Let me join my voice with that of many other prominent Nigerians to congratulate NatureNews on its recent achievement of being certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI) – the very first media house in Nigeria to attain such a feat. In this age of misinformation and erosion of public trust, NatureNews – which also doubles as Africa’s No. 1 independent media platform reporting on environmental issues – remains a beacon of ethical journalism. The recognition by JTI solidifies NatureNews as a paragon of integrity, transparency, and professionalism in journalism—a feat that deserves to be celebrated not only in Nigeria but across the entire African continent and beyond.
As a ‘resting’ journalist privilege to have witnessed the rise of NatureNews since 2020, I know a little bit about the work that goes on behind the scenes. The media space in Nigeria, Africa, and indeed all over the world is tough, but those towing the path less travelled like NatureNews by choosing to report on the environment deserves continuous accolades, especially at a time like this. Reporting on environmental issues comes with its unique set of challenges that differ significantly from covering regular news. These challenges range from the complexity of environmental topics, the often global and long-term nature of environmental issues, the political and economic interests involved, and the need for specialized knowledge.
Worth mentioning is that before this achievement, NatureNews has earned its place as one of the top 10 nature publications in the world through relentless dedication to its mission. With more than a million daily visitors to its website, and a daily reach of its print newspaper to about twelve million eyeballs across key decision-makers and business leaders in Africa, the newspaper has become an indispensable resource for anyone interested in environmental issues on the continent. Its robust social media presence, managed by a team of online media experts, ensures that the news reaches a wide and diverse audience, making a significant impact on public awareness and policy discussions related to the environment.
Similarly, the newspaper’s value extensions have not only earned it national and international recognition but have also attracted eminent personalities from across Africa to its Advisory Board. This level of engagement speaks volumes about the respect and admiration that NatureNews commands within the environmental community and beyond. It is a platform where science, policy, and public interest converge, fostering informed debates and driving meaningful action to protect the planet.
At the helm of NatureNews is a visionary Founder and Publisher whose passion for environmental issues and commitment to ethical journalism have been the driving forces behind the newspaper’s success. Aliu Akoshile, a veteran in the media industry and incredible pioneer whose foresight in establishing an independent media platform dedicated to the environment in Africa is not just bold, but necessary. In a region like Nigeria and Africa, where environmental challenges are often overshadowed by other pressing issues, NatureNews has filled a critical gap, providing in-depth coverage of topics ranging from climate change and biodiversity to sustainable development and conservation.
Akoshile’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding the newspaper through the complexities of environmental reporting, ensuring that its coverage is not only informative but also solutions oriented. By highlighting both the challenges and the opportunities in addressing environmental issues, NatureNews has inspired a new generation of environmental advocates and policymakers across Africa.
Since a tree cannot make forest, the success of NatureNews is also a testament to the hard work, commitment and dedication of its Managing Director, Rasheed Yusuf; Chief Operating Officer, Pius Alabi; print and online editors, and the entire team of journalists, writers, researchers, and digital experts who bring the newspaper to life every day. Their collective efforts have made NatureNews a beacon of quality journalism, where every story is meticulously researched, every fact is checked, and every word is chosen with care. This level of professionalism is what sets NatureNews apart from other publications and has earned it the trust and loyalty of its readers.
More kudos to the acting editor, Hauwa Ali and other previous editors of NatureNews, whose efforts in shaping the editorial direction of NatureNews cannot be overstated. With a keen understanding of the nuances of environmental reporting, they ensured that NatureNews remains focused on its core mission while also adapting to the ever-changing media landscape. Their collective ability to balance the need for in-depth analysis with the demands of a fast-paced news environment has been key to maintaining the newspaper’s relevance and impact.
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I must not fail to mention that one of the most remarkable aspects of NatureNews is its ability to drive real change through its reporting. By shining a light on environmental issues that might otherwise go unnoticed, the newspaper has played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and influencing policy decisions. Whether it’s raising awareness about the devastating effects of deforestation, exposing the dangers of pollution, or advocating for the protection of endangered species, NatureNews has consistently been at the forefront of the fight for a more sustainable future.
The impact of NatureNews is global because readers, policymakers, and environmentalists around the world are engaged on this journey of incredible reporting. This international perspective is crucial in today’s interconnected world, where environmental challenges transcend national borders and require coordinated global action. NatureNews has been a powerful voice in this global dialogue, bringing African perspectives to the forefront and ensuring that the continent’s unique environmental challenges are not overlooked.
As NatureNews celebrates this significant milestone, it must be mindful of the challenges that lie ahead. The fight against misinformation is far from over, and the need for ethical journalism is more pressing than ever. However, with this new JTI certification, NatureNews is well-equipped to continue its mission of providing accurate, balanced, and impactful reporting on the environment.
Looking to the future, NatureNews can expand its reach even further, leveraging new technologies and platforms to engage with an even wider audience. The newspaper’s commitment to innovation and excellence will undoubtedly drive its continued success, as it adapts to the evolving media landscape and the changing needs of its readers.
At the same time, NatureNews must continue to navigate the complexities of environmental reporting, where the stakes are high, and the issues are often contentious. The newspaper’s ability to provide clear, unbiased, and informative coverage will be crucial in helping its readers understand and respond to the environmental challenges of our time.
As NatureNews continues its journey, it must continue to contribute to the fight for a more sustainable and just world, like it has always done. The JTI certification is not just a recognition of past achievements; it is a call to continue the important work of informing, educating, and inspiring action on behalf of the environment. With its strong foundation, visionary leadership, and dedicated team, I am confident that NatureNews is well-positioned to meet the challenges of the future and to remain a beacon of hope and integrity in the world of journalism.
Congratulations once again to NatureNews and to everyone who has played a part in its remarkable journey. The world needs more voices like yours, and we look forward to seeing the continued impact of your work in the years to come.
Olamide is a communications professional currently based in London, United Kingdom. He can be reached across social media platforms @olamidefrancis and via francisolamide1@gmail.com
