To lessen the effects of climate change on our environment, stakeholders have urged public relations specialists and others to be proactive in creating strategies and streamlining their communication to reach the target audience.
At the recently held 11th Lagos Public Relations Stakeholders’ Conference (LPRSC), with the theme “Climate Change and Environment: Communication and the Sustainability Agenda,” at the Muson Centre in Onikan, Lagos, they made the call.
To examine the crucial nexus between communication, environmental sustainability, and climate change, the event brought together a variety of stakeholders from a variety of sectors, including the government, corporate groups, environmental experts, NGOs, and media professionals.
In her welcome speech, Comfort Obot Nwankwo, the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Lagos Chapter, stressed the importance of public relations professionals working together to advance the sustainability agenda in Nigeria and beyond.
“At a time when the world is grappling with the unprecedented challenges posed by climate change, the role of communication in driving the sustainability agenda cannot be overstated. As public relations professionals, we are at the forefront of shaping narratives, influencing perceptions, and mobilizing actions that can lead to a more sustainable future,” stated the NIPR’s Chairman
In a similar vein, Olabamiji Adeleye, CEO of Addefort Limited and conference coordinator, stated that everyone needs to pitch in to make sure that swift action is taken to rescue our planet.
“In line with the United Nations Sustainable Department Goals, we are concerned about the need to protect the planet from degradation, stakeholders’ commitment to sustainable consumption and production, managing natural resources and taking urgent action on climate change, so that it can support the needs of the present and future generations,” stated Adeleye while buttressing.
In his speech, Mr. Tokunbo Philip Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, exhorted the attendees to assume personal responsibility for sustainability in their individual places, speaking on behalf of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
To address the effects of climate change in the state, he also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cooperating with pertinent stakeholders. The state government will keep informing the public about the effects of climate change and the steps they may take to mitigate it, stated Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, who also urged NIPR to assist the government in its endeavours.
In his keynote speech, Dr. Onoja Joseph, DG of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), asked government officials and PR specialists to take the initiative to solve the problems brought on by climate change, especially by utilising efficient communication techniques. To help the public comprehend the effects of their actions on the environment, he assigned public relations pros the responsibility of deciphering the jargon around sustainability, climate change, and the environment.
To make sure that steps are taken and communities, where sustainable projects or trees are planted, feel them as their own and protect them, he also advocated for storytelling, more sensitization campaigns, planting of trees, and teamwork.
During the panel discussion at the event, the experts who also spoke stressed the need to do more than just talk. They also advocated for the domestication of solutions, the dissemination of appropriate messages to schoolchildren, the involvement of traditional leaders, the development of sustainable products and packaging by manufacturers, and the inclusion of environmental and climate change education in the school curriculum.
Mrs. Giniikanwa Frank-Durugbor, Head of Corporate Communications of Lafarge Africa Plc, led the discussion. Ms. Agharese Onaghise, Executive Director, Food & Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA); Mr. Oluwatosin Amida, HSE Adviser – Environment & Compliance, First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company; Dr. Igazeuma Adikema Okoroba, Group Head, Sustainability, Dangote Cement Plc; and Engr. Lovelyn Okoye, Senior Sustainability Manager, Seven UP Bottling Company, is the panellist.
Every year, Addefort and the Lagos Chapter of NIPR collaborate to host the LPRSC, an event that unites stakeholders to talk about issues impacting the country.
The CEO of Addefort disclosed that available to BrandSpur local news brand, throughout the last ten years, the yearly conference known as the “August Gathering of PR Solution Providers” has continuously benefited from the cooperation and support of the nation’s institutions, government, and significant corporate groups.
Over time, it has developed into a significant forum for stakeholders to communicate, debate, and give solutions to the social, political, and economic problems facing our country.
