Highlights from the Phase 2 Training Workshop on IEE & RECP Methodologies

Workshop Objectives

The workshop aimed to:

• Equip media stakeholders with practical knowledge of IEE and RECP methodologies.
• Promote impactful reporting to amplify the project’s influence.
• Foster collaboration between the media, project partners, and industries to advance sustainable practices.

Key Highlights

1. Engaging Presentations:

• Overview of the GEF-UNIDO IEE & RECP Project: Led by the National Project Coordinator, the session introduced participants to the project’s mission of advancing sustainable industrial practices across Nigeria.
• Fundamentals of Energy Efficiency: Delivered by Mr. Olakunle Owoeye, this session emphasized the importance of adopting energy management systems to optimize energy use and reduce costs.
• Fundamentals of Energy Efficiency: Delivered by Mr. Olakunle Owoeye, this session emphasized the importance of adopting energy management systems to optimize energy use and reduce costs.
• Best Practices for Reporting: Mojisola Olatinwo guided participants on crafting compelling, ethical, and impactful stories about IEE and RECP.

2. Interactive Sessions:

• Lively Q&A discussions allowed participants to clarify concepts and explore real-world applications.
• Case studies presented successful implementations of IEE and RECP in Nigerian industries, inspiring actionable ideas.

3. Inspirational Remarks:

• UNIDO Representative Mr. Yomi Banjo celebrated Nigeria as the first country to implement IEE and RECP methodologies simultaneously, setting a global benchmark.
• Federal Ministry of Environment Director of Press, Mr. Ibrahim Haruna, underscored the importance of accurate media reporting in shaping public awareness and policy.

Workshop Outcomes

• Enhanced Knowledge: Media professionals gained technical insights into energy efficiency and resource-efficient practices.
• Increased Awareness: Participants understood the critical role of media in driving industrial sustainability and public engagement.
• Commitments to Action: Attendees pledged to incorporate IEE and RECP content into their reporting, fostering wider adoption of sustainable practices.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

Challenges:

• Some technical content required simplification for participants unfamiliar with energy and production terminologies.
• Limited time constrained deeper exploration of case studies.

Lessons for Future Events:

• Incorporate more interactive exercises to enhance engagement.
• Share pre-event resource materials to help participants better prepare.

Future Directions

The GEF-UNIDO IEE & RECP Project remains committed to empowering media stakeholders as catalysts for change. Planned initiatives include:

• Follow-up workshops and refresher training.
• Development of tailored toolkits with case studies and best practices.
• Monitoring and incentivizing impactful media coverage of industrial sustainability efforts.

Acknowledgments

This workshop was made possible by the collaborative efforts of:

• Global Environment Facility (GEF)
• United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
• Federal Ministry of Science and Technology
• Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN)
• ECREEE (ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency)

The event marked a significant step toward realizing the project’s vision of a sustainable, energy-efficient Nigeria.