The Alliance for Science (AFS) has honoured Mr. Etta Michael Bisong, the Abuja Bureau Chief (ABC) of EnviroNews Nigeria, for his contributions in promoting environmental governance.
As part of his achievements, Bisong, an AFS Fellow, established Nigeria’s first Science Café to advance science literacy and sustainable development in the country and beyond.
The event, organised by the AFS on Tuesday, February 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, brought together scientists, communicators, and donor agencies to celebrate a decade of advancing science communication and advocacy globally.
According to Bisong, the prize is a clear proof that hard work pays.
The award-winning journalist and climate literacy advocate continued, “As I consider my small part in this admirable achievement, I am also deeply aware of the challenge that lies ahead as we come together to reimagine the future of science communication.”
Even though many people refer to it as science communication, he went on to remark that as a professional communicator, he understands that this term just depicts the new dynamics of modern society.
Bisong said climate change has brought humanity to its knees, making scientific solutions necessary to combat this new global trend. Whether it’s revolutionising the food systems or tackling health challenges, scientific breakthroughs continue to present a clear picture of how humans can best live in harmony with the environment.
The environmental rights campaigner disclosed that this is why the terms “science literacy” and “communication” have become more widely used to help people understand the reasons behind these ecological disruptions and their responsibilities in addressing them.
Using football as an example of how he plans to communicate to address this situation, Bisong said that he plays number five on the football pitch as a defender due to his unwavering commitment to keeping the ball out of the net.
“My goal is to bring the same skill and precision to this new science community of champions, in the hopes of leaving the world a better place than I found it,” he told the participants who had gathered to witness the landmark event.
Bisong expressed gratitude to the AFS for acknowledging his contributions and deeming him deserving of this remarkable honour in spite of the numerous distractions that marked his ascent to the top.
Speaking during the forum, Dr. Sheila Obim, Executive Director of the AFS, hinted that the AFS has championed evidence-based decision-making, science communication, and policy advocacy around the world over the last ten years.
She explained that AFS has empowered a network of vibrant fellows that have sparked important change in science policy, agricultural innovation, climate action, and community engagement through its Global Leadership Programme (GLP) and grassroots projects.
“As we mark 10 years of impact, the Notable Mentions Awards celebrate outstanding fellows whose work has shaped the future of science and society,” Dr. Obim said.
AFS is a global science communication organisation that seeks to form a coalition of science advocates that use frontier biotechnologies to address global concerns.
The award was divided into five categories: science communication and research, policy impact, grassroots and community engagement, youth and gender empowerment, and beyond legacy, which recognised Bisong’s outstanding work in promoting environmental governance.
By Nsikak Emmanuel Ekere, Abuja