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FG Task States, LGs On Accelerating SDGs

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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.

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FG Approves Construction Of 40 New Houses For Appeal Court, FHC Justices

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Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike has announced significant developments in infrastructure and judicial facilities in Abuja.

He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has authorized the construction of 40 houses for justices of the Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, and FCT High Courts, along with retirement homes for heads of these courts.

He spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Court of Appeal complex in Dakibiyu, Jabi District.

Wike assured completion by September next year after starting construction in August.

He said, “I want to assure you, by the grace of God, the foundation of these homes will be laid this August and before September next year, you will all have your keys to your houses,”

Recall that the minister had on Tuesday, inaugurated a new Taxi and Bus terminal in Kugbo, Karu District, aimed at improving commuting conditions and bolstering security during inclement weather in the FCT.

Highlighting the challenges faced by commuters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), particularly during the rainy season leading to significant loss of man-hours, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike emphasized that the new Taxi and Bus terminal in Kugbo, Karu District, Abuja, will enhance commuting comfort and bolster security.

He emphasized that the terminal’s establishment aims to alleviate these challenges, making travel within the FCT more enjoyable while addressing security concerns.

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Flood Ravages Lagos, Ogun, Disrupts Businesses, Lifestyles

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Incessant rainfall, which kicked-in since Monday in most parts of Lagos and Ogun States has disrupted businesses and lifestyles.

While residents and businesses in the flood-prone areas of Lagos Island including Lekki and Aja have been groaning with flood, which has sacked several people from their homes and barred others from their business premises, others have been stuck on the roads mostly rendered impassable by flashfloods.

In this regard, PUNCH Online reports that schools in White Sand Estate, Isheri-Osun in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, have closed their doors, advising students to stay at home as heavy rains and subsequent flooding have disrupted activities.

Conventional and social media platforms are awash with images, visuals and video clips of how the flood is ravaging several parts of Lagos and Ogun States.

There are widespread reports that the incessant downpour rendered homes flooded, with water reaching mid-level heights in several locations, sacking homes, businesses and blocking roads.

This severe flooding has left many residents trapped, unable to even sit down as their living spaces are submerged, PUNCH Online further reports.

As a precaution, several private schools in some parts of Lagos and Ogun States have formally advised parents to take custody of their children and wards encouraging the students and pupils, to stay at home due to the hazardous conditions of the roads and the school.

The message read, “Good morning dearest parents. Trust your night was splendid. Due to the downpour and a predicted serious rainy weather forecast today, we have decided to close the school and postpone today’s exam. As you can see, almost everywhere is flooded.

“As a school, we prioritise the safety of our geniuses above everything else. Consequently, the school bus will also not operate today. We are extremely sorry for all the inconvenience.”

Several eye witness accounts and media reports indicate that several locations were experiencing heavy flooding, which has made it impossible for commercial vehicles, private cars and motorcycles and other means of mobility to navigate.

The situation has compelled commuters to resort to trekking, with pedestrians being confronted with high risks because the flooding had blocked drainage channels.

Several people are beckoning on the affected state governments of Lagos and Ogun to take urgent steps to address the menace.

An employee in a tech firm in the Lagos Island area, Owadas Elijah, who could not access his office location because of the flood lamented the situation and pointed out that it has only made worse the plight of longsuffering residents.

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Good Governance: President Tinubu Cries Out For Help From All Stakeholders

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President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has emphasized the need for unified efforts across all branches of government and stakeholders in the mission to develop a prosperous Nigeria.

Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, during the inaugural Legislative Open event organized by the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Tinubu underscored that the responsibility of forging a resilient and united Nigeria lies not solely with the executive branch but also with the legislative and judicial arms of government.

Tinubu affirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with other branches of government and stakeholders to foster a Nigeria that all citizens can take pride in.

He urged lawmakers to engage in rigorous oversight of government activities to uphold accountability and ensure necessary adjustments are made when required.

President Tinubu further urged lawmakers to prioritize representative democracy, emphasizing its role in promoting inclusivity, accountability, and effective governance.

He specifically called for the organization of regular town hall meetings in Abuja, encouraging direct participation from constituents to enrich the governance process with diverse perspectives and contributions.

 

 

 

More to follow………………. 

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