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Tag: SDGs

  • Corps members: New advocates for SDGs

    Corps members: New advocates for SDGs

    Spotting where the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) flopped, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) are training Corps members to play advocacy roles for the SDGs. GBENGA OMOKHUNU reports

    One major flaw of the Millennium Development Goals or MDGs is the fact that local residents often failed to step up and take ownership of the projects sited in their areas. Now, the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) are partnering to solve that problem.

    How? By training NYSC members to go into communities across the country and get locals to understand what projects have come into their domains, and why they have to make those projects their own. That way, the projects will last and serve the purpose they were meant for.

    The Corps members comprising male and female are 400 and have undergone several training and were excited to be part of the refurbishing process

    At the flag-off ceremony of the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC/ Sustainable Development Goals champions in Keffi, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire vowed to revamp all old projects undertaken under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) programmes then the need to involve the 400 corps members.

    The corps members were selected from the 36 States of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on advocacy strategies.

    Inaugurating the group, Orelope-Adefulire said, “It is logical for SDGs office and the NYSC to evolve a partnership of using Corps members to drive the SDGs advocacy since the SDGs seek to complete the unfinished business of the MDGs.”

    She called on the group to sensitise their communities where they are posted to serve on the importance of seeing the SDG projects as their own, liaise with them to know their challenges and report back to her office to address their challenges.

    She said, “It is as a way of preventing some of the drawbacks found with the implementation of the MDGs in Nigeria that setting up this group of corps members became necessary. One major drawback of the MDGs implementation was the inability of communities where projects were sited to take ownership of the projects.

    “One of the aims of the NYSC/SDGs Champions will therefore be to develop in the Nigerian citizenry a commitment to development through awareness creation in the implementation of the SDGs and to galvanise Nigerians for active participation in the achievement of the SDGs.

    “As you may be aware, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are currently at the Centrepiece of the current global development agenda which envisages a world free from poverty and deprivation where the fundamental conditions for human survival and prosperity are safeguarded.  This vision, which was endorsed by 189 nations in New York in September, 2015 is expected to guide nations, international organisations, the private sector, civil society and governments in all countries and at all levels in the shared pursuit of a healthier world and a better tomorrow.

    “The 17 goals and 169 targets of the SDGs is a response to the numerous challenges that confront the world today.  While we assert that Nigeria recorded appreciable progress in the implementation of the MDGs, particularly in the area of Universal Primary enrolment, gender parity as well as the prevalence of hunger, critical challenges remain, which have been rolled over to the SDGs.  The 17 goals are integrated and indivisible and balance economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development, indeed these goals, targets and indicators will stimulate action over the next 15 years in areas of critical importance to us as a nation.

    “The Office is in partnership with the Ministry of Budget and National Planning to mainstream and integrate the SDGs into the medium and long-term National Development plans for effective planning, adequate budgeting and overall successful implementation across the nation. We are equally working with the National Bureau of Statistics and the United Nations Development Programme in the conduct of a mapping of existing SDGs related data and establishing baseline data which will be useful in benchmarking SDGs progress.

    “It is as a way of preventing some of the drawbacks found with the implementation of the MDGs in Nigeria that setting up this group of Corps members became necessary. One major drawback of the MDGs implementation was the inability of communities where projects were sited to take ownership of projects.

    “The implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria is envisaged to be community based. This will enhance strict development programme and create zeal for the communities to protect and sustained the programmes,” she said.

    Mrs. Orelope-Adefulire urged “the corps members to see this assignment as a clarion call to contribute your own quota to the development of this great nation.”

    The Director General of the NYSC, Brig-General Suleiman Kazaure said the presence of the scheme in the 774 local government areas of the country put it in a better position to domesticate any government agenda or programme at the grass root level.

    “Your selection as SDGs champions is another clarion call for duty. You are to promote good and moral values in your community by working together with them to solve some challenges,” he advised the corps members.

     

  • ‘Canada, Tinubu committed to SDGs’

    ‘Canada, Tinubu committed to SDGs’

    The Private Sector Summit of the ongoing United Nations Global Assembly kicked off with focus on the role of business in advancing sustainable development goals (SDGs) to prevent global instability.

