By Moses Adeniyi
The Lagos State Government (LASG) has put a call of fellowship to the diplomatic communities for a stronger support base for its strategic efforts to closing gaps to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the State.
The Government advanced the call through its Office of Sustainable Development Goals (OSDGs), beckoning on stakeholders of the diplomatic communities in the State, as well as other development partners to give heed to complementing efforts by the Government towards actualisation of the goals.
At a breakfast meeting with stakeholders of diplomatic communities including members of consulates, high commissions, ambassadors, and other development partners, the Government emphasised the central role of the stakeholders in driving the goals.
Addressing the stakeholders, at the breakfast engagement themed “Fostering partnership for the Attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Lagos State”, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, told the stakeholders that the State Government is working by the policy thrust of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration which has been expanded in scope into THEMES+ Agenda to further take care of critical demands for more inclusivity.
He mentioned that the need for the stakeholders’ support remained essential to achieving the goals, therefore informing the engagement for a stronger commitment to partnership.
Addressing the stakeholders on her part, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya, Special Adviser on SDGs to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the engagement was organised to discuss priorities critical to the SDGs Office to accelerating the progress of actions to achieving the goals in Lagos.
Presenting opportunities to partners, while dwelling on strategic initiatives of the Office to align with the next course of actions, the Special Adviser said while Lagos is ahead in some SDGs, accelerated efforts were most important for a truly inclusive and sustainable development of the goals in Lagos.
According to her, the State made a strategic move by carving out the investment promotion arm of the Office in 2023 to have a more targeted focus on accelerating the SDGs process.
According to her, the Office has put together nine strategic focus points to achieve the goals, identifying planning and integration; resource mobilisation; advocacy and awareness; monitoring and evaluation as four of the high-impact initiatives to achieve the mandate.
Disclosing that work has begun on the priority projects, she said, “We are actively seeking partners to build together for timely and impactful results.”
She mentioned that over 650 deprived communities have been identified across 20 Local Government Areas of Lagos demanding critical impact on the SDGs.
She noted that by survey records, over 60 percent Lagosians live in impoverished communities in slums, coastal/riverine areas across the State, facing myriads of deprivation.
The Special Adviser mentioned that “our impact theory is for intervention to be tailored to the challenges faced across specific communities,” mentioning that the approach to tackling the problems must be systematic and engaging.
She said these communities demand critical interventions to tackle the clustered challenges on key goals to ensure “no poverty, good health and well being, quality education, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, and climate action.”
“We plan to leverage a robust framework to address these challenges and contribute to enhanced quality of living for Lagosians, with a key focus on vulnerable segments,” she said.
In line with the strategies, she mentioned that the key pillars will include synchronising financing, governance, monitoring and evaluation with strategic engagement with stakeholders.
“The Office of Sustainable Development Goals cannot drive these developments alone, a collaborative process with your involvement is key,” she called on the stakeholders.
She said the Office is open to receive expression of interest on the high-impact programmes, with commitment to schedule further one-on-one partnership engagements to explore opportunities.
“We would continue designing the programme in collaboration with support partners,” she said, assuring the diplomatic communities of the openness of the government to initiatives.
Speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Sustainable Development Goals, Mrs. Tolani Oshodi, said the engagement with the stakeholders emerges from shared commitment to a cause that “transcends borders and resonates with the global imperative for sustainable development.”
“While our collective aim is to ensure that we harness the full spectrum of diplomatic influence and the myriad opportunities it presents, it is also important to leverage this collective power to forge innovative partnerships, cultivate cooperation, and strategically navigate the challenges on our path, hence, maximizing our impact on the journey towards achieving the SDGs in the dynamic landscape of Lagos State.
“As we stand on the cusp of a new era of global integration, it is imperative that we strengthen our collaborative efforts to address challenges that lie ahead. This collective responsibility requires strategic alliances that will exemplify the spirit of cooperation that we aim to foster.
“In our shared pursuit of a better and more sustainable future for our people, Lagos has consistently demonstrated its commitment to pioneering innovative solutions and embracing progressive policies. The resilience and dynamism of this vibrant state serves as a testament to the transformative power of collective action.
“It is instructive to state that, in the face of complex global issues, our collaborative endeavors has become the cornerstone of positive change and Lagos State, with its rich tapestry of diversity, innovation, and cultural vibrancy, stands as a beacon of hope and a microcosm of the global community’s aspirations for a brighter future.
“Having recognised the interconnectedness of the global goals in building a world that is more equitable, sustainable, and just, we have acknowledged that the success of our endeavors to achieve these goals hinges on the partnership we forge with the international community.
“Therefore, your missions will play a crucial role in facilitating these collaborations, and we are eager to work hand in hand with you to ensure that ‘no one is left behind’,” she said.
She mentioned that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu “is ever committed to transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance,” with commitment to fostering an environment that encourages dialogue and collaboration.
“Together, we can address the complex challenges that confront us and build a Lagos that will serve as a model for sustainable development in Africa.
“As we embark on this journey together, let us remember that the attainment of the SDGs is not just a goal for Lagos but a shared aspiration for the entire global community.
“We must therefore seize the opportunities that lie before us to navigate through the challenges with unwavering determination, and forge partnerships that transcend boundaries,” she added.
In their various remarks, representatives of the diplomatic commissions and other development partners expressed their commitment to the call, applauding the approach of the Lagos State Government through the SDGs Office towards the actualisation of the SDGs 2030.