Implications of Environmental Reporting in Nigerian Newspapers on Attitudes of Ilorin Elite Towards Environmental Care

Abstract

The Nigerian environment is experiencing a high level of degradation leading to the tendency for wanton anthropogenic modification of the environment. These modifications, which occur as an attempt to meet the need for food, shelter, recreation and infrastructural facilities, have negative impacts on the environment. Environmental sustainability can only be attained soon if the attitude of environmental care is imbibed by the populace. The media are an important institution in the creation of awareness of existing and emerging critical issues that affect the environment. This study examined the implication of Nigerian newspapers’ environmental reporting on the attitude of the elite class towards environmental care, with a focus on elites in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. The survey research method was adopted while a structured questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection. A sample of 410 respondents was selected using the stratified sampling technique. However, 403 copies of the questionnaire administered were retrieved, representing a 98% response rate.  The analysis of data found that most of the elite became environmental enthusiasts as a result of frequent reading of environmental stories in Nigerian newspapers. Although the newspaper was not their only major source of awareness and education on environmental issues, it played a significant role in improving their environmental care attitude.