BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), a leading global platform held every September, is scheduled to convene to assess and strategize development in developing and underdeveloped nations, particularly third world countries, with Nigeria poised to participate comprehensively.
Following the launch of the Internal National Financing Framework (INFF) at UNGA 77, a program championed by Nigeria’s SDGs leadership, led by Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President, to guarantee funding and financing for development initiatives outside of public funds.
The launching that attracted laudable commendation from the global bodies and countries yearning for more sustainable development in line with the decade of action 2020-2030, was consolidated for accelerated action at the UNGA 78 in 2023.
In synergy with other global bodies, the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN), among others made concerted and concrete efforts advanced and advocated after the launching by the Nigeria government of the need to up the game, so as to resolving all round deficit using the SDGs as a spring board.
With Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the SSA SDGs to the President and expert in human crises management and development spanned for many decades, the focus on consolidation of the development goals became the rallying point of the participating nations from all walks of life.
Having achieved greatly after the UNGA 78 in 2023, geared towards the need for accelerated action in all spheres, the need to review and realign the success story of the program became sacrosanct in the impending global gathering for 2024 tagged UNGA 79.
Realizing that without peace , no country achieved sustainable development in line with the template of the global body , the need to intensify more action on peace and sustainable development became a focal point .
In her new year statement related to Nigerians , she emphasized the genuine intentions of the global community to advance peace coexistence as a corrolary to economic and social freedom among Nigerians.
She urged Nigerians to abhor any form of crises capable of galvanizing non- state actors into creating needless tension, that will derail just six years to the 2030 ambitious agenda.
While insisting on peaceful coexistence of any form and format , she reminded Nigerians that no nation can intensify efforts through expedited actions towards the implementation of SDGs Goals without peaceful coexistence.
The 17 goals according to the SSA, is desiring all round commitment in the area of administration, application and implementation in all areas in the ninth year of the implementation of SDGs.
“The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has emphasized the critical need for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, alongside intensified efforts and expedited actions in the implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria.”
“With only seven years remaining to achieve the ambitious global goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire underscored the urgency for collaborative and concerted endeavours to ensure that Nigeria fulfills its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. Recognizing the transformative potential of the SDGs in addressing socio-economic and environmental challenges, Princess Orelope-Adefulire called on all stakeholders, including government bodies, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and citizens, to join hands in accelerating progress.”
“Princess Orelope-Adefulire who expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to make significant strides towards the SDGs, emphasizing the importance of aligning national development strategies with the global goals. She highlighted the need for innovation, inclusivity, and accountability in the implementation process, stressing that no one should be left behind in the journey towards a sustainable and equitable future.”
“With the global community racing against time to meet the 2030 deadline, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire urged a strategic focus on key areas such as poverty eradication, quality education, gender equality, climate action, and healthcare. She emphasized that progress in these domains is paramount to the overall success of the SDGs and the well-being of the Nigerian populace.”
“In her call to action, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire highlighted the inseparable link between sustainable development and peace. She emphasized that no meaningful progress can be achieved in an atmosphere devoid of peace, security, and tranquility. Therefore, she implored Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence, fostering an environment conducive to development and prosperity.”
“As Nigeria enters this pivotal year, we remain committed to championing sustainable development initiatives, advocating for policy coherence, and fostering partnerships that will propel our great nation towards the realization of the SDGs,” the SSAP-SDGs stated.
“The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. Adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, the SDGs encompass 17 goals addressing various aspects of sustainable development.”
While underscoring the need for inclusivity, innovation and accountability, she highlighted the need that a collective efforts and combined action is needed to drive the goals to fruition.
These included the critical areas that involved the participation of both the public, private entities , CSOs, NGOs and citizens to join hand together towards driving to its logical conclusion, the scourge of poverty and it’s eradication, quality health care and Education , as well as the lingering issue of climate change and action .
For Adefulire, half journey into the targeted 2030 Agenda, the need for acceleration through concerted efforts cannot be over emphasized .
As we prepared for the UNGA 79, no doubt the take away for the country as giant of Africa via the global body , will no doubt determined the socioeconomic and political development of both developing and underdeveloped countries across the west Africa sub region, including the sub Saharan Africa.
ABUBAKAR YUSUF Writes from Abuja on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
