Held at the MUSON Center,Onikan, Lagos on Thursday, August 29, 2024.
The 11th Lagos Public Relations Stakeholders’ Conference convened public relations professionals, government officials, corporate leaders, environmental experts, NGOs, and media practitioners to advance dialogue and action on climate change and environmental sustainability. The annual event, organized by Addefort Limited in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (Lagos State Chapter), focused on strengthening the role of communication in driving sustainable development.
Core Theme
Participants emphasized that climate change communication must shift from abstract messaging to practical, relatable narratives that connect individual behaviors and social actions to environmental consequences. The consensus was clear: effective communication is central to influencing perceptions, mobilizing collective action, and embedding sustainability into daily life.
Key Highlights
Leadership Commitment:
The Chairman of NIPR Lagos, Comfort Obot Nwankwo, underscored the responsibility of PR professionals in shaping sustainability narratives and mobilizing action.
The Convener and CEO of Addefort Limited, Olabamiji Adeleye, called for urgent, proactive steps aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to safeguard the planet for future generations.
Representing the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Philip Wahab, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to stakeholder collaboration and stressed that climate impacts are already evident in Lagos.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, pledged continued public sensitization and partnership with stakeholders.
Keynote Speaker Onoja Joseph, Director-General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, urged PR practitioners to simplify climate terminology, use storytelling, promote tree planting, and encourage community ownership of sustainability projects.
Major Action Points
Capacity Building: Implement specialized training and reorientation programmes in environmental communication for government agencies and PR professionals.
Climate Awareness: Reinforce understanding that climate change is an immediate crisis, evidenced by rising temperatures, flooding, drought, and biodiversity loss.
Education Reform: Integrate climate education into school curricula at all levels and strengthen environmental clubs.
Strategic Community Engagement: Foster cross-sector collaboration and communities of practice to drive awareness and sustained action.
Youth Engagement: Institutionalize “catch them young” initiatives to build environmental consciousness early.
Compelling Storytelling: Use data-driven narratives, case studies, social and traditional media, and targeted campaigns to drive behavior change.
Collaboration & Collective Action: Leverage partnerships across sectors, emphasizing shared responsibility.
Localized Solutions: Promote home-grown innovations, sustainable manufacturing, improved packaging, and engagement with traditional rulers and schools.
Policy & Enforcement: Advocate enforcement of environmental laws, including urgent action against open defecation through public infrastructure investment.
ESG Communication Expertise: Develop PR professionals with strong communication skills, ESG literacy, adaptability, and the ability to report sustainability metrics effectively.
Conclusion
The conference reaffirmed that communication is not merely supportive but foundational to achieving environmental sustainability. By strengthening strategic messaging, fostering collaboration, embedding climate education, and promoting practical, locally driven solutions, stakeholders agreed that Nigeria can accelerate progress toward climate resilience and sustainable development.
CONTRIBUTORS
Mrs. Giniikanwa Frank-Durugbor, Head Corporate Communications, Lafarge Africa Plc; Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadri, DG, Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN) represented by Mr. Segun Alabi, Assistant Director, Corporate Affairs and Communications, MAN; Mrs. Chioma Afe, Director, External Affairs & Social Performance Seplat Energy Plc; Ms. Agharese Onaghise, Executive Director, Food & Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA); Mrs. Titi Oshodi, Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Climate Change & Circular Economy; Mr. Oluwatosin Amida, HSE Adviser – Environment & Compliance, First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company; Mr Korede Oluwole, Publisher, EnvironmentNG; and Engr. Lovelyn Okoye, Senior Sustainability Manager, Seven UP Bottling Company.
