NEWS
FG Task States, LGs On Accelerating SDGs
A call has gone to the various federating units of Nigeria, the states, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and local governments to take decisive steps for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, (SSAP-SDGs) Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, made this call at the ongoing Advocacy and Sensitisation campaign in Kano and Ondo States.
According to the Presidential Aide, the global community seeks to accelerate the implementation of the Global Agenda in the Decade of Action for the Goals.
A statement issued by Desmond Utomwen, the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the SSAP-SDGs, noted that with the global community lagging behind in the efforts to attain the SDGs and with Nigeria facing various challenges, the need for all stakeholders, particularly State and Local Governments, to accelerate progress has become more imperative.
According to Orelope-Adefulire, despite the commitment and efforts as a country, Nigeria is faced with issues and challenges in the desire to achieve the SDGs. She noted that, partly due to the now Triple C Crisis – COVID, Climate Change, and Conflicts, the implementation is off-track globally, and only 15 percent of the SDGs targets are on track as of 2023.
“In Nigeria, the Multidimensional Poverty Index Report (2022) shows that about 63 percent or 133 million Nigerians are multi-dimensionally poor. The report shows that poverty levels vary significantly across the states and the geopolitical zones. Specifically, multidimensional poverty is higher in rural areas, where 72 percent of people are poor, compared to 42 percent in urban areas. Overall, the report revealed that 65 percent of poor people live in the North, while 35 percent live in the South.
“Relatedly, the National Bureau of Statistics’ Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey Report (2022) shows that the Under-5 mortality rate, which represents SDG 3.2.1, is 102 per 1,000 live births – with Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Jigawa recording the highest, and FCT, Benue, Kwara, and Ebonyi States recording the lowest.
“On SDG 4, quality education among children and adolescents aged 7-14 years, only about 27 percent have foundational reading skills, and 25 percent have foundational numeracy skills. This translates to a low out-of-school rate found in Ekiti State at (2%) and Imo (1%), while the highest rates are found in Kebbi (65%) and Zamfara and Bauchi States both at 61%”.
The SSAP-SDGs noted that the Federal Government has demonstrated strong commitment towards the implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria and requires the sub-national governments to match these efforts, particularly as the tier of government closest to the people.
She noted that institutional frameworks have been established at the national and sub-national levels to guarantee effective implementation of the SDGs. The SDGs require a whole-of-society approach and clearly cannot be achieved with stand-alone policies and projects. They must be carefully integrated into national and sub-national policies and development plans.
“As we approach the 2030 deadline, we must recommit to accelerating the implementation of the SDGs, especially at the state and Local Governments level. As part of the transformative actions needed to deliver on the SDGs, we need the expertise and resources of the public and private sectors, the UN Development System, development partners and the donor community, academia, civil society, and concerned citizens in support of the SDGs.” Orelope-Adefulire stated.
In his remarks, the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, maintained that the Sustainable Development Goals are a blueprint for a better future for all, addressing global challenges like poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation.
Ondo State is uniquely naturally endowed and positioned to achieve these goals of the SDGs. The State is blessed with abundant natural resources, a vibrant population, and a rich cultural heritage. He expressed his commitment and optimism that through continued partnerships with the Federal Government and other stakeholders, Nigeria can deliver on the SDGs.
“I am confident that through seamless collaboration and innovation, we can make significant progress towards achieving the SDGs at the sub-national level. On our part, the Ondo State Government is committed to playing its part in achieving the SDGs. We recognize the importance of these goals and are actively working to integrate them into our policies. Together, let us build a future that is sustainable, equitable, and prosperous for all,” the Governor stated.
In the same vein, the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Shehu Shegagi, maintained that the state is committed to delivering on the Targets of the SDGs, while leaving no one behind.
The military regimes of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have severed ties with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and officially formed a new alliance.
Niger’s ruling general announced the move during the inaugural summit of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in Niamey on Saturday.
Niger’s General Abdourahamane Tiani at the summit, which saw the participation of the three nations’ leaders stated “our people have irrevocably turned their backs on ECOWAS”.
The AES was established after the countries withdrew from ECOWAS earlier this year.
In September, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso signed a mutual defense pact, marking a significant shift in the region’s political landscape.
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso left ECOWAS, citing accusations of Paris manipulating the bloc and insufficient support for anti-jihadist efforts.
“The AES is the only effective sub-regional grouping in the fight against terrorism,” Tiani stated on Saturday, highlighting ECOWAS’s “conspicuous lack of involvement in this fight.”
The exit marks a shift away from their former colonial ruler, France, with Tiani advocating for a new bloc that is a “community far removed from the stranglehold of foreign powers.”
All three nations have expelled French anti-jihadist troops, turning instead to their “sincere partners” — Russia, Turkey, and Iran.
