The Lagos State Government has set a new agenda for sustainable development goals (SDGs) for collective impact, aiming to propel the state towards achieving these global benchmarks.
Speaking at a breakfast meeting organised by the Office of Sustainable Development Goals for members of High Commissions and Development Partners, at the Wheatbakers Hotel, Ikoyi, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat highlighted the need for a strategic partnership that will create opportunities for the holistic advancement of SDGs.
Emphasizing the imperative of building local resilience to solve SDGs challenges in the State, he noted that the administration has made significant strides in aligning its developmental policies with the global pursuit of SDGs through the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda.
“SDGs encompass a broad spectrum of challenges; we must build resilience to address poverty, inequality, climate change, and ensure inclusive economic growth. We must strengthen the capacity of our communities to overcome these multifaceted hurdles and achieve the overarching goals of sustainable development”, Dr. Hamzat acknowledged.
Speaking on the theme “Fostering partnership for the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Lagos State”, the Deputy Governor acknowledged the imperative of mobilizing efforts for innovative solutions and promoting a future where the ideals of sustainable development are not just aspirations, but tangible realities for the people of Lagos and, by extension, the entire global community.
“The challenges we face – whether in eradicating poverty, ensuring quality education, promoting gender equality, or combating climate change transcend national boundaries. By fostering partnerships with your commissions and engaging stakeholders at every level, we aim to leverage diverse perspectives, resources, and best practices to accelerate progress and overcome obstacles”, he submitted.
While presenting the strategic plan of the Office of SDGs, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, stated that in line with the visionary goals of the present administration, the office has defined 9 high-impact initiatives to achieve its mandates and take actions in 4 key priority areas to accelerate efforts for an inclusive and sustainable city.
Highlighting some of the interventions aimed at advancing the 2030 global agenda, Dr. Finnih revealed that a key strategy is to mainstream the SDG action plan across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) by integrating SDG considerations into the core functions and decision-making processes of various government bodies, ensuring a comprehensive and coordinated approach to sustainable development.
To further accelerate progress, Dr. Finnih emphasized the implementation of the SDGs lighthouse project to expedite the attainment of SDGs in underserved communities, addressing disparities, and creating a more equitable distribution of development benefits.
Speaking further, the Special Adviser pointed out that the office plans to unlock a #240 million grant over the next 3 years for transformative projects, envisioned to address critical issues that will foster positive and lasting impacts on the lives of Lagos State residents.
“Part of the strategic initiative of the office is to establish the Lagos Sustainability Summit. This summit will serve as a platform where key development partners, captains of industry, thought leaders, and other relevant stakeholders will converge to deliberate on and leverage the dynamic opportunities in Corporate and Environmental Social Responsibility (CSR and ESR) for the growth of Lagos State”, she revealed.
She added that the office will equally implement strategic social impact interventions such as the OSDGs Mental Health Project which involves creating mental health corners within the state’s tertiary institutions and establishing green areas, recreational parks, and sporting facilities in each LGA in Lagos to provide support services and improve overall quality of life and community well-being.
While advocating for strategic alliances for broader and meaningful impact, she revealed that the office will be exploring new areas of global integration to strengthen collaboration and address challenges that lie ahead.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Sustainable Development Goals, Mrs. Tolani Oshodi stated that the meeting emerges from a 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”, Mrs. Oshsodi confirmed.
The Permanent Secretary noted that in the 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, adding that the resilience and dynamism of this vibrant state serve as a testament to the transformative power of collective action.
