By Nneka Nwogwugwu
Today makes it exactly one year one of Nigeria’s prolific environmental paper, NatureNews Africa was launched.
The online environmental paper was unveiled by Nigeria’s ace journalist and media strategist, Aliu Akoshile on October 1, 2020.
NatureNews is an independent online newspaper based in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city. It was founded on the principles of fundamental rights in line with the United Nations’ conventions. It also subscribes to journalistic ethics on fairness and objectivity in the dissemination of news and opinions without attachment to parochial sentiments.
It is here to fill the void that is inherent in the negligible reportage of the environment by news media who mostly focus on other endeavours. NatureNews believes that politics, business, sports and entertainment can only thrive in a sustainable environment.
NatureNews will support national advocacy for implementation of agreed global solutions on environmental challenges. It will harness work of stakeholders in the environment and bring together professional groups in the sector to articulate their concerns and network with government.
On May 4, 2021, the management inaugurated an advisory board with the Emir of Dutse and Chancellor of Sokoto State University, Alhaji (Dr.) Nuhu Muhammad Sanusi, as chairman of its advisory board.
Eight other members including the renowned environmental activist and laureate of the prestigious Thoroft Rafto Memorial prize, Architect Nnimmo Bassey, and the consummate conservationist and Environmental Hero awardee of DW German TV network, Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi.
Others are: Prof. Abdoulaye Bathily, Prof. Mark Mwandosya, Ms. Ikal Angelei, Dr. Namane Magau, Prof. Salah Arafa and Ms. Hawe Hamman Bouba.
Akoshile, in an earlier statement, said NatureNews will continue to satisfy the yearnings for authoritative news coverage of the environment and climate change as a means to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, SDG set by the United Nations.
Akoshile, who noted that politics, business, sports and entertainment have dominated media coverage until now, said those sectors will even thrive better in a safe and clean environment.
He said his vision was for NatureNews to be the most authoritative news platform on environment issues in Nigeria and the rest of Africa.