By Correspondent in Ilorin.
Journalists in Nigeria and across Africa have been called upon to sharpen their investigative reporting skills to expose environmental abuses and promote the protection of biodiversity.
The charge was delivered by Mr. Aminu Amadu Ahmed, an investigative journalist and Managing News Editor of The North Journals Nigeria, during a virtual training session organized by the Ghana Journalists for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture (GJESHA), in collaboration with TNJ Biodiversity. The training brought together 32 journalists from various African countries.
Speaking on the topic “Digging Deeper: Investigative Techniques for Biodiversity Journalism,” Mr. Ahmed emphasized the critical role journalists play in amplifying the voices of communities affected by environmental degradation and in holding powerful actors accountable for ecological crimes.
“Environmental destruction often occurs in silence,behind closed doors or in remote areas, it takes dedicated journalists to uncover the truth and demand justice,”he said
The expert noted that environmental issues, particularly those involving biodiversity loss, impact everyone and deserve urgent media attention.
“When you report on biodiversity loss, you’re advocating for clean air, safe water, food security, and climate stability. This is more than a beat,t’s a fight for survival,” he added.
Mr. Ahmed also urged journalists to begin with strong hypotheses and to build extensive networks of sources, including environmental stakeholders, local communities, conservation groups, government agencies, and even local courts.
He also encouraged the use of digital tools and data analysis to enhance the depth and credibility of investigations.
While encouraging boldness in uncovering the truth, he reminded journalists to remain ethical and cautious.
“Truthfulness, accuracy, integrity, cultural sensitivity, and the protection of sources must never be compromised. But above all, your safety comes first. No story is worth your life,” he warned.
Our correspondent gathered that the training is part of ongoing efforts to empower African journalists with the skills needed to influence environmental policy and raise public awareness across the continent.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
