Stakeholders on Sustainable Development Goals( SDGs) in the South zone including , representatives from the national, , Tuesday, converged in Enugu for the Regional Stakeholders’ Consultation on Nigeria’s 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR),, aimed at engaging discussion that will pave the way for accelerated progress towards the SDGs in the South-East .
Secretary to Enugu State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, said they were going to look at critical components of tracking success . adding that they were going to have an honest assessment around how these processes have actually reached the people needed to reach., how they had been tracked, what success means and some other interventions that they would plan through empirical evidences ,
Delivering his welcome address ,at the event, Prof Onyia, said the review was a platform to celebrate successes, reflect on gaps, and ensure inclusivity, particularly for rural communities and youth, while leveraging technology for progress.
He urged participants to focus on innovative solutions, strengthening partnerships, and amplifying marginalized voices to transform the SDGs into reality in the South-East and Nigeria.
Pix: Participants with the SSG, Prof Chidiebere Onyia ( 4Th R)
“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 the sustainable development goals 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?”
“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.
Taking it down to Enugu, Professor Onyia said, “For us in Enugu state this review is critical because the concept of this government as most of you know is built on an evidence-based decisions by process. Data is critical in everything. you do and that is the only way to build process into an improved system.
He explained that the meeting was timely and it was expected that participants will look at contextual issues towards achieving SDGs target.
In a keynote address, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said the 2030 Agenda provides a holistic development framework for addressing economic, social and environmental challenges..
He 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, 2025.
“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.”
Focusing on the 2025 VNR with the theme “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind”, he said, this year’s VNR is coming at a time the World leaders adopted the “Pact for the Future.”
“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. 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.” he said..
In a remark, the Lead Consultant for the Development of Nigeria’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) 2025, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, stated the importance of key stakeholders collaboration, noting that the Southeast Consultation Forum discussed ways to tackle critical challenges facing the region.
On his part, the Head of the VNR Secretariat, Yahaya Umar, said citizen engagement is vital to the successful implementation of the SDGs.
Earlier in her speech, ,the SDGs Focal Person in Enugu State, Engineer Onyinye Okpalama, commended Enugu state Governor ,Dr. Peter Mbah for keying into the SDGs programs, through the construction of 260 Smart schools and 260 Type 11 Primary Healthcare Centres in 260 political wards in the state.
She rated Enugu state high for its implementation plan. The Focal person attributed this success to the socio-economic policies of the state government, which have advanced sustainable development.
Author: Maureen Ikpeam