BY SAM OTUONYE
Nigerian Journalists from some select media organisations have committed to improving the quality, scope, frequency, and momentum of their reportage on climate and governance issues, pledging to deploy their acquired skills from the training to change the course of climate change and governments’ accountability narratives in Nigeria.
The members of the fourth estate, drawn from the print and broadcast spectrum made the pledge at the closing of a-two day training workshop organized by the Partnership for Agile Corporate and Climate Engagement (PACE) in partnership with UK International Development.
The workshop, which held in Abuja between the 3rd and 4th of February, 2026, with the theme, ‘Media Strengthening Intervention to Amplify Voices, Strengthen Journalist Capacity, and Enhance Visibility’, hosted Journalists from Enugu, Kano, Rivers, Kaduna, Niger, Lagos, Ibadan, among others.
The training emphasised a shift from conventional reporting to solutions journalism in reporting climate issues, and governance accountability, even as the participants were equipped with practical skills to confront the global menace.
Speaking on the essence of the workshop and the urgent need for Journalists to hold the national and subnational governments accountable on their roles in funds mobilisation, and utilisation, Media Advisory at PACE, Enene Ejembi, , described the programme as part of a broader effort to strengthen collaboration between the media, government, and citizens.
“PACE is a UK International Development–funded programme that works with the Government of Nigeria to identify governance and climate challenges and develop solutions that increase prosperity and economic development,” she said.
According to Ejembi, PACE works closely with government institutions to unlock service delivery while also amplifying citizens’ voices by identifying their needs, priorities, and expectations.
“The media is the fourth estate of the realm. Journalists play a critical role in aggregating citizens’ voices and ensuring accountability. That is why we work closely with journalists and media executives,” she added.
She explained that the training was designed to build long-term partnerships with journalists capable of telling the story of PACE’s work in Nigeria and highlighting citizens’ priorities as programmes are developed and implemented.
“This workshop is about building capacity and deepening journalists’ understanding, so they can consistently report on governance and climate issues throughout the lifespan of the PACE programme,” she said.
The media advisor noted that PACE adopts a whole-of-society approach, working with civil society organisations, government agencies, community groups, state governments, and the press.
“Governance has more than one side. There is the government side and there is the citizens’ side. We always ask: where are the citizens in this conversation?” Ejembi stated.
She also highlighted shifts in global development financing, noting that traditional aid funding is declining while economic development, trade, and domestic financing are becoming more prominent.
“Funding for aid is reducing globally, but funding for economic development and trade is increasing. Nigeria will increasingly fund its own development through ministries, departments, and agencies,” she said.
She urged journalists to approach climate and governance reporting with patriotism and a focus on national development.
“What do Nigerians need to know about climate and governance? How can these lead to more investment, trade, job creation, and prosperity?” she asked.
Ejembi emphasised the importance of bringing to the public domain the climate finance opportunities, resources, and initiatives that can benefit governments, businesses, and citizens.
“When journalists highlight these opportunities, they help Nigeria attract global investment, deepen existing investments, and create higher incomes and better jobs for Nigerians,” she said.
The participants regretted the shoddy utilisation of ecological funds and other fundings from international donor agencies by national, subnational governments, and some corporate entities, declaring that they would heighten their reportage to ensure probity and accountability.