Southeast’s entrepreneurship can accelerate SDGs implementation — Gov Mbah
ABUJA — Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has emphasized the importance of inclusive consultation in accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria.
Speaking at a South-East Regional Consultation on Nigeria’s 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR), Mbah highlighted the need to celebrate progress, identify gaps, and foster innovation, particularly in rural communities and among the youth.
The consultation brought together key stakeholders from the Southeast to assess the region’s efforts toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Chidiebere Onyia, Governor Mbah noted that the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience of the South-East make the region pivotal in accelerating SDG implementation.
“The SDGs are a call to action for every region, community, and individual. The South-East, with its strong human capital and entrepreneurial drive, has a crucial role to play in advancing sustainable development in Nigeria,” he said.
Onyia commended the region’s progress in education, healthcare, and economic development but urged stakeholders to prioritize marginalized communities. He called for bold solutions and stronger collaborations to drive meaningful change.
The 2025 VNR consultation, convened by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, provided a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and strategic planning.
In a statement by Desmond Utomwen, Special Assistant on Media to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, the consultation assessed progress, challenges, and opportunities in implementing the SDGs across the Southeast region.
Delivering the keynote address, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, represented by Dr. Ifeyinwa Ukaegbu, emphasized the 2030 Agenda as a comprehensive framework for addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges
She noted that Nigeria had previously presented VNRs in 2017 and 2020 and is now preparing for its third review in 2025.
“Effective VNRs rely on inclusive, broad-based, and participatory processes. That is why we are engaging diverse stakeholders across Nigeria to ensure a ‘whole-of-government and society’ approach to SDG implementation.”
She further explained that the 2025 VNR aligns with global commitments, particularly following the adoption of the “Pact for the Future” at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2024.
“The Pact reaffirms world leaders’ commitment to bold, accelerated, and transformative actions to fast-track SDG achievement,” she added.
Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, Lead Consultant for Nigeria’s 2025 VNR, stressed the importance of collaboration in generating actionable insights for SDG implementation.
Enugu State’s SDG Focal Person, Engineer Onyinye Akubuilo, praised the state government’s socioeconomic policies, which have significantly contributed to effective SDG implementation in the region.
“The government’s commitment to sustainable development has driven major progress in Enugu, making it a model for other states,” she said.
This year’s VNR consultation, themed: “Advancing Sustainable, Inclusive, Science and Evidence-Based Solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Its Sustainable Development Goals for Leaving No One Behind,”
brought together diverse participants, including:
Government representatives
Academia
Civil society organizations
People with disabilities
Youth groups
Way Forward
The outcomes of the Southeast consultation are expected to play a vital role in shaping Nigeria’s 2025 VNR, contributing to the country’s ongoing efforts to achieve the SDGs and ensuring that no one is left behind.