    Speaking at the forum on the theme: Securing the way forward, the Group Chief Executive of Oando Plc, Wale Tinubu said education, innovation, and good governance are key facets to sustainable long term socio-economic growth.

    “Education remains the most powerful empowerment tool within a community. Through our Foundation, we are addressing the issues of access and improving the quality of teaching and learning outcomes in primary schools, with a focus on the girl child. This has led to infrastructure projects primed to impact over 75,000 children nationwide, scholarship programmes aimed at enhancing over 9,700 lives, ICT centres geared towards over 170,000 direct beneficiaries, and teacher training programmes designed to support the lives of over 1.2 million pupils.

    “In line with the SDGs these efforts have addressed goals of quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation and partnerships. However, we have much more to do, our hope is that alongside the government and partners we will create a sustainable and equitable educational system to ensure the empowerment of every child,” he said.

    Tinubu was one of eight international speakers and the only African invited to speak at the UN Private Sector Summit.  Other speakers who pledged their support included RT. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, who spoke on: Realising Opportunity: A Story of Partnership and actor and UNICEF ambassador Ewan McGregor who spoke on: Inspiring Momentum – Accelerating Change, as well as, Simona Scarpaleggia, CEO, IKEA Switzerland, Carolyn Miles, President and CEO, Save the Children, Richard Curtis, SDG Advocate; Screen Writer, Producer and Film Director, Mats Granryd, Director General, GSMA and Kaan Terzioglu, CEO Turkcell.

    Tinubu is part of a high profile list of attendees from the Nigerian public and private sectors including President Muhammadu Buhari, First Lady Aisha Muhammadu Buhari; Aliko Dangote, President & CEO,  Dangote Group; and Jim Ovia, Zenith Bank Chairman.

    “Increased indigenous participation in varying projects across sectors is accompanied by greater accountability by all of us to ensure Africa fulfills its enormous potential. My commitment to help fulfil the SDGs is unwavering,” he said.

    Tinubu also addressed African corporates’ dedication towards effectiveness, accountability and transparency—key SDG pillars for building a responsible organisation focused on good corporate governance.

    Attendees at this year’s UN Global Assembly included top government officials, private sector leaders, UNICEF ambassadors, and humanitarians including UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon; Lise Kingo, Executive Director, UN Global Compact; H.E. Peter Thomson, President of the seventy-first session of the UNGA; President Barack Obama of the United States and for the first time Theresa May the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party.

  • Maintaining the momentum: Building on year one of the SDGs

    Maintaining the momentum: Building on year one of the SDGs

    One year ago, leaders of 193 countries came together to commit to ending poverty, combatting climate change, and fighting injustice. They agreed a plan for the future of the world and its people. The plan—the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, offers a better future for billions of people around the world and for our planet as a whole.

    Turning its seventeen Sustainable Development Goals into reality before the 2030 target date will be one of the most ambitious undertakings the global community has ever taken. But I am confident that if people are at the centre of all actions, if the commitment of stakeholders is maintained and if the spirit of partnership prevails, there will be no shortage of success in the next fourteen years.

    I am optimistic is because of the nature of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Goals are underpinned by 4 powerful principles.  First–they are connected and indivisible, linking development, human rights, peace and security.  Second–they are universal. They apply to every person everywhere. Third–they are to be implemented through inclusive participation of all of society.  Fourth – as they are implemented no-one should be left behind. The SDGs have created a common purpose for the well-being of coming generations and for a planet that is fit for the future. This is why we have seen a fast, strong, and even urgent shift from all sectors toward more sustainable practices and policies.

    In this first year anniversary—“SDG Year 1” —more than 50 governments, and also numerous businesses, scientists and civil society organizations have stepped up their efforts to make the SDGs a central framework for their policies and actions, and have increased their focus and investment on data collection and analysis to guide decisions and leave no one behind.

    At the local level, hundreds of cities and municipalities are adopting their own plans to achieve the goals. And thousands of communities from different sectors of society have accelerated actions under the SDG banner.

    All these steps have built momentum to limiting climate change, advancing gender equality, mitigating natural disasters, addressing mass migration, and reducing inequality.

    This past July, twenty-two governments presented to the United Nations their SDG plans. They showed how they have made the SDGs a central framework for national development. They help ensure that actions are aligned, that programmes work in synergy and that finance is used as efficiently as possible. This means that development cooperation will be aligned with the SDGs.

