By Ify Onyekwere
Following the release of the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024, which reveals that only 17% of the SDG targets are currently on track, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, has intensified advocacy efforts at the sub-national level to accelerate progress towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
The humanitarian coordinator during his visit to Nigeria, rounded off his one-week working visit to Lagos, Anambra and Enugu States. He engaged with the grassroots and stakeholders which is not limited to governors, commissioners, private sector leaders, civil society organizations, traditional rulers, women and youth groups with the intent for a call for all hands to be on deck in advocating for the SDGs for the wellbeing of the planet as well as people.
While being received by the State Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Barrister Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the governor took out time to highlight the alignment of his administration towards the United Nations mandate and focus on Sustainable Development. Fall maximized his visit to Enugu as he also took a visit to a Type-3 hospital in Agbogugu community, impressed by the innovative approaches in healthcare and also expressed his admiration of the youths in Enugu State for their involvement in matters surrounding the SDGs.
In Enugu, Fall was received by State Governor H.E. Barrister Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, who emphasized the alignment of his administration’s vision with the UN’s mandates and the Sustainable Development Goals. Fall’s visit to Owo Smart School in Enugu was a significant highlight, where he observed the integration of technology in education, demonstrating how quality education can pave the way for a brighter future. He also visited a Type-3 hospital in Agbogugu community, noting the innovative approaches in healthcare and the importance of expanding primary health centres to ensure no one is left behind.
Engaging with women and youth groups in Enugu, Fall expressed his admiration for the proactive efforts of young people in accelerating the SDGs and acknowledged the women’s call for greater female representation in politics. He encouraged Nigerian women to remain hopeful about increasing female political leadership.
In Anambra State, Fall met with Governor H.E. Prof. Charles Soludo to discuss critical issues such as poverty alleviation, environmental threats, social protection, health, education, innovative financing, and the commitment to leaving no one behind. At the palace of Eze Uzu II of Awka, represented by Prime Minister Engr. Benjamin Okoye, Fall addressed the Council of Chiefs, highlighting the crucial role of traditional rulers in accelerating the SDGs and enhancing people’s well-being.
During the UNICEF South-East Zonal Policy Dialogue on Child-sensitive Budgeting in Awka, Fall reiterated the UN’s readiness to support the Southeast in accelerating SDG progress. His visit to Eziabor village Oko, one of the over 1,000 active erosion sites in Anambra, underscored the urgent need for federal, state, and development partner interventions to address the devastating soil erosion affecting the state. At the Onitsha market, he observed the industrious spirit of the people, contributing to the economic development of Anambra State and the entire Southeast region. Fall emphasized the integration of innovation and skill development into commerce as a catalyst for SDG acceleration.
In Lagos, Fall engaged with Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, UBA, and Transcorp groups, stressing the private sector’s pivotal role in rescuing and accelerating the SDGs in Nigeria. He acknowledged Elumelu’s contributions to youth development in Nigeria and Africa through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, noting the potential of the youth demographic to drive national development. At a joint press briefing with Sterling Bank’s Managing Director/CEO Abubakar Suleiman and Sterling One Foundation CEO Adepeju Ibekwe during the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS), Fall reiterated the UN’s collaboration with Sterling One Foundation to ensure the continuity of the Summit. He expressed optimism that ASIS2024 would offer valuable insights into how best to rescue the SDGs in Nigeria and Africa.
Upon reflection of his meetings with young innovators in Lagos, Fall expressed his impressive work of young people using tech-driven solutions to solve challenges such as climate change, rent payment, credit access, and medical supplies. He highlighted the critical role of innovation and technology in transforming society, not leaving out Fintech as one sector that plays an important role in creating more jobs.
The UN Resident Coordinator (RC) is the highest-ranking representative of the UN Development System at the country level, leading UN Country Teams and coordinating UN support to the country in implementing the 2030 Agenda. The Resident Coordinator reports to the UN Secretary-General, ensuring alignment and progress towards global development goals.
Courtesy of UN Information Centre, Abuja
Thank you for this report, really the SDG 2030 agenda is not far and we can achieve it too.