Tech innovation offers hope for SDGs in Nigeria, says UN official

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, has concluded a one-week working visit to Lagos, Enugu, and Anambra states, advocating for the acceleration of Sustainable Development Goals to meet the 2030 target.

A press statement on Thursday by the National Information Officer, UN Information Centre, Oluseyi Soremekun, said the visit comes in the wake of the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024, which revealed that only 17 per cent of SDG targets are currently on track.

During his tour, Fall engaged with governors, commissioners, private sector leaders, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, and women and youth groups.

He emphasised the urgent need to accelerate SDG implementation to improve the well-being of both people and the planet.

In Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah acknowledged the alignment between his administration’s vision and the UN mandates and SDGs.

Fall praised the innovative approaches he witnessed, particularly at the Owo Smart School.

“My visit to Owo Smart School, Enugu State was an eye opener and a confirmation that with the right leadership, nothing is impossible. I saw firsthand how technology was deployed to ensure quality education, thus placing students on the path to a brighter future,” he stated.

In Anambra, Fall met with Governor Charles Soludo to discuss poverty alleviation, environmental threats, and social protection.

He also visited Eziabor village Oko, one of over 1,000 active erosion sites in the state, calling for urgent intervention, stating, “I saw a soil erosion disaster site that required interventions of the Federal Government, the State Government and all development partners, to save lives and livelihoods. Anambra state needs all the support it can get to sustainably address the challenging situation of devastating soil erosion in the state.”

In Lagos, Fall engaged with private sector leaders, including Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, UBA, and Transcorp groups.

He emphasised the crucial role of the private sector in advancing the SDGs and praised Elumelu’s contribution to youth development.

“It is always a pleasure to engage with you and your team, always reflecting on the youth bulge in Nigeria and Africa and the inherent demographic dividend. Young people offer great opportunities for national development,” he added.

Fall further expressed optimism about the upcoming Africa Social Impact Summit, ASIS2024, stating it would help provide some insights on how best to rescue the SDGs in Nigeria and in Africa.

The Resident Coordinator was particularly impressed by the innovative solutions presented by young tech entrepreneurs.

“With so many young people embracing tech and innovation, we see a ray of hope for a brighter, better future,” he remarked at the launch of the first-ever timbuktoo FinTech in Africa by UNDP.