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SDG: Nigeria Off-Track by 60 percent, UN Laments
SDG: Nigeria Off-Track by 60 percent, UN Laments
By: Michael Mike
United Nations has decried that Nigeria is currently off-track on nearly 60 percent of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicators, with gender inequality and the marginalization of Women and girls being a significant barrier to progress.
Speaking on Tuesday at a programme organised by the UN Women, “Closing the Gender Gap: Financing Solutions for SDG 5, a goal that serves as a critical accelerator for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator to Nigeria, Mohamed Fall said:
“Gender equality is not just a goal in itself; it is a catalyst for progress across all SDGs, amplifying efforts in education, health, economic growth, climate action, peace and security.”
He added that: “As we gather today, it is crucial to reflect on the current state of our journey towards the SDGs. Nigeria, like many other nations, faces significant challenges in meeting these goals. According to the latest data, Nigeria is currently off-track on nearly 60% of the SDG indicators, with gender inequality and the marginalization of Women and girls being a significant barrier to progress.”
He lamented that: “Women and girls continue to experience disproportionate levels of poverty, limited access to education and healthcare, and significant barriers to economic participation and decision-making.
“The status of women and girls in Nigeria highlights these challenges. Over 70% of women in rural areas lack access to basic education and healthcare. Nigeria ranks 130th out of 166 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index, indicating severe disparities in economic participation, education, health, and political empowerment. Gender-based violence remains pervasive, affecting nearly one in three women. Women also represent less than 5% of Nigeria’s national parliament, reflecting significant underrepresentation in decision-making processes.”
Fall said: “Addressing these challenges requires a strategic and well-financed commitment to SDG 5. Funding SDG 5 can transform the lives of women and girls by providing access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. It can reduce gender-based violence through targeted programmes and legal reforms, ensuring a safer environment for all.
“Additionally, increasing women’s participation in leadership and decision-making will enable more inclusive governance, leading to more equitable policies that benefit the entire society.”
He noted that: “Within the UN System, gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls are enshrined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and cut across all strategic pillars. This underscores our collective commitment to mainstreaming gender perspectives into every aspect of our work, ensuring our efforts are holistic and inclusive.”
He said that: “The journey towards achieving the SDGs by 2030 is challenging, but it is not insurmountable. By leveraging the transformative power of SDG 5 and implementing gender-responsive budgeting practices, we can make significant strides in bridging the gender gap and fostering a more equitable, inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria for all.”
On her part, the UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Beatrice Eyong: “It works globally to make the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals a reality for women and girls and stands behind women’s equal participation in all aspects of life, focusing on four strategic priorities: Women lead, participate in and benefit equally from governance systems; Women have income security, decent work and economic autonomy; All women and girls live a life free from all forms of violence; and Women and girls contribute to and have greater influence in building sustainable peace and resilience, and benefit equally from the prevention of natural disasters and conflicts and humanitarian action.”
She said: “As we gather here today, we are reminded of the critical importance of SDG 5 in our collective efforts to build a more equitable and inclusive society. Gender equality is not just a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world.”
She noted that: “The journey toward achieving SDG 5 has made significant strides, yet we acknowledge that substantial work remains, particularly in the area of financing. Ensuring adequate and targeted financial resources is crucial to closing the gender gaps that persist across various sectors in Nigeria.
“We also believe that Gender Responsive Budgeting provides a well-established policy approach to support the increased alignment of public resources with gender equality objectives.”
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire said Nigeria’s strategic approach to the implementation of the SDGs can be seen at two different levels – National and Sub-national.
She explained that: “At the National level, we work closely with the Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to integrate the SDGs into their sectoral policies and plans. At the Sub-national level, we are working closely with the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to mainstream the SDGs into their medium and long-term development policies and plans. This is our approach to Mainstreaming, Acceleration and Policy Support (MAPS) for the SDGs.”
She noted that: “Since 2016, the Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, ERGP (2017-2020); The Economic Sustainability Plan of 2020; The National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy of 2021; and Nigeria’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2021-2025) have all been inspired by the SDGs and the cardinal objectives of the immediate past administration. For example, the Medium term National Development Plan aims to unlock Nigeria’s potentials in all the sectors of the economy for an inclusive, broad-based and sustainable national development.”
She disclosed that: “As at 2021, total investment requirements for the National Development Plan (2021-2025) was estimated at N348.1 trillion, with public sector is expected to commit N49.7 trillion, while the organised private sector is expected to finance the balance of N298.3 trillion. Thus, the role of the private sector in financing sustainable development cannot be overemphasized.”
Orelope-Adefulire said: “As we approach the 2030 deadline, the need for robust monitoring and evaluation cannot be overemphasised. Periodic progress reports and Voluntary National Reviews will be needed to track progress or lack of it. As part of the transformative actions needed to deliver on the SDGs, current and future development partner support should refocus on strengthening the integrated approach to the implementation of the SDGs. This includes capacity strengthening and support towards the effective implementation of key initiatives to address the challenges associated with financing sustainable development.”
SDG: Nigeria Off-Track by 60 percent, UN Laments
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Northern Governors Declare Support for FG’s Plan to Restore 4 million Hectares of Degraded Land
Northern Governors Declare Support for FG’s Plan to Restore 4 million Hectares of Degraded Land
By: Michael Mike
Governors of the 19 Northern States have declared suppprt for the Federal Government’s plan to restore 4 million hectares of degraded land in the region by 2030.
Speaking in Abuja during the endorsement and validation of the first phase of the developed catchment management plans (SCMP) by the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project
stakeholders, Gombe State Governor and Chairman of Northern Governor’s Forum, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya said: “Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, we are pleased with the progress of the ACReSAL project in the beneficiary states, particularly its multi-sectoral approach to desertification control, landscape management, community livelihoods, resilience, and institutional strengthening.
