Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat has emphasized the need for partnership and collaboration between governments, High Commissions and Development partners to successfully achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Deputy Governor made this call today at a Breakfast Meeting with Members of High Commissions and Development Partners, organized by the Lagos State Office of Sustainable Development Goals, held at Wheatbakers Hotel, Ikoyi.
Dr. Hamzat stressed that it is important for governments, representatives of consulates, embassies, multinational organizations, development partners, and stakeholders in the ecosystem to collaborate and collectively advance the quest to create a world where no one is left behind and better to live.
He stated that the theme, “Fostering Partnerships for the Attainment of Sustainable Development Goals in Lagos State” is apt as it serves as a clarion call, echoing through the corridors of diplomacy and development and rallying stakeholders to unite in a shared commitment towards realizing a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
Speaking on the different initiatives put in place by the state government, Dr. Hamzat noted that the State government has captured the different SDGs in the State government’s THEMES AGENDA which aims to proffer solutions to the various challenges and attain the sustainable development goals.
He stated further that the state government yesterday approved the WASH Policy, which is committed to harmonising its Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) policies to ensure coherence at all levels.
Speaking further, Dr. Hamzat noted that one of the biggest challenges in the developing world in achieving the 17 SDGs is physical Planning as lots of African countries are where they are today due to poor physical planning. He therefore advocate for proper urban planning in order to sustain the environment for the good of all.
“Our cities must be well planned. Whatever is not planned cannot be measured and therefore it cannot be managed. We cannot just build anywhere, it must be in an organized environment. The biggest challenge for cities like Lagos is the maintenance and sustainability of the environment.
Earlier in her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable and Development Goals, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih noted that the gathering is to seek the partnership of different stakeholders to discuss collaboration in achieving all the SDGs for the sustainability of the state and the nation.
She stated that SDG recognizes that collaborations are key which is why the 17th goal is partnership. “There is no way we can achieve all the goals alone, therefore, we must all move together both as development partners and even across the geographical light, meaning other countries, so it’s a partnership to attain the goals which we are supposed to do by 2030” she stated.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Social Development Goals, Mrs. Tolani Oshodi stated that Lagos State is not only open for business but open for collaborative ventures that will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. She stressed that in the spirit of partnership, the office welcomes their insights, expertise, and contributions towards strengthening the state government resolve to meet the SDGs targets and the commitment to good governance”.
She added that in the state’s shared pursuit of a better and more sustainable future for its citizens, the state has consistently demonstrated its commitment to pioneering innovative solutions and embracing progressive policies noting that the resilience and dynamism of the vibrant state serve as a testament to the transformative power of collective action.
She noted that the event theme “Fostering partnership for the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Lagos State” emerges from the office’s shared commitment to a cause that transcends borders and resonates with the global imperative for sustainable development.
