The government also resolved that the voices of the people, especially at the grassroots should be heard, respected and integrated into the overall national report
The Federal Government has reviewed the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the South-East.
The review was carried through the 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR), aimed at achieving targets in 2030.
The Lead Consultant for the Development of Nigeria’s VNR, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye said this at the event themed “Regional Stakeholders Consultation” in Enugu on Wednesday.
The VNR is a process through which countries assess and present national progress made in implementing the 2030 Agenda.
The event offered stakeholders drawn from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu the opportunity to discuss the progress made, pitfalls, and prospects of SDGs in the zone.
Ipaye, emphasised the importance of key stakeholders’ collaboration to exchange ideas, highlight shared outcomes, and determine the most effective strategies for implementing SDGs.
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He said the South-East Consultation Forum was aimed at discussing ways to tackle critical challenges facing the region, especially.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire said the 2030 Agenda provides a holistic development framework for addressing economic, social and environmental challenges.
In a keynote address, she explained that out of the 366 VNRs conducted and presented by 191 countries, Nigeria presented two VNRs in 2017 and 2020, hoping to present the third VNR this year.
“Conceptually, the VNRs are more useful when conducted through an inclusive, broad-based and participatory process.
“This is exactly why we are here to consult widely with key stakeholders across the key segments of the Nigerian society.
“This is our idea of the ‘whole of government and society’ approach to the implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria.”
“our leaders have collectively reaffirmed their commitment to take bold, ambitious, accelerated, just and transformative actions to fast-track the achievement of the SDGs,” she added.
Also speaking, Mr. Yahaya Umar, Head VNR Secretariat, said that citizen engagement was vital to the successful implementation of the SDGs.
In her remarks, Onyinye Okpalama, SDGs Focal Person in Enugu State, commended the state’s efforts, rating it high on SGDs implementation plan.
She attributed this success to the socioeconomic policies of the state government, which have advanced sustainable development.
Earlier, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, said the event was a platform to celebrate successes and reflect on the gaps.
According to him, the event is also an opportunity to ensure inclusivity, particularly for rural communities and youth, while leveraging technology for progress.
Onyia urged participants to focus on innovative solutions, strengthen partnerships, and amplify marginalised voices to transform the SDGs into reality nationwide.
“The SDGs are not just global aspirations, they are a call to action for every region, community, and individual.
“The South-East, with its rich human capital, entrepreneurial spirit, and resilience, has a vital role to play in accelerating progress on SDGs in Nigeria.”
“Are rural communities benefiting from these interventions to the degree that we leave no one behind,” he asked.
“Let us not only be bold in identifying challenges but also innovative in proposing solutions.
‘Let us strengthen collaborations and partnerships that will drive project implementation and meaningful change.
“Most importantly, let us ensure that the voices of the people, especially those at the grassroots are heard, respected, and integrated into the overall national report,” he said.
