LASG DEEPENS PARTNERSHIPS ON SDGs

In a strategic move to mobilize collective action for inclusive development, the Lagos State Government, through the Office of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has convened a high-level Breakfast Meeting on Sustainable Development Goals.

Cablenews24 reports that themed “Accelerating SDGs Through Strategic Partnerships”, the event, held at the Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, brought together diplomats, social entrepreneurs, development organizations, civil society actors, and government leaders for an open dialogue on policy alignment, investment opportunities, and inclusive development.

In his keynote address, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, underscored the significance of partnerships in advancing sustainable development, emphasizing the need for a multi-stakeholder framework to scale cooperation, deepen impact, and unlock shared value across public and private sectors.

The breakfast meeting according to him exemplifies partnership that is strategic in unlocking opportunities, bridging gaps, pooling resources and amplifying impact.

“Lagos is being a resilient and sustainable city where no one is left behind have intentionally aligned the State Development Plans with the SDGs. Our THEMES+ Agenda integrates social inclusion, gender equality, and youth empowerment as core policy pillars.”

The Deputy Governor who was represented by the Honorable Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule, emphasized Lagos’ multi-sectoral progress in areas such as education, green economy, transportation, and digital innovation.

He noted the completion of the Blue Rail Line, ongoing work on the Red Line, technology integration in schools, and the state’s focus on creating jobs for young people through skills training and enterprise support.

“The SDGs are not just a government responsibility. They are a shared mission that requires academia, civil society, the private sector, and development agencies working in synergy. And for us to make long term and significant gains, we must leverage innovation and investment. Mobilize blended finance, tap into digital transformation, and empower grassroots innovators to turn bold ideas into scalable solutions.

While imploring stakeholders ti take advantage of the numerous partnership opportunities Lagos offers to accelerate SDGs, the Deputy Governor emphasized that state and non-state actors must integrate the SDGs into their core operations.

In her goodwill address, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, noted that despite the challenges and setbacks facing the global development agenda, the country has remained resolute in its commitment to the 2030 Agenda.

She emphasized that Nigeria has made measurable progress in areas such as poverty reduction, access to quality education, and gender equality, through deliberate policies and multi-sectoral interventions at both the federal and sub-national levels.

Orelope pointed out that global challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, regional insurgency, and ongoing conflicts among nations have significantly impeded the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals.

“These crises have strained national resources, disrupted education and healthcare systems, and increased vulnerabilities, especially among women and children, making the attainment of the SDGs by 2030 increasingly unrealistic without intensified collaboration and investment”, she stated.

The Senior Special Assistant, however, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to stay on course by strengthening partnerships across all levels of government to drive inclusive, data-driven, and results-oriented implementation of the SDGs.

Orelope said“ Nigeria will present its third Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the United Nations in New York this July. This milestone is not only a report card of how far we have come but a strategic opportunity to share our evolving pathways, especially how we are localizing the SDGs to meet the needs of our people.”

The Presidential Aide applauded the Lagos State Government for its leadership and innovation in mainstreaming the SDGs through policy, institutional frameworks, and multi-stakeholder platforms, stating that Lagos has emerged as a model for how subnational governments can drive SDG impact through data, innovation, and inclusive partnerships,” she said.

“Lagos provides a unique opportunity to benchmark progress and co-create solutions. I implore all stakeholders to scale-up their efforts and explore the vast opportunities Lagos offers, align your interventions with the State’s development priorities, and co-create sustainable solutions that improve SDG benchmarks and drive real change,” she added.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, described the breakfast meeting as a vital platform for transparent dialogue, mutual understanding, and the strengthening of productive partnerships that drive real impact.

Dr. Oreoluwa while pointing out that the true measure of progress lies in the shift from dialogue to co-creation, emphasized the importance of shared responsibility and systems thinking in addressing development challenges at scale.

“We have moved beyond conversation to co-creation, translating shared commitments into impactful programs that are actively shaping the lives of people across the state. This transition from dialogue to delivery reflects the strength and possibilities of partnership-driven governance, and we owe much of that to the synergy we continue to nurture,” Dr. Oreoluwa affirmed.

She noted that Lagos presents a unique development context – one where the SDGs must not only be pursued but also adapted, scaled, and sustained in line with local realities.

While assuring participants that the Office of SDGs will continue to serve as a convener, connector, and catalyst for sustainable development, she acknowledged that the goals are ambitious and the challenges ahead are dynamic.

“We must renew our purpose with intentionality and collective resolve, such that our commitments are translated into tangible actions that are impact-driven interventions which directly improve lives, whether through better access to healthcare, inclusive education, climate resilience, job creation, or gender equity” she disclosed.

The highlight of the morning meeting was the collective pledge by stakeholders to support State’s bold efforts in accelerating the SDGs and resilient outcomes for all.

In attendance at the event include; Body of Permanent Secretaries, Director Generals and General Managers of MDAs, Consular Generals and other members of the diplomatic corps, Development Partners, Members of the Organized Private Sector, Members of the Academic Community and Philanthropists.

About Cablenews24:
At CableNews24, we’re your trusted companion in navigating today’s fast-paced world. We are your gateway to a world of instant information, updates, and compelling stories. We are not just an online TV and newspaper website,we offer a dynamic mix of up-to-the-minute news, and insightful articles, CableNews24 delivers everything you need to stay connected. Whether you’re catching breaking news in real-time or exploring in-depth coverage through our online newspaper, we promise to keep you informed, entertained, and ahead of the curve. From local happenings to global events, we deliver news that matters.  Join the CableNews24 experience – where news meets convenience, and your world comes alive.

CableNews24 – News, Anytime, Anywhere.

For Advertisement, Event Coverage/MC, Public Relations, Story/Article Publication, and other Media Services, kindly send an email to: cablenews24.com@gmail.com OR Kindly call: 08023535955 . To stay updated with the latest news stories, kindly visit cablenews24.com published by AAAANDREL GLOBAL SERVICES