    The momentum behind the Paris Agreement on Climate Change is also accelerating and so far governments of twenty-seven nations have ratified the agreement—including the world’s largest emitters of greenhouses gases, China and the United States.

    Other sectors are building momentum too. There has been a noticeable transformation in how businesses are done with greater focus on social, economic and environmental dimensions of development. And the UN has shifted to joint working in support of aligned policies from focusing on projects to convening stakeholders, and aligning efforts so that partners can work together in an efficient and effective manner.

    It is clear that enormous strides have been made.

    But much more has to be done to implement the SDG plan.  The SDGs lay out specific targets for all to solve the challenges our planet and people around the world are facing.

    How do we stay on this path and realize a sustainable future?

    That is where the most important stakeholder—the people—comes in. Public support and public pressure will be essential for transforming the SDGs from aspiration into reality. My aim is for 2 billion people around the world to be aware of the SDGs by the end of 2017 and for another million people to become activists—to be change-agents who press decision-makers and who hold them accountable until we have transformed our world and made it more sustainable.

    Children and youth have a particularly important role to play, as the face of social movements, the drivers of social change and the torchbearers of a more sustainable future for generations to come.

    The first anniversary of the adoption of the SDGs is an opportunity to celebrate all achievements made, to do more to make SDGs a reality and most importantly to thank the governments, businesses, civil society groups and young people around the world for all their efforts.

    If all the relevant stakeholders continue to work towards building a sustainable and resilient world, achieving the SDG targets in the next fourteen years and transforming the way we live really is a feasible objective.

    And let’s face it- we really do not have a plan B. There is no planet B.

    Dr. David Nabarro is Special Adviser to the Secretary General for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Climate Change.

  • FIIRO chief: food security is achievable through SDGs

    Efforts at achieving food security and improved nutrition can be accelerated by adopting the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development  Goals (SDGs) agenda, the Director–General, Federal Institute for Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), Dr. Gloria Elemo, has  said.

    The SDGs aim at ending poverty by 2030.

    Mrs Elemo stressed that food and nutrition security must be viewed as essential dimensions of sustainable development and approached as critical elements in achieving government’s goals to make food available and affordable for Nigerians.

    In a paper presented at a forum in Lagos, she said unless the government was pragmatic enough to target the most-vulnerable, such as the poor, women in rural areas, small holder farmers, and those in parts of the North affected by insurgency, food security may not be achieved.

    The paper titled “Achieving Food Security and Improved Nutrition in Nigeria: Making the SDGs Work for Us”, canvassed the need to deploy science & technology in tackling issues ranging from yield and productivity, bridging yield gap, addressing post-harvests losses and effective management of the natural resources.

    Elemo said: “Science, technology and innovation are key to a robust transformation in the food system that will lead to increased agricultural production and productivity. It would also expand local agro-industry and value addition and improve management of natural resources for sustainable agricultural production”.

    The FIRRO boss said the research institute is poised to making significant contributions to food availability through processing, provision of prototype agricultural processing equipment and technology transfer. It also hopes to reduce post-harvest losses through processing and preservation of foods.

    Others are increasing food access through entrepreneurship training and women empowerment workshops as well as increase in job opportunities. This, Elemo said, will translate to improvement in incomes and also lead to more purchasing power for people.

    She, therefore, asked that science and technology innovation policy as recommended by the Ministry of Science & Technology be fully implemented such that strategies laid out for every sector including agriculture, water resources, and raw material production and linked to improving food security and nutrition can work in line with the  SDGs.

