As Nigeria prepares for its 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), key stakeholders in the South East have assessed progress, identified challenges, and explored strategies to accelerate implementation in the region.
The consultation in Enugu brought together government officials, development experts, civil society groups, and youth representatives to evaluate SDG achievements and strengthen regional collaboration.
The event was convened by the special assistant on media and the senior special assistant to the president on SDGs.
According to a statement by a media aide of the SDG, Desmond Utomwen, who spoke at the forum, the Enugu State governor, represented by the secretary to the state government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, highlighted the South East’s role in driving national SDG progress.
He called for innovative, inclusive, and community-driven solutions to bridge gaps, particularly in rural areas.
“The SDGs require action from every region and every stakeholder. With its strong human capital and entrepreneurial spirit, the South East can significantly contribute to Nigeria’s success in achieving the 2030 Agenda,” Onyia stated.
The senior special assistant to the president on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, represented by Dr Ifeyinwa Ukaegbu, emphasised the need for broad-based, participatory engagement in the VNR process.
She noted that Nigeria’s upcoming 2025 review aligns with global commitments, including the recently adopted “Pact for the Future” at the 79th United Nations General Assembly.
“The 2025 VNR must reflect inclusive, evidence-based progress. This consultation ensures that South-East perspectives shape Nigeria’s report and reinforce our commitment to sustainable development,” she said.
Dr Babatunde Ipaye, Lead Consultant for the 2025 VNR, stressed the importance of peer learning and collaboration, while Enugu State’s SDG Focal Person, Engineer Onyinye Akubuilo, credited the state’s progress to strategic government policies supporting sustainable development.
The consultation, themed “Advancing Sustainable, Inclusive, Science and Evidence-Based Solutions for the 2030 Agenda,” provided a platform for dialogue on critical issues, including education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Stakeholders agreed that the consultation’s outcomes would contribute to Nigeria’s third VNR, ensuring the South-East plays a vital role in the nation’s SDG journey while leaving no one behind.
