Campus News

Radio takes centre stage in fight against climate change, says Alooma

The UNILORIN FM 89.3, a leading campus radio station in Nigeria, last Thursday (February 13, 2025) joined the global conversation on the importance of radio in creating awareness about climate change on the occasion of the World Radio Day.

                In an exclusive interview on a popular programme, “Waka About” on UNILORIN FM radio station to mark the Day, the Station Manager, Mr. Idris Alooma, said that the theme of this year’s World Radio Day, “Radio and Climate Change”, was apt as it underscores the unique role that radio plays in disseminating critical information about climate change. The programme was anchored by Oyas Ikuemehin.

The World Radio Day is marked globally every year on 13th February, as declared by the UNESCO in 2011. The first World Radio Day was celebrated on February 13, 2012.

Mr. Alooma noted that radio, with its unparalleled reach and accessibility, offers a powerful platform for raising awareness about climate change. He said, “Unlike other media, radio provides immediacy, intimacy, and cost-effectiveness, making it an ideal medium for disseminating critical information about climate change”, adding that “with its ability to transcend geographical boundaries, languages, and cultures, radio has the potential to reach a wider audience, including those in remote and underserved communities.”

The multiple award-winning broadcaster pointed out that climate change, a pressing global issue, is linked to the accumulation of waste products, including greenhouse gases, ozone layer depletion, and air pollution, stressing that human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, agriculture, industrial processes, and waste management contribute significantly to climate change.

According to Mr Alooma, “Radio, with its unique advantages, can play a vital role in educating the public about the causes and consequences of climate change, as well as promoting sustainable practices and behaviours.”

He explained that in contrast to other media, radio has been a cornerstone of human communication for over a century. He said, “Invented in 1906 by Reginald Fessenden, radio has evolved over the years, adapting to changing technologies and societal needs. Today, radio remains a popular medium, offering a unique blend of entertainment, education, and information.”

Mr Alooma opined that as the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, the role of radio in creating awareness and promoting sustainable practices cannot be overstated.

He said, “On this World Radio Day, UNILORIN FM 89.3 reaffirms its commitment to using radio as a powerful tool in the fight against climate change. By leveraging radio’s unique advantages, we can educate, inform, and inspire our listeners to take action against climate change, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future for all.”

He appreciated the support of the University management, headed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), the Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, all staff members of UNILORIN FM, and the teeming listeners of the radio station.