Federal government has reviewed the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, in the South East through the 2025 Voluntary National Review, VNR, aimed at achieving targets in 2030.
Lead Consultant for the Development of Nigeria’s VNR, Dr Babatunde Ipaye, said this at the review event with the theme: “Regional Stakeholders Consultation” in Enugu, yesterday.
The News Agency of Nigeria NAN, reports that VNR is a process through which countries assess and present national progress made in implementing the 2030 Agenda.
The event offered stakeholders drawn from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States the opportunity to discuss the progress made, pitfalls and prospects of SDGs in the zone.
Ipaye emphasised the importance of key stakeholders collaboration to exchange ideas, highlight shared outcomes and determine the most effective strategies for implementing SDGs.
He said the Southeast Consultation Forum is aimed at discussing ways to tackle critical challenges facing the region.
In her keynote address, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said the 2030 Agenda provides a holistic development framework for addressing economic, social and environmental challenges.
Orelope-Adefulire explained that out of the 366 VNRs conducted and presented by 191 countries, Nigeria presented two VNRs in 2017 and 2020 with the hope to present its third VNR this year.
“Conceptually, VNRs are more useful when conducted through an inclusive, broad-based and participatory process.
“This is exactly why we are here to consult widely with key stakeholders across the key segments of the society.
“This is our idea of the ‘whole of government and society’ approach to the implementation of SDGs in Nigeria.
“Incidentally, this year’s VNR is coming at a time that world leaders have adopted the “Pact for the Future” during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, last September,” she said.
She added that through the pact, “our leaders collectively reaffirmed their commitment to take bold, ambitious, accelerated, just and transformative actions to fast-track the achievements of the SDGs”.
Also speaking, the Head VNR Secretariat, Mr Yahaya Umar, said citizen engagement is vital to the successful implementation of the SDGs.
In her remarks, SDGs Focal Person in Enugu State, Onyinye Okpalama, commended the state’s efforts, rating it high on SGDs implementation plan.
She attributed this success to the socio-economic policies of the state government that have advanced sustainable development.
Earlier, Secretary to the Enugu State Government, SSG, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, said the event was a platform to celebrate success and reflect on the gap.
According to him, the event is also an opportunity to ensure inclusivity, particularly for rural communities and youths, while leveraging technology for progress.
Onyia urged participants to focus on innovative solutions, strengthen partnerships and amplify marginalised voices to transform SDGs into reality in the South East and Nigeria at large.
“The SDGs are not just global aspirations, they are a call to action for every region, community and individual.
“The South East, with its rich human capital, entrepreneurial spirit and resilience, has a vital role to play in accelerating progress on SDGs in Nigeria.
“While progress has been made in the region in areas such as access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities, we must ask ourselves: Are these advancements reaching those who need them the most?
“Are rural communities benefiting from these interventions to the degree that we leave no one behind?” he asked.
According to him, let us not only be bold in identifying challenges, but also innovative in proposing solutions. Let us strengthen collaborations and partnerships that will drive meaningful change.
“Most importantly, let us ensure that the voices of the people, especially those at the grassroots who, we as various stakeholders represent, are heard, respected and integrated into the overall national report,” he said. NAN
