists’ understanding of climate-related issues and equip them to communicate challenges and solutions effectively to the public.
Jauro expressed optimism that the exercise would enhance the skills and knowledge of media practitioners in reporting ACReSAL activities and environmental issues.
He commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his support in tackling environmental challenges, improving livelihoods, and protecting communities vulnerable to land degradation.
Jauro also praised the media for their consistent support through accurate reportage and urged them to sustain their commitment to promoting community ownership of the ACReSAL project.
In his remarks, NUJ Chairman, Mr. Faruk Muazu, lauded ACReSAL and its implementing partner, Jewel Environmental Initiatives (JEI), for their efforts in building the capacity of journalists.
Muazu urged other government agencies to collaborate with similar initiatives to train journalists on developmental issues in the state.
“This training will improve the quality of conversations around climate change, land restoration, and environmental protection across Gombe State,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr. Ismail Bima, Project Coordinator of JEI, urged journalists to prioritize environmental and climate change reportage to promote sustainability.
Represented by Mr. Danladi Aliyu, Bima said increased awareness about ACReSAL, government policies, and stakeholders’ investments would help build a culture of environmental responsibility among residents.
One of the participants, Ms. Chika Udenkwo, commended the organizers, saying the training would equip journalists with better skills for reporting environmental and climate issues.