  • Government, UN, Sahara Group host workshop SDGs

    Government, UN, Sahara Group host workshop SDGs

    The Federal Government, United Nations and Sahara Group are set to host a private sector forum to create awareness on collaborations to support the development of a Universal Sustainable Development Agenda in Nigeria.
    The results of the workshop will inform a new UN global report on business and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) being prepared by the UN Sustainable Development Goals Fund (SDG-F).
    The workshop tagged: Business Contribution to a Universal Sustainable Development Agenda; holds on July 14, 2016 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
    Participants include: Heads of public sector parastatals, private sector organisations and multilateral agencies.
    Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on SDGs, Princess Victoria Orelope-Adefulire, said the workshop would highlight how businesses can effectively contribute towards achieving the SDGs in Nigeria through mobilisation of financing for the United Nations SDG Fund initiative.
    Orelope-Adefulire said participants would exchange ideas on how to articulate a Universal Agenda in different private sector industries and contexts; incorporate and implement the SDGs into the core business activities and operations; and address challenges peculiar to Nigeria with regards to achieving the SDGs.
    The Nigerian President’s aide said the government was hopeful collaboration with the private sector will hasten the attainment of the SDGs and ultimately drive diversification of the Nigerian economy, wealth creation, revenue generation opportunities, improved child and maternal care as well as gender equality opportunities.
    “The desired aim would be to work closely with the private sector to develop initiatives that would address the peculiarities of nationalizing the SDGs in Nigeria in line with the Universality Agenda. Ultimately we hope to set a strong foundation for developing a framework for further discussions scheduled for the last quarter of the 2016,” she noted.
    According to Tonye Cole, Executive Director and Co-Founder, Sahara Group, achieving multi-sectoral collaboration in the private sector remained a critical requirement for driving the SDGs in Nigeria.
    Cole said it was imperative for the private sector in Nigeria to coalesce efforts geared towards the SDGs to enhance scale, impact and sustainability of the various initiatives across the nation. “Private businesses in Nigeria have really been doing a lot to promote the SDGs in Nigeria. However, when you consider the ground we need to cover, a collaborative approach becomes the only sustainable solution. We will be exploring this approach at the workshop and I am confident that the outcomes will launch us further in our quest for attaining the SDGs through shared ideas, resources and platforms.”
    He noted that Sahara, a leading African energy conglomerate, was eagerly looking forward to Nigeria’s private sector heeding the “clarion call” to spearhead a continent-wide movement to institutionalise and implement the SDGs in Africa through collaboration. “Having been a part of the maiden forum held last year in New York, I see this workshop as Nigeria’s best shot at sustainably attaining the SDGs within the prescribed timeline of the United Nations.”
    Director, SDG-F, Paloma Duran highlighted that for SDGs to be achieved by 2030 it is necessary to work differently. In particular, “businesses and private sector should be at the core of sustainable development efforts”. For doing so, “we need first to listen from businesses and learn how public and private sector can work better jointly for SDGs”.

  • Making a case for SDGs

    Making a case for SDGs

    A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Brain Builders International, has held a symposium at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)  to mark the first quarter of the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which was adopted during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, last September. JELILAT OLAJUMOKE (400-Level Chemistry) and SHERIFFDEEN OPEYEMI (200-Level Anatomy) report.

    The United Nations unveiled the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during its General Assembly in New York, United States, last year. But, many countries have not univeiled their plans to implement the goals. To ensure accelerated implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria, a youth-oriented non-governmental organisation (NGO), Brain Builders International, has held an advocacy event at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) to review the plans set out by the government to implement the 17-point goals.

    The event started with a press conference by the NGO’s national coordinator, Abideen Olasupo, a 400-Level Chemistry student. Abideen said the event was to raise hope and keep the goals in the consciousness of leaders, youths and stakeholders to enable accelerated domestication, implementation, effective monitoring and evaluation.

    He said: “Our organisation strongly welcomes the final draft of the post-2015 outcome document, because it brings out achievable ambition and a clear commitment towards ending human challenges and promote integration, as well as positive steps towards making the earth safe for all humanity.”

    Abideen emphasised the need to end ignorance, saying it was a fact responsible for average achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) before the deadline. He called for synergy between government and citizenry in order to realise the goals.

    During the deliberation at the event, speakers urged the government to establish cross ministerial commissions that would oversee to the implementation and monitoring of the SDGs. Other recommendations included creation of SDGs multiparty parliamentary committees, inclusion of SDGs in national development plans, provisions for social protection and nationalisation of SDGs, among others.

    Also, Olalekan Obisesan, an entrepreneur, spoke on how the youth can contribute to the reaslisation of the SDGs. Emphasising on Goal 11, which seeks to achieve sustainable cities and communities, and Goal 16, which seeks to promote peace, justice and strong institutions, Obisesan said the gaols would be achieved if the youth could drive the plan for the implementation.

