SDGs 2030: Nigeria Calls for Measures to Address Challenges of Development

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria has called for adoption of measures to address challenges impending development of especially global South countries.

Speaking at the Summit of the Future at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar said: “With most of the global South significantly behind in the implementation of the SDGs 2030 Agenda, it is imperative we adopt measures to address challenges impeding development.

“This is especially important in Africa, where economies are most vulnerable due to historical imbalances in the international multilateral system.”

He noted that: “The SDG Index estimates that only about 16 percent of the SDG targets are on track to be achieved. We must, therefore, ensure that today’s adoption of the Pact for the Future is backed by a real willingness to fulfil outstanding commitments. With the remaining 84% of the SDG targets for 2030 yet to be achieved, countries in the global North must do more to support sustainable development in the global South. We are optimistic that these targets can be met, if commitments are backed by action.

“However, in the event we fall short of achieving the SDG targets by 2030, we strongly believe that the deadline should be extended.”

The Minister added that: “The collective resolve and support of the international community could help Africa to address regional challenges, particularly with regard to sustainable financing for the SDG implementation.”

He advised that: “We must, therefore, take action-oriented measures to engender the
following: Reform of the UN Security Council to ensure a permanent seat for Africa; Reform of the international financial architecture to promote an inclusive, non-discriminatory and transparent international trading system, as well as to implement comprehensive debt relief measures;

“Fulfillment of all commitments under the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, particularly to facilitate sustainable financing for development; Support for local indigenous production and export from Africa; Strengthening of measures to ensure timely repatriation of illicit financial flows and assets; Adoption of a UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation to ensure African economies are no longer shortchanged through tax evasion and exclusion in global tax decision making; Support for the actualisation and implementation of the UN Secretary-General’s SDG stimulus proposal, which includes a provision of US$500 billion per year for the Global South;

“Commitment to fossil fuel energy transition, while giving due consideration to the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), as well as Articles 4 and 9 of the Paris Climate Agreement (2015), which call on the global North to provide the global South with the requisite support to achieve the net-zero ambition; Access to the climate loss and damage funds for the global South; and Bridging the digital divide between the global North and South through technology sharing and capacity building, including in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure no one is left behind.”

Tuggar said: “It is also imperative the international community develops measures
to enhance a common understanding on Cryptocurrency, given its significant impact on the global economy, as well as links to transnational crime and money laundering.”

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the
implementation of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, stressing that: “Our collective resolve to accelerate the SDGs through the Pact for the Future should result in concrete measures and solutions to the challenges of the global South, most especially Africa.”

SDGs 2030: Nigeria Calls for Measures to Address Challenges of Development

Zulum constitutes committee on flood disaster relief disbursement

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has constituted a committee on flood disaster relief disbursement that would coordinate government intervention to victims of flooding in Maiduguri metropolis and its environs.

Recall that most parts of Maiduguri were submerged in water due to the overflow of Alau Dam, displacing many communities and causing devastation to both public and private infrastructures.

The secretary to Borno State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijjani, announced in a statement on Sunday that the committee would consist of the following persons and organisations:

1       Engr. Baba Bukar Gujubawu  – Special Adviser Monitoring/ evaluation – Chairman
2       Prof. Ibrahim Umara     University of Maiduguri – Co-Chairman
3       Representative of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) – Member
4       Representative of Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) – Member
5       Representative of Nigeria Police      – Member
6       Representative of the Nigerian Military,   Nigeria Army – Member
7       Representative of Department of State Security (DSS) – Member
8       Representative of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC)     NSCDC        – Member
9       Representative of North-East Development Commission (NEDC) – Member
10     Representative of Ministry of Sport Development, Youth Development and Poverty Alleviation – Member
11     Representative of Ministry of Women Affairs – Member   
12     Representative of Ministry of Finance – Member     
13     Prof. Muhammad Alhaji Abubakar – Member
14     Hon. Nasiru Ali Surundi         – Member
15     Representative of State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) – Member
16     Representative of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) – Member
17     Representative of Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA) – Member
18     Representative of His Royal Highest, Shehu of Borno – Member
19     Representative of Development partners         UNDP – Member
20     Representative of Humanitarian Partners        UNOCHA, FAO, WFP, UNHCR, UNICEF, IOM – Member
21     Representative of Civil Society Organisations   – Member
22     Representative of Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ – Member
23     Representative of Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI)  JNI – Member
24     Representative of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) – Member
25     Sheikh Abubakar Kyari – Member
26     Representative of the Ministry of RRR – Member
27     Hon Ali Umara Bolori – Member
28     Khalifa Umar Sherrif Tijjani – Member
29.    Chairman of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council – Member
30.    Chairperson of Jere LGA – Member
31.     Chairman of Mafa LGA – Member
32     Representative of the Secretary to the State Government SSG Office  Member/Secretary

The statement noted that while the governor congratulated them on the opportunity to serve their people, he also urged them to execute the task with commitment and transparency.

Zulum constitutes committee on flood disaster relief disbursement

Borno Sponsors 180 on Postgraduate Studies to Malaysia, India

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Government has sponsored 180 students for higher education in Malaysia and India.

Among the beneficiaries are 12 PhD and 53 master’s students who will study at Sharda University, India as well as another 12 PhD and 73 candidates for Integral University, India.

Twenty-nine other beneficiaries are masters and PhD candidates who will pursue advanced studies at different universities in Malaysia.

During a ceremonial send-forth event held at the Government House in Maiduguri on Thursday, Governor Babagana Zulum urged the beneficiaries to be dedicated to their studies.

He said: “We expect each of you to exhibit a strong dedication to your studies and, in the future, to any professional roles you assume. Your dedication is crucial to ensuring that the benefits of your education directly contribute to the development and progress of Borno State.

“We trust that you will honour this responsibility and use the knowledge and skills you gain to make a positive impact on our society.”

Zulum, while congratulating the beneficiaries, noted that an additional sum of about USD 150 had been approved monthly to cater for their upkeeps.

He said: “At this juncture, I wish to congratulate you on your success. However, I must also remind you that the government has invested significantly in your training. As mentioned earlier, nearly N2 billion will be spent annually on your tuition alone.

“Additionally, I have directed that a monthly allowance of 150 USD be provided for your upkeep. It is important to note that with great opportunities come great responsibilities.

Zulum also promised automatic employment for the beneficiaries of the scholarship after completing their studies.

The governor noted that on their return, some of the beneficiaries would be offered to teach at various tertiary institutions in Borno.

He said: “Those of you pursuing master’s degrees, where possible, try as much as possible to obtain your PhD. On this note, I want to direct the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation to liaise with the tertiary institutions in the state and see the possibility of recruiting some of today’s beneficiaries so that they will immediately resume duty on their return.”

Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, had explained that the 180 beneficiaries were to pursue courses in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in India and Malaysia.

He also said that while ₦1,988,670,230 was disbursed to cover the tuition fees for the 180 beneficiaries of foreign scholarships, another ₦338,500,000 was allocated for local scholarships, benefiting 303 students.

Borno Sponsors 180 on Postgraduate Studies to Malaysia, India