As board appeals to Trump
Idibia Gabriel, Kaduna
The closure of the Voice of America (VOA) represents a significant setback in the global fight against regional tropical diseases, climate change, desertification, deforestation, environmental degradation, erosion, and the extinction of plant and animal species across the Sahelian region.
In a statement released to the press, Dr. Piman Hoffman, Director of African Climate Reporters (ACR) and Head of Regional Research, emphasized the detrimental impact of VOA’s shutdown.
As a climatologist, Dr. Hoffman highlighted the vital role VOA plays in raising awareness about environmental issues, pollution, and infectious diseases, particularly among millions of listeners.
“For years, VOA’s Hausa and Kiswahili services have been at the forefront of educating people across Africa’s 54 nations. Through these languages, they have provided valuable information on reducing maternal and infant mortality, curbing environmental pollution, preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases, and addressing other public health challenges.
“Daily, VOA broadcasts messages to millions across Africa in both local and international languages, teaching listeners how to protect the environment from harmful human activities, including those that contribute to ozone depletion and marine pollution”, he stated.
In response to the shutdown, the governing board of African Climate Reporters, in collaboration with the African Institute of Waste Management and Environmental Studies, has appealed to President Donald Trump to reconsider the decision.
They argued that VOA’s vital humanitarian services have been crucial to raising awareness and driving action on environmental and health issues globally.
Dr. Hoffman, along with other scientists and environmental advocates, urges President Trump to reverse the decision to shut down VOA. They stress the importance of VOA’s role in tackling critical issues such as environmental degradation, pollution, and the loss of biodiversity.
As a collective of scientists and researchers across the 54 African nations, “we call on the President of the United States to reconsider this decision and continue supporting the invaluable work of the Voice of America”.
