From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Sterling Sustainability Working Group (SWG), a Sterling Holding Company under Sterling bank and Alternative bank in partnership with Climate Africa Media Initiative and Centre (CAMIC), has organised a workshop for media practitioners covering environment in Abuja, to commemorate the 2025 National Sustainability Week.
Speaking during her welcome address, the Chairman of the group, Mrs. Bunmi Ajiboye, said Sustainability Working Group has deem it fit to train Journalists, because no nation can develop without positive and developmental journalism.
“we believe that this goes beyond training and becomes a cornerstone of how Nigeria tells her story of progress, resilience, and innovation. Let’s pause and talk about the power of a story, this forms the essence of your importance, the authority you have to wield this power.
“You see, the story is only as true as the person who told it. In order words, it is how the story is told that it will be believed, retold, resonate, and then begin to shape culture, behaviour, practices, society
“At Sterling, our journey in sustainability has been bold and intentional. From financing renewable energy solutions, to backing circular-economy startups, to supporting climate-smart agriculture, to empowering thousands of young people across the country, We’ve come to understand something powerful:
“The work is important, but the story is what shapes the nation. What good is a breakthrough if no one hears it? What good is innovation if it isn’t translated into understanding? What good is national progress if it isn’t communicated in a way that inspires others.
“That is why your role is so essential. You, our storytellers, editors, producers, journalists, broadcasters, and digital creators, you carry the responsibility of shaping how Nigerians interpret sustainability, how policymakers understand urgency, how citizens see opportunity, and how our continent perceives its future”, she said.
Ajiboye further added that training journalists is not by accident but because “we are entering a new era, one where sustainability is not only an environmental conversation, but a development conversation, an economic conversation, an innovation conversation, and a people conversation.
“Your stories can ignite action. Your reporting can correct misinformation. Your framing can inspire change. Your platforms can amplify innovators who are solving problems quietly in their communities. Your words can influence how millions understand the most important issues of our time”, she added.
Facilitators at the workshop are: Bunmi Ajiboye, Chairperson, Sterling Sustainability Working Group, Aliu Akoshile Publisher, NatureNews Media, Akogun Ishiak Ajibola, Former MD, Daily Trust and Victoria Bamas Editor, ICIR.
