Connect with us

NEWS

FG Task States, LGs On Accelerating SDGs

Published

on

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.

Click to comment
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

NEWS

‘I’m Not Going to Apologise’ — Davido Fires Back at Okpebholo Over WAEC Result

Published

on

Davido Drops 4th Album ‘Timeless’ [Video]

Afrobeats star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has refused to apologise to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, over his social media post displaying the governor’s alleged West African Examinations Council result.

Davido insisted that he did nothing wrong by sharing the result, saying he was only informing people in Edo State about the academic record of their governor.

The singer made this known in an exclusive interview with News Central on Tuesday in Osun State.

SEE ALSO: Davido Set to Headline London’s Crystal Palace Bowl Concert

He said, “I’m not going to apologise. I didn’t do anything wrong. I was just telling people of the state the results their governor has.”

The controversy followed comments by Okpebholo during political activities ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.The Edo governor had mocked Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, over his penchant for dancing while campaigning for the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO.

Okpebholo had said, “Before somebody signs paper, he will dance. Are you not tired? For four years, this man has been dancing. Before he takes breakfast, before he drinks tea, he will dance.”

Davido, who is Adeleke’s nephew and actively campaigned for his uncle, subsequently shared what appeared to be Okpebholo’s WAEC result on his Instagram Story on Friday.

The post, which had no caption, sparked reactions on social media, with Tugbiyele later describing it as inappropriate and disrespectful.

Responding to calls for an apology, Davido defended his action and accused Okpebholo of leaving Edo State to attack his uncle in Osun.

He said, **“Yes, and you came, you left your state, you came to another state. You came in and then started talking that my uncle is a dancer; he is not serious.

“The road to your Government House is not done. My uncle is not serious. First of all, you were not even elected; you were selected.”**
The singer further questioned Okpebholo’s understanding of electoral victory, saying,

“You don’t know what it means to win an election. That’s why you could go there and talk.”

Davido also criticised the governor over his comments about Adeleke and expressed sympathy for Okpebholo’s children.

He said, “I feel so bad for his kids. Because you see what my dad is doing. Do you understand? Yeah, you’re abusing a sitting governor in his own state.”

The singer also mocked Okpebholo over his reported stay in a hotel and warned that Adeleke would respond politically when the time came.

Davido said, “In fact, finish your three years, we’ll visit you when it’s time for you to get re-elected.”

Earlier, Tugbiyele had called on Davido to apologise to Okpebholo, arguing that the singer should not have personally responded to the Edo governor’s comments about Adeleke.

Tugbiyele said, “I watched a video when Governor Okpebholo called the governor of my state, Adeleke, the dancing governor. And the governor’s relation, David Adeleke, replied by publishing the WAEC Secondary School leaving result of Governor Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State.”

He acknowledged that the alleged result might not have been impressive but said it was inappropriate to use it to ridicule the governor.

He said, “The result is not good enough, but it’s possible. The governor did a resit. We are not aware of that, but I think Davido, David Adeleke’s publication is inappropriate.”

Tugbiyele concluded with a direct appeal to the singer, saying, “Davido, David Adeleke, please, as a proper Yoruba, please apologise to Governor Okpebholo. God bless you, David. God bless Nigeria.”

Continue Reading

NEWS

Kano Bans Patent Medicine Stores From Administering IV Drips, Blood Transfusions

Published

on

May 29: Kano Gov-elect, Yusuf Extends Invitation To Emir Sanusi II

The Kano State Government has banned patent medicine stores across the state from administering intravenous (IV) fluids and conducting blood transfusions.

The directive was announced by the Acting Executive Secretary of the Kano State Private Health Institutions Management Agency (PHIMA), Khadijah Hussein-Sa’id, during a sensitisation workshop for proprietors and medical directors of private health facilities in Kano.

Hussein-Sa’id said patent medicine stores are legally classified as non-clinical retail outlets and are not authorised to perform invasive medical procedures, administer IV fluids or conduct blood transfusions.

ALSO READ: Kano Records 867 Completed Projects Under Gov Yusuf

She explained that the directive was introduced to protect residents from unsafe and illegal medical practices and strengthen the regulation of private health facilities in the state.

“Any patent medicine store or unauthorised facility found administering IV fluids or conducting blood transfusions will face immediate closure and other sanctions in accordance with relevant laws and regulations,” she warned.

The acting executive secretary said IV fluid therapies and blood transfusions must only be carried out in accredited health facilities under the supervision of qualified medical professionals.

She urged residents to remain vigilant and report patent medicine stores and other unauthorised facilities engaging in the prohibited practices.

According to her, complaints can be submitted directly to the PHIMA office at Magaji Rumfa, with supporting evidence such as photographs, receipts or other proof of the services provided.

Hussein-Sa’id said PHIMA would continue to strengthen the regulation of private health institutions and take decisive action against unsafe, illegal and unhygienic medical practices.

She also urged operators of private health facilities to comply with the directive and adhere to approved standards to enhance healthcare delivery across the state.

Continue Reading

NEWS

Bayelsa Assembly Sacks Sagbama LGA Chairman, Deputy

Published

on

The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has approved the removal from office of the Chairman of Sagbama Local Government Area, Alice Allen Tangi, and her Vice-Chairman, Sufade Jefferson Tobi, over alleged gross misconduct.

The decision was taken during Tuesday’s plenary following consideration of a petition against the two elected local government officials.

ALSO READ: 120 Bayelsa Youths, SMEs Gain from NCDMB Training

The Speaker of the House, Abraham Ingobere, said the resolution was reached in accordance with the Bayelsa State Local Government Administration Law, 2000, and other relevant legal provisions.

According to him, the petition bordered on the alleged failure of the chairman to present monthly transparent briefings and the annual budget before spending public funds.

Ingobere also said Tangi allegedly failed to honour invitations by the House to respond to the allegations.

The Speaker said the House secured the required two-thirds majority for the removal, with 17 of the 20 lawmakers present voting in favour of the resolution.

“The resolution of the House will be communicated to the executive arm of government for necessary action.”

He added that the affected officials had allegedly failed to appear before the House despite several invitations to respond to the issues raised in the petition.

The Assembly also cited relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Bayelsa State Local Government Administration Law in arriving at its decision.

Meanwhile, the Assembly approved Governor Douye Diri’s request for the payment of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance and Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance to staff of the state-owned universities.

Supporting the request, the Leader of the House, Monday Obolo, said the approval was necessary because of the challenges confronting the state-owned universities.

“Due to the enormous challenges faced by state-owned universities, the approval is necessary in order to enhance the productivity of lecturers and non-lecturers.”

Obolo said the projected monthly financial implication of the allowances across the three state-owned universities was N564,842,691.58.

He said the amount would be incorporated into the state’s salary structure, with payment expected to commence next month.

The House also approved a new chart of accounts to accommodate newly created ministries, departments and agencies of the state government.

Lawmakers said the measure was in line with international best practices and intended to promote transparency in tracking government revenue and expenditure and improve budgetary planning.

Similarly, the Assembly approved the 2027–2029 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper submitted by Diri.

Obolo described the MTEF-FSP as a precursor to the annual budget, saying it would enable the government to plan using key macroeconomic indicators, including crude oil prices, exchange rates and inflation.

The Assembly also conducted first readings of the Universal Basic Education Board Amendment Bill, 2026, and the Senior Secondary Education Board Bill, 2026.

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2022. Biztellers, powered by Alphaxristi.

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x