Writing By Lilian Silas; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
Journalists in Kaduna State have completed a three-day intensive capacity-building programme on climate change reporting, with a focus on deforestation and its effects on the environment and rural livelihoods.
The Executive Director of Bridge That Gap (BTG) Hope for Africa Initiative, Gloria Kasang Bulus, said the training aimed to equip journalists as key partners in driving climate action and sustainable development.
She noted that beyond improving reporting skills, the initiative seeks to build a network of climate-conscious communicators who will drive advocacy, public awareness, and accountability across communities.
“For us to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, all hands must be on deck. Journalists help amplify community voices and advocate for environmental justice,” Bulus said.
As part of the programme, participants undertook a field visit to Idon community in Kajuru Local Government Area, a known hotspot for deforestation and charcoal production, to observe the challenges facing rural communities.
During the visit, Assistant Director of Forest Resources at the Kaduna State Ministry of Environment, Mr. Godwin Michael, said the state declared a forestry emergency in 2015 and launched the “Keep Kaduna Green” project, which saw over four million trees planted between 2016 and 2019.
He, however, lamented that insecurity had hindered monitoring efforts, enabling illegal logging and charcoal production to rise.
Receiving the delegation, the District Head of Idon Hanya, Mr. Sunday Peter, commended the initiative and pledged the community’s support in efforts to address deforestation.
Similarly, the National President of Idon Development Union, Mr. Monday Linus, expressed concern that charcoal production had become a major source of income for many youths, despite its environmental consequences.
“We are aware of the damage being done. We are sensitizing our people to discourage the practice,” he said.
The Divisional Forest Officer, Mr. Zakaria Naye, added that tree planting and awareness campaigns were ongoing, though insecurity remained a major obstacle.
He noted that the community is encouraging young people to take up farming as an alternative livelihood.
The engagement was organised by BTG Hope for Africa Initiative in partnership with the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE), a UK-funded programme, as part of broader efforts to strengthen climate reporting and resilience advocacy in Nigeria.
COV/LILIAN