    He said: “In order to actualise these goals, there is need to have it planned, make it a habit, inspire to do it, and support doing it. In the words of Mother Theresa of blessed memory, we cannot change the world but we can cast a stone in water to generate many ripples.”

    Olawale Rotimi, Special Assistant on Media and Communications to Hon. Abdulrazaq Atunwa, discussed how to end poverty, hunger and achieve decent work condition. He said more than half of the population lives below N300 per day. If Goals 2 and 8 are effectively implemented, he said poverty would be eliminated.

    The youth, he said, must embrace entrepreneurship to actualise the SDGs. He charged the government to create enabling environment for youth to thrive in business and vocation.

    Dr Saudat AbdulBaqi, Head of Mass Communication Department of UNILORIN, spoke on Goals 5 and 10, which are seeking gender equality and reduction of inequality. She stressed the need for every human being to respect the rights of their fellow humans, saying gender inequality would be eliminated if government protects the rights of the people.

    She condemned the notion that women are inferior to their male counterpart, saying the the idea was responsible for agitation by women to be adequately represented in leadership position.

    The event ended with an interactive session, which afforded the participants an opportunity to express their views on the readiness of the government to implement SDGs.

  • Buhari appoints ex- Lagos Deputy Governor SSA on SDGs

    Buhari appoints ex- Lagos Deputy Governor SSA on SDGs

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday approved the appointment of Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire as his Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Mrs. Orelope-Adefulire, who served as Deputy-Governor of Lagos State in the administration of Babatunde Fashola, according to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, is an accomplished politician with many years of experience in public service.

    She has also served as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Lagos State.

  • YABATECH confab discusses SDGs

    The role of Science in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, was the theme of the third international conference and exhibitions of the School of Science, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Yaba , Lagos.

    The two-day event held last week at the Yusuf Grillo auditorium of the college drew attention of academia from different institutions to how to use science to move the country forward regarding the SDGs.

    Dean, School of Science, Dr Afolake Dawodu said the deliberations at the conference would guide policy to help political leaders achieve the SDGs.

    “The theme for this year’s conference is very apt and timely as the millennium development goals (MDGs) are being transitioned into sustainable development goals (SDGs) or global goals which will guide the world’s policy and funding for the next 15 years with a pledge to end poverty, fight inequality and justice, and tackle climate change by the year 2030.

    “World leaders adopted a new set of 17 SDGs to finish the job of the MDGs at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit that took place on 25th of September, 2015 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.”

    She thanked the rector, Dr Margaret Ladipo, for supporting the school to organise the conference.

    The lead paper was presented by Prof. M.O Ilori Dean, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos. The event also witnessed experts drawn from different departments of the institution which include: Dr (Mrs.) L.N Ofodile of the Dept of Biological Science; Dr. C.C Ojiodu, HOD, Chemical Science; Mr. L.O Imafidon of the Dept of physics; Dr. A. Abiodu of the Dept Chemistry. Other Include: Mr. A.W Ashiru,  Head, Biological Science; Mr. A.O Falade, Head, Dept of Mathematics; Mr. A.O. Osunmakinde, Ag Head physical sciences; Mr. G.O. Lawal, Head Dept of Statistics among other

     

  • Govt urged to implement SDGs

    A group, Campaign 2015+International has called on Federal Government to accelerate the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are successor goals to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), that expires in September.

    The group said 15 years on from the original adoption of the MDGs at the 2000 Millennium Summit, and less than eight weeks left to September this year, it seems all efforts by stakeholders towards achieving MDGs are not enough.

    The convener of the group, Dr Tola Winjobi spoke while addressing journalists at the Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan on the engagement of Nigerian political leaders and stakeholders towards accelerated implementation of SDGs in Nigeria.

    Winjobi lamented that Nigeria has failed to meet some of the MDGs goals, noting that: “Nigerians are still living below poverty line both in relative and absolutes while infant mortality rate for the total population was 69/1000. Unfortunately too, a mere 28 per cent Nigerians have access to improved sanitation facility.

    “The need for all to look beyond 2015 MDGs is paramount as emphasised in the 2010 annual report of the United Nations Secretary-General.”

    According to him, it must be underscored that many organisations  across 40 countries in Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia met and had a group sessions and deliberations which led to the successor goals to MDGs called SDGs.