LASUSOC Hosts 6th Annual Guest Lecture Series

By Abdulsemiu Monsuroh

The Lagos State University School of Communication holds its 6th annual lecture series at Aderemi Makanjuola lecture hall, LASU Ojo campus, today.

Chiefly hosted by the Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University, Prof Ibiyemi Bello cand themed  "Climate Change, urban renewal and environmental challenges of the megacity: what role for the media", the lecture series has in attendance dignitaries from within and outside the university community.

The host, Professor Yinka Alawode while delivering the opening address noted that the annual lecture series is aimed at discussing current issues that affect society and the role of the media in addressing such. He further stated that the annual lecture examines global trends in the teaching and practice of communication and the media to foster the tradition of excellence that the Lagos state university is known for. The lecture theme, he said, was chosen to deliberate on the need for synergy between the Lagos state ministry of environment and water resources and the media, to ensure that citizens are well informed on measures to mitigate climate challenges. 

The guest lecturer of the event, Mr Tunji Bello, the Lagos State Commissioner for environment represented by the head of the climate and environmental department at the Lagos State civil service, Mr Bankole Michael mentioned in the keynote address that  "climate change has far-reaching effects on our planet, from increasing the frequency and intensity of many extreme weather events, including flooding and drought, to changing sea temperature, ocean acidity, and sea level". 

He further stressed that " the coastal city of Lagos has had its own fair share of the consequences of global climate change. The impact of the sea level rise has caused extreme ocean surges and the increased intensity of flooding events that occur in most parts of the city. Thus, Lagos is the most vulnerable city to the impact of climate change in Nigeria. Today, it is estimated that Lagos is home to more than 25 million people, majority of whom are poor and living on the fringes of society". "A large percentage of the population of Lagos is also extremely poor, thereby lacking the required strategies to combat the effects of climate change," he said.

Mr Bankole added that " the media must hold people in power accountable. This means the media must fact-check and press public officials to answer what they are doing to combat the climate crisis. The media must sharpen public understanding of climate change".  He urged all attendees to begin to take individual actions in their respective fields which will impact positively on the environment. 

The representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adenike, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, LASU acknowledged that the media plays a crucial role in educating communities on issues relating to climate change, global warming, air and water pollution, ozone layer depreciation amongst other challenges. 

HRM, Oba Saheed Ademola, the Olukate of Ikate kingdom who's the chairman of the occasion was represented by Chief Ganiyu Olalekan Bakare, the Aro Oba of Ikate Kingdom and he implored the general LASU community to continue her sustainable green movements in the benefit of the society.

The event was graced by the Dean, School of transport, Dean faculty of sciences, associate Professors and Doctors from the school of communication, lecturers and students of the Lagos State University.