By Aderonke Ojo
With only four years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 2030 by the corner.
Muhammed Mustapha James, President of the Congress for Sustainable Development of Nigeria (CSDN), has called for intensified efforts to meet global SDG targets during the inauguration of Executive Committee Members of CSDN on Saturday in Abuja.
Speaking during the inauguration of the CSDN board, James said that the 2030 deadline is fast approaching, requiring urgent and collective action from all stakeholders.
He emphasized the importance of partnership and collaboration in achieving sustainable development goals in Nigeria.
While highlighting the organization’s commitment to working with the government, media, and other stakeholders to address pressing issues like poverty and hunger she said the aim is to ensure collaboration with the government and other agencies to reduce poverty to a minimal level.
James acknowledged that eradicating poverty is a significant challenge, but believes that by working together, it can be reduced to a minimal level.
“ The organization will prioritize partnership with relevant ministries, agencies, and stakeholders, citing Goal 17 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which emphasizes the importance of partnership,” he said.
James added that the CSDN is creating awareness and building capacity, starting with the University of Abuja, but with plans to expand to the entire country.
“ The organization will prioritize research and collaborate with heads of agencies and ministries to achieve the SDGs.
“ I believe that even if the goals are not fully achievable by 2030, progress can still be made, and the work will continue beyond that timeline.
“ The initiative is open to everyone, regardless of their background and will focus on capacity building, awareness creation, and collaboration with stakeholders, including the University of Abuja and other institutions
“ Also aims to inculcate everybody and the whole of Nigeria in its efforts to promote sustainable development,” he said.
James emphasized that CSDN’s work is not limited to a specific timeline, but rather a continuous process that will be built upon over time.
“We can’t leave the task of eradicating poverty to the government alone,we all have to work together to bridge the gap and reduce poverty to a minimal level,” he said.
CSDN plans to expand its reach beyond the University of Abuja, involving people from all over Nigeria in its efforts to promote sustainable development.
The organization believes that its work will have a lasting impact, even if it’s not achieved within a specific timeline.
Full list of Excos during the inauguration of Executive Committee Members of CSDN on Saturday in Abuja.
President , Muhammed James
Vice president,Neoma Njoku secretary, Ahmed Yusuf
Assistant Secretary, Khadijat Babansule , treasurer , Joyce Katuka, social secretary, usman Yusuf , public relations officer, olayinka Ojo , financial secretary Mary Adebayo