“The ACReSAL project has contributed to creating a healthy and eco-friendly environment for human habitation through dryland management practices, which include gully stabilization, bioremediation, and afforestation activities.
“I would like to reiterate our commitment to supporting the ACReSAL project in achieving the Federal Government’s goal of restoring 4 million hectares of degraded land for broader landscape restoration by 2030.”
He added that: “As part of this initiative, we have, with the support of ACReSAL, planted over 4 million trees in Gombe State for instance over the past four years through our flagship program, Gombe Goes Green.”
Yahaya said: “On behalf of the 19 beneficiary states and the FCT, I want to express our profound gratitude to the Federal Ministries of Environment, Water Resources and Sanitation and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for their technical support in the development of the Strategic Catchment Management Plans generally.
“Additionally, I would like to sincerely commend the WorldBank Task Team Leader on ACReSAL, Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, along with the Bank’s specialists and the ACReSAL National Project Coordinator, Dr. Abdulhamid Umar, and his team for facilitating the development of this vital document.”
On his part, the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal, while recognising that it was the first time the Government of Nigeria will be developing Strategic Catchment Management Plans of such magnitude, said: “I must also mention that the 20no. strategic catchment management plans being bankrolled by the Federal Government would create the platform and structure into which another set of 200 micro catchment management plans from the 19 ACReSAL participating states and the FCT will dovetail into.”
He disclosed that: “These micro catchment management plans would be developed by ACReSAL at state project management units, under the guidance of the Governors of the 19 ACReSAL States and the Honourable Minister of the FCT.”
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Sabi Abdullahi noted that: “Since the inception of ACReSAL, it has become a cornerstone in the ministry’s efforts to bolster the agricultural sector against climate-related challenges across communities. Within the ministry, the project has catalyzed several transformative projects, notably, the ‘Nigerian Farmers Soil Health Card Scheme’.
“Through sustainable land and water management practices, thousands of hectares of degraded land have been reclaimed, ensuring they are once again productive. The ministry has also leveraged ACReSAL to develop a climate-smart agriculture manual that will equip farmers with the tools and knowledge to adapt to changing weather patterns while maintaining productivity. The 19 northern states and FCT, home to Nigeria’s most vulnerable semi-arid regions, have been direct beneficiaries of ACReSAL’s initiatives.”
Northern Governors Declare Support for FG’s Plan to Restore 4 million Hectares of Degraded Land
Three Key bandits Leaders, several leaders killed in a deadly rival clash in Kastina
By: Zagazola Makama
A deadly violent clash between rival bandit factions erupted on Tuesday in the Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State, resulting in the death of key leaders and heightened security concerns in the region.
The confrontation, involving the Yan Kambari group and followers of the late notorious bandit leader, Usman Modi Modi, led to heavy casualties and the seizure of livestock belonging to Harisu, a known associate of one of the factions.
The Yan Kambari group reportedly launched the attack on Harisu’s residence, sparking a deadly confrontation that claimed the lives of several bandit leaders, including: Nasiru Bosho, Bala Yatsa and Audu Mankare, who succumbed to gunshot injuries sustained during the clash.
Nasiru Bosho is a notorious leader of bandit operations in Safana LGA and heading the Dogon Marke Camp, who was overseeing weapons previously held by Usman Modi Modi, Bala Yatsa was known for his role in the killing of Usman Modi Modi while Audu Mankare who sustained a gunshot wound in the chest during the engagement, is believed to have succumbed to his injuries shortly after the incident.
More infighting is expected to unfold as both groups are warming up to carry out reprisal.
Three Key bandits Leaders, several leaders killed in a deadly rival clash in Kastina
KACRAN National President commends Potikum LG Chairman
By: Yahaya Wakili
The National President of the Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN), Hon. Khalil Mohammed Bello, has commended the executive chairman of the Potiskum local government area, Yobe State, Hon. Salisu Muktari, for providing herders of Potiskum local government with water points.
Hon. Khalil Bello made the commendation when he and his entourage visited the chairman in the council chamber in continuation of the association community-to-community peace sensitization campaign in the state.
“In addition to his previous excellent performances with regards to providing his pastoralists with water points, the executive chairman promised to provide more water points for Potiskum local government herders in the 2025 fiscal year,” Bello said.
The national president called on pastoralists in the Potiskum local government area and its environs to continue to live in peace with one another by avoiding the destruction of anybody’s farmlands.
According to him, the sensitization is part of the proactive measures taken by the association to prevent herder and farmer conflicts in the state and the nation in general.
He reinstated the need for harders not to destroy farmlands during the ongoing harvesting period, adding that pastoralists and farmers are partners in progress.
Hon. Khalil Mohammed Bello acknowledges the government’s commitment under the able leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni CON towards ending the premium crises between farmers and cattle rearers in the state.
He also appreciates the warm reception and the hospitality accorded him and members of his entourage by the executive chairman of the council, Hon. Salisu Muktari, and the people of Potiskum town and its surroundings.
The National President urged the other local government executives chairmen to emulate the executive chairman of Potiskum local government, Hon. Salisu Muktari, to provide water points to herders in their respective local government areas.
Speaking earlier, the executive chairman of the Potiskum local government area, Hon. Salisu Muktari, assured the readiness of the local government council towards supporting the association to achieve its desired objectives.
The chairman pledged to construct more water points for pastoralists in the area and called on the KACRAN leadership to identify the point where the water facilities will be constructed.
KACRAN National President commends Potikum LG Chairman
Northern Governors Declare Support for FG’s Plan to Restore 4 million Hectares of Degraded Land
Three Key bandits Leaders, several leaders killed in a deadly rival clash in Kastina
KACRAN National President commends Potikum LG Chairman
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