SDG Awards: Stakeholders chart path to accelerate 2030 agenda
Stakeholders on Tuesday converged on Abuja to chart path to strengthen Nigeria’s push towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
The event brought together government officials, development partners, civil society leaders and youth advocates to accelerate the 2030 agenda.
The event, which was convened by the African Clean-up Initiative (ACI), provided a high-level platform for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue and recognition of outstanding contributions to sustainable development.
Speaking at the event, Dr Bala Yunusa, MNI, Senior Technical Advisor at the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (OSSAP-SDGs), called for intensified national action as the 2030 target draws nearer.
Yunussa stressed the importance of integrated planning, cross-sector collaboration and inclusive policies, adding that Nigeria’s progress depends on collective input from government, civil society, the private sector and citizens.
Mrs Ibironke Olubamise, National Coordinator of the GEF Small Grants Programme, said the initiative continued to support community-based environmental projects.
She highlighted women and youth as priority groups and urged innovators to apply for GEF grants.
Olubamise emphasised that reliable data remains essential for monitoring SDG progress and driving evidence-based decision-making.
Climate advocate, Mr Adamu Audu, called for stronger climate governance and increased sub-national engagement.
Citing Yobe State’s afforestation and environmental restoration projects, he urged states to promote community-led tree planting and climate awareness campaigns.
Miss Onyinye Akubuilo-Okpalanma shared experiences from youth-driven SDG initiatives in Enugu State, noting the impact of partnerships with the NYSC SDG Community Development Service (CDS).
She said sustained youth engagement was already yielding visible results across communities.
Co-founder of BudgIT, Mr. Oluseun Onigbinde, underscored the role of data-driven governance in achieving the SDGs.
He emphasised the need for strong public participation, understanding data sources, and using evidence for planning, budgeting and tracking public projects.
According to him, reliable data is central to reducing project failures and improving accountability.
The event featured a free health screening for participants, offering basic medical checks and preventive health information in alignment with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
A stage presentation by children from the IDP Bonding Session in Durumi addressed the dangers of early child marriage and its implications for girl-child development and maternal health.
One of the highlights of the event was the awards and symposium session.
Individuals, organisations and institutions driving innovation, environmental stewardship, youth leadership, corporate sustainability and community development received awards for outstanding contributions to the SDGs.
Their efforts were showcased as models for scaling national impact.
In his closing remarks, ACI Founder and Convener, Dr Alexander Akhigbe, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and amplifying community-led solutions that support the 2030 Agenda.
The symposium reinforced the need for coordinated national action, inclusive participation, and data-driven decision-making to accelerate Nigeria’s SDG progress.
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