By Idibhar Julius /Yenagoa
The Deputy Executive Director of Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) and Technical Assistant to Governor Diri on Environment, Comrade Morris Alagoa has expressed appreciation for the media’s critical role in promoting environmental rights and community development.
Alagoa emphasized that environmental rights are human rights, citing international instruments such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
He noted that EDEN’s work focuses on promoting fundamental human rights and the rule of law, while also advocating for the protection of the environment and community development.
The EDEN’s Deputy Executive Director while praising the media as a crucial partner in promoting environmental rights and community development, also acknowledged the media’s power in shaping public opinion and holding those in power accountable.
Alagoa expressed EDEN’s willingness to collaborate with the United Correspondents Club (UCC) to promote environmental rights and community development.
He lamented the challenges facing the media in the region, including lack of respect and inadequate remuneration, urging journalists to continue doing their job with diligence and to exercise restraint in their reporting..
The environmentalist who is also a community development campaigner emphasized his organization’s focus on community development, citing the need for basic amenities such as portable water in many communities and recalled a promise made by the government in 2000 to provide pipe-borne water to all communities, which remains unfulfilled 25 years later.
He urged the media to partner with EDEN to promote community development and serve humanity better.
The Chairman of the United Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, UCC Comrade Ekaunkumo Amgbare emphasized the need for partnership between the media and environmental stakeholders, citing the need for public awareness and education on environmental issues.
Amgbare while speaking during a courtesy visit to the office of the Environmental Defenders Networ, proposed a stronger partnership between the UCC and EDEN to enhance public enlightenment on environmental challenges, such as oil spills, climate change, and plastic pollution.
He extended gratitude to Alagoa for granting the visit, highlighting the journalists’ respect for his office and work.as he noted the visit aimed to introduce the new UCC leadership to Alagoa and explore opportunities for collaboration.
He emphasized the importance of partnership between the media and environmental stakeholders, citing the need for public awareness and education on environmental issues.
The UCC Chairman acknowledged Alagoa’s distinguished reputation as a seasoned environmental rights activist, commending his leadership at EDEN and expressed confidence that the partnership would amplify the contributions of both organizations to society.
While appreciating Alagoa’s hospitality, Amgbare said the UCC looks forward to building a robust media partnership that would serve the greater good of society.
