The Federal Government has reviewed the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the South-East through the 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR), aimed at achieving targets in 2030.
Dr Babatunde Ipaye, the Lead Consultant for the Development of Nigeria’s VNR, said this at the review event themed “Regional Stakeholders Consultation” in Enugu on Wednesday.
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 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 was aimed at discussing ways to tackle critical challenges facing the region.
In her keynote address, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, said the 2030 Agenda provided 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 has presented two VNRs in 2017 and 2020 with the hope to present its third VNR this year.
“Conceptually, the 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 Nigerian society.
“This is our idea of the ‘whole of government and society’ approach to the implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria.”
“Incidentally, this year’s VNR is coming at a time the world leaders 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 have collectively reaffirmed their commitment to take bold, ambitious, accelerated, just and transformative actions to fast-track the achievement of the SDGs”.
Also speaking, Mr Yahaya Umar, Head VNR Secretariat, said that citizen engagement was vital to the successful implementation of the SDGs.
In her remarks, Onyinye Okpalama, SDGs Focal Person in Enugu State, commended the state’s efforts, rating it high on SGDs implementation plan.
She attributed this success to the socioeconomic policies of the state government, which have advanced sustainable development.
Earlier, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, said the event was a platform to celebrate successes and reflect on the gaps.
According to him, the event is also an opportunity to ensure inclusivity, particularly for rural communities and youth, while leveraging technology for progress.
Onyia urged participants to focus on innovative solutions, strengthen partnerships, and amplify marginalised voices to transform the 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 South-East 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)