Facing deadly jihadist violence, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso will focus on “the fight against terrorism” and the “consolidation of cooperation” during Saturday’s agenda, according to the Burkinabe presidency.
ECOWAS is set to hold a summit of its heads of state in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, on Sunday, where relations with the AES is anticipaed to be a key topic.
After multiple bilateral meetings, the three Sahelian leaders are convening for the first time since seizing power through coups between 2020 and 2023.
In mid-May, the foreign ministers of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger met in Niamey to draft a text establishing the confederation, which the heads of state are set to adopt at Saturday’s summit.
Niger’s General Abdourahamane Tiani first received Burkinabe counterpart Ibrahim Traore in the capital on Friday, followed by Malian Colonel Assimi Goita on Saturday.
“Don’t expect many announcements; this is primarily a political event,” remarked Gilles Yabi, founder of the West African think tank Wathi. “The goal is to demonstrate that this is a serious project with three dedicated heads of state showing their solidarity.”
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has warned transport workers in the state against actions and activities capable of resulting into violence and lawlessness.
This was contained in a government statement issued in Osogbo, which was made available to Biztellers.
Gov Adeleke also directed immediate suspension of the Senior Special Assistant on Civil Societies pending outcome of investigations by the Chief of Staff to the State Governor, Hon Kazeem Akinleye, according to the statement.
ALSO READ: Adeleke Boosts Amotekun Corps, Appoints New Chairman, Commander
He directed the Commissioner for Transportation to again summon a reconciliatory meeting of all the warring groups within the transport sector.
“The officials and their members should desist from distracting Osun people from many ongoing laudable projects and delivery of good governance.
“This administration will not condone lawlessness and acts of violence. We must not and cannot afford to return to the era of the previous administration. Our government has zero tolerance for violence.
“Any issue within the transport management should be resolved in line with due process. Internally Generated Revenue in Osun State is strictly regulated within a framework of accountability and transparency that can not be breached.
“Our government has automated revenue collection while integrating multiple revenue points into a single billing process. Our IGR has increased as a consequence of our innovations and zero tolerance for revenue leakages. Diversion of revenue is a thing of the past in Osun State.
“The Commissioner for Transportation is to engage the transport officials and reconcile all financial records. Any transport official who engages in violence will face the full wrath of the law”, the statement quoted the Governor as saying.
The National Examination Council (NECO) has initiated the construction of seven new offices across the country’s geopolitical zones.
The ceremonial commencement of these projects took place on Friday in the Shabu community of Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The new offices will be established in Nasarawa, Abia, Jigawa, Lagos, Rivers, Sokoto, and Taraba.
The groundbreaking ceremony was performed by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, along with Governor Abdullahi Sule.
READ MORE:
NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, stated that a comprehensive assessment of the council’s facilities nationwide highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure improvements.
He said “Many of our state offices were housed in rented apartments, often ill-equipped and unconducive to the efficient discharge of our duties.
“This realisation fueled our determination to prioritise the provision of modern, purpose-built facilities that would not only elevate the working, conditions of our dedicated staff but also enhance the overall image and standing of NECO,”
He mentioned that the new offices would serve as beacons of excellence in the administration of examinations in Nigeria. He noted that the project directly reflects the federal government’s commitment to developing infrastructure within the education sector.
He further added that these offices would enhance staff morale and productivity while projecting a positive image of NECO both within Nigeria and internationally as an organization “whose assessments are trusted worldwide for their credibility.”
The new buildings, he stated, would renew and invigorate the council’s commitment to quality, fairness, integrity, and transparency in conducting examinations.
He said “As we look to the future, we envision a NECO that is not only a leader in the administration of examinations but also a catalyst for educational transformation in Nigeria. We are committed to leveraging technology and innovation to improve the quality and accessibility of our services.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Nigerian students have access to fair, reliable, and valid assessments that will prepare them for success in the 21st century.
“As we break ground on this new chapter in NECO’s history, we reaffirm our commitment to providing quality examinations and assessments that meet the highest standards of excellence. We pledge to continue working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that Nigerian students have access to the best educational opportunities.”
At the event, Governor Abdullahi Sule praised NECO and the Federal Ministry of Education for selecting Nasarawa as one of the office locations.
He affirmed the state government’s dedication to assisting the examination body in all its endeavors in the state.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Musiliu Odekunle Transfers Finalized
Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso Cut Ties With ECOWAS, Form New Alliance
Big Brother Naija Announces Start Date For Season 9
NNPC Ltd Calls For Development Of Institutions To Finance Energy Projects
Adeleke Warns Transport Officials Against Violence, Suspends SSA On Civil Societies
Big Brother Naija Star Doyin Admits Detachment From Nigeria’s Hardship
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
Adeosun: We are investing in infrastructure to grow the private sector
Shell launches Nigeria campaign on energy efficiency
