Youths seeks inclusion in governance
Stakeholders at the SDG summit. Photo: Julian Osamoto/Radio Nigeria
Educationists and Civil Society actors have urged the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to carry the youths along in policy formulation towards achieving a sustainable future for the nation.
The stakeholders who spoke at a two-day Universities’ Summit in Abuja, on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also called for increased engagement of young people in development process.
The summit organized by Connected Development, CODE, in partnership with Nile University of Nigeria and other partners, served as a platform for stakeholders to discuss on ways to accelerate progress towards achieving the SDGs in Nigeria.
The forum was also to enlighten the young people on how to raise awareness against early child marriage, out of school children, GBV and social vices.
The Bauchi State Commissioner of Education, Mrs. Jamila Dahiru, while expressing optimism that the youth are indispensable tools in achieving SDGs, advised tertiary institutions to integrate the SDGs into their curriculum to for speedy success.
Executive Director of CODE, Mallam Hamzat Lawal, agreed that young people are the future of the country and the incoming administration needs to invest in them to achieve the SDGs by 2030
“I believe that the energy and enthusiasm of our youths are instrumental in driving the SDGs agenda. We must recognize their potential and empower them to take action,” Lawal said.
The Vice Chancellor of Nile University, Dilli Dogo, said information dissemination is a key factor in achieving the SDGs in Nigeria, urging universities to collaborate with CSOs for speedy achievement of the SDG by the end of 2030.
In a panel discussion, participants identified innovative approaches that can be leveraged on accelerate progress towards sustainable development goals and collaboration with key stakeholrers.
The event attracted representatives from various universities, civil society organizations, government agencies and students.
Reporting by Julian Osamoto; Editing by Adeniyi Bakare