BY LAWAL GANIU OLAWALE
To reach the global benchmark as outlined by the United Nations 2030 Agenda, the Lagos State Government has undertaken proactive initiatives to mobilize grassroots communities towards achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Expressing this during a tour of the State’s SDGs Centres in some Local Government and Local Council Areas, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih disclosed that efforts towards ensuring that the aspirations of the global goals are translated into tangible and impactful actions at the local level is the priority of the present administration.
The Special Adviser, while acknowledging the need to bridge the gap between global ambition and local realities, noted that a critical aspect of the state strategy is to foster a sense of ownership and understanding among local communities. According to her, global evidence has indicated that local involvement with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains nascent at best in many countries.
She said, “Local institutions have a critical role in advancing progress towards the goals, especially at a sub-national level. We are aware that more needs to be done to connect the SDGs with local people at the grassroots level as it seems the agenda is more global than local. Our mission is to re-imagine and re-invent these goals to make them more tangible and relevant at the grassroots level”.
While noting that the present administration, through its T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda has put forth a vision of cities with vibrant public spaces, clean environments, and robust civic participation, the Special Adviser highlighted the importance of aligning this vision with the SDGs.
Addressing some of the beneficiaries of the NG-CARES under the Labour Intensive Public Workfare (DLI 1.2), Dr. Finnih revealed that the social intervention programme underscores the many transformative initiatives that the government is implementing to improve the lives of the less privileged in the community.
She expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring that the goals are seamlessly integrated into the fabric of local communities, creating a harmonious relationship between the global sustainability agenda and the unique needs of Lagos State residents.
In her words, “As we strive to empower communities to actively contribute to the realisation of the SDGs by 2030, the vision of this administration aligns seamlessly with our grassroots mobilisation effort of ensuring every citizen understands their role in this global agenda and actively participates in building a sustainable and inclusive future for Lagos State”.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Sustainable Development Goals, Mrs. Tolani Oshodi acknowledged the need for government and development partners to create opportunities that will transform the lives of the grassroots dwellers.
She emphasised that interventions, such as the NG-CARES programme, aim to empower individuals with opportunities for skill development, employment, and improved socio-economic conditions.
“The government remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering inclusive growth and uplifting the marginalised sections of the society, recognizing the profound impact that such targeted initiatives can have on community well-being and sustainable development”, she stated.
Some Local Council officials present at the occasion include the Vice Chairman of Igando-Ikotun LCDA. Hon. Mojisola Badmus; The Vice Chairman, Orile-Agege LCDA, Alhaja Kafilat Pedro and the Council-Manager, Ojokoro LCDA, Mr. Adebola Adeyemi. They all applauded the state government’s desire to mobilise grassroots citizens towards contributing to the broader vision of sustainable development in the state.
