International
UN Appeals for Multidisciplinary Research on SDGs
UN Appeals for Multidisciplinary Research on SDGs
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, has appealed for multidisciplinary research on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to drive advocacy initiatives and influence policies.
He stated the importance strengthening the role of the academia in the implementation of Agenda 2030 and achievement of the related 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while highlighting several institutional and individual actions that could be taken, including conducting multidisciplinary research on the SDGs to drive advocacy initiatives and influence policies.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Lagos State University (LASU) SDG Youth Club organised the University’s Centre for the Actualisation of the UN SDGs (LASU-SDGs), in collaboration with the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Nigeria, Schmale said: “An interdisciplinary centre like this can act as an incubator for new ideas, innovations, and approaches.”
The inauguration ceremony which was officially declared open by LASU Vice Chancellor, Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, was also attended by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Office of SDGs and Investments, Mrs Abosede George; Director, LASU-SDGs Centre, Prof. Tayo Ajayi; and other senior management staff of the university.
Explaining further, the UN Resident Coordinator said that it would be desirable to have a study done on how to make Lagos transport greener; demonstrate through research, the simple value of recycling packaging or eating a more plant-based diet; organise conferences, summits, and workshops for the purpose of knowledge generation; and get the private sector to see the need to accelerate towards sustainability.
He said with COVID, Conflicts and Climate change stalling the progress of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria and across the world, “urgent action is required now if we are to rescue the SDGs.”
Schmale noted that a global SDG Summit in New York scheduled for September marks the halfway point to the 2030 deadline, and “provides an opportunity for world leaders to move from rhetoric to reality, from promises made to promises kept.”
The Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, disclosed that 800 students across all faculties and Schools in the three campuses of the university, had enlisted to be a part of the LASU-SDG Youth Club, stating that “and I find that very commendable. I congratulate the Centre for this laudable initiative.”
She said: “I believe that this is a bold step that will go a long way in building your human and leadership capacities and prepare you for a lifetime of impact. The benefits are also enormous among which is the exposure you will get to several opportunities available to you as an SDG Ambassador.”
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Sustainable Development Goals & Investment, Lagos State, Mrs. Abosede George, asserted that the younger generation remained the best asset that could drive a thriving society.
She said that the Lagos State Government established the Office of SDGs and Investment to engage the citizenry and inspire both the old and new generation of leaders towards galvanising action to urgently achieve the global agenda.
The Director, Centre for the Actualization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Prof. Tayo Ajayi, stated that the LASU-SDG Youth Club was established to serve as a platform for the youths to share their perspectives and ideas to achieve the SDGs by 2030.
“Active engagement of youth in sustainable development efforts is central to achieving sustainable, inclusive and stable societies by the target date and to averting the worst threats and challenges to sustainable development”. He added.
The President, LASU-SDG Youth Club, Obadare Adenekan, called for continued support and partnership of the United Nations and the Lagos State Government to scale up the reach and impact of the club.
He said: “I am confident that together, we can achieve great things for ourselves, our university, our country, and our planet. Together, we can raise high the banners of the Lagos State University as a model of excellence and sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond.”
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, with the assistance of Assistant Director, LASU-SDG, Dr. (Mrs.) Olayemi Soladoye, later decorated the Vice Chancellor with “SDGs-Wheel” pin as a Champion of SDGs.
UN Appeals for Multidisciplinary Research on SDGs
UK Expresses Commitment to Restoration of Peace in Northeast
By: Michael Mike
The United Kingdom has expressed its commitment to the restoration of peace, stability and sustainable solutions to the troubled Northeast region which has been bedeviled by insurgency.
The British Deputy High Commissioner, Gill Atkinson made the commitment on Monday when she paid a courtesy call on Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum in Maiduguri.
Atkinson who commended Zulum for his commitment to fighting insurgency in Borno, said: “On behalf of the British Government, I recognise the effort of His Excellency, the Governor, in tackling insurgency and supporting the people of Borno State, particularly aiming to secure a prosperous future for the people displaced by insurgency.
“I want to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to supporting peace, stability and sustainable solutions, particularly through the ongoing regional stabilisation facility.”
Responding, the Secretary to Borno State Government who received the Deputy High Commissioner on behalf of Governor Zulum, expressed appreciation to the UK Government for their partnership and support.
He said,: “With the UK Government to start with, we have quite a number of very strong partnerships. His Excellency appreciates it, and he specifically instructed me to convey the special message of appreciation.”
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner for Environment, Engr Emet Kois, Education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, Work and Housing, Engr Mustapha Gubio, Transport and Energy, Aliyu Mohammed Bamanga and Inter-Governmental and Special Duties, Tukur Shani.
Others in attendance include Special Adviser on Security to the Governor, Abdullahi Ishaq, the Senior Technical Assistant, Political, to the Governor, Alhaji Tahiru Shettima, Permanent Secretary of political and cabinet, Danjuma Ali, and the Executive Secretary of Borno State Agency for Coordination of Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Response (BOACSDHR), Babakura Mamman Gadai.
UK Expresses Commitment to Restoration of Peace in Northeast
Troops Foil Bandit Attack in Dabai Town, Kebbi
By: Zagazola Makama
A swift response by the Nigerian troops in Kebbi has foiled a bandit attack on Dabai Town, forcing the assailants to flee after a gun battle with security operatives.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred around 2 a.m. when suspected bandits attempted to invade the town.
“Security forces were immediately dispatched to intercept the assailants and engaged them in a fierce exchange of gunfire,” the source said. “Overwhelmed by superior firepower, the bandits abandoned their mission and escaped.”
While no casualties were reported, security operatives have intensified patrols in the area to prevent further attacks.
Troops Foil Bandit Attack in Dabai Town, Kebbi
U.S. Condemns Killing of Catholic Priest in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
The United States Mission in Nigeria has condemned the brutal killing of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu in Kaduna State, describing it as a senseless act of violence.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the U.S. Mission expressed deep distress over the incident and extended condolences to the family, congregation, and community of the late cleric.
“We strongly condemn this horrific act of violence. Our thoughts are with them during this time of profound grief,” the statement read.
The mission also called on Nigerian authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Father Okechukwu’s killing has sparked outrage and renewed calls for enhanced security measures, especially in regions affected by banditry and violent attacks.
The Kaduna State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but security agencies are reportedly investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
U.S. Condemns Killing of Catholic Priest in Kaduna
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
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