By: Abdulhafeez Oyewole
On a relaxed Tuesday morning, despite my reluctance to step out, I ventured to attend a significant SDG-focused event. Although it was scheduled to begin promptly at 9:00 am at Sinclair Hotel in G.R.A, Ilorin, I arrived around 10:19 am. Upon my late arrival, the press was engaged in their session, and I registered with an event staff member at the entrance. Initially, I settled in the back among my fellow media colleagues, but I later changed my seat after the press interaction with the event organizer.
Despite my tardiness, I seamlessly joined the event proceedings, which had participants from various states across the country gathered to commemorate the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Global People's Assembly in Ilorin, coinciding with the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78), the SDGs Summit, and the SDGs Action. Some of us shared our expectations, primarily centered around understanding how to advance the SDG goals by 2030. Following this, we listened to the welcoming remarks by Mr. Abideen Olasupo Opeyemi, the main convener and Global Director of the organizing civil society group, Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI).
The core of our gathering commenced with three as against four engaging sessions on the event programme. The first session, led by Mr. Almustaqin Balogun, focused on "Empowering Youth through Climate Education: Fostering Environmental Stewardship for SDGs." He eloquently discussed the causes and impacts of climate change, the increasing polarization on climate action, the need for a just transition, and the importance of education and communication in bridging the climate gap. He emphasized the role of everyone, including government at all levels, in tackling climate change, concluding that it poses a significant threat to geopolitics and the SDGs.
The second session, moderated by Mr. Akorede Shakir, delved into "Policy Advocacy for Inclusive Governance: Strategies for Achieving SDG Targets." Mr. Shakir emphasized the interconnectedness of inclusive governance and SDGs, highlighting that both serve as means to an end. He stressed that the government alone cannot address all issues, and that politicians based their topmost concerns on the electoral values and the relevance of their doings. He called for issue-based policy advocacy, urging citizens and civil societies to prioritize it in their discourse. He also encouraged individuals and groups to actively participate in agenda setting for the government, irrespective of NGO, CSO, religious, social, political or cultural affiliations.
The final session, led by Dr. Hauwa K.K AbdulKareem, centered on "Economic Empowerment of Women: A Catalyst for Sustainable Development." It was an interactive discussion where she presented reasons and statistics supporting the significance of women's economic empowerment, sparking lively debates among participants. Some of the key benefits she highlighted included improved education and health, poverty reduction, enhanced productivity, and gender equality. Dr. AbdulKareem underscored the need for catalyst links, starting with political sincerity, strategic prioritization, collaborative actions, and an integrated holistic approach.
Following a Question and Answer session, we were divided into five syndicated groups to discuss the five focal points of the SDG Group Assembly in the current year. After ten minutes of brainstorming, each group designated a representative to present on their identified SDG goal problem and proposed solutions. My group, Group 4, focused on Peace and presented third. It was inspiring to witness the diverse presentation techniques employed by each group, showcasing the youth's 'Can Do' spirit and our collective capabilities.
My experience on that fateful Tuesday, September 19, 2023, turned out to be more rewarding than I expected. While my shyness and moodiness hindered my networking opportunities, I did manage to capture a group picture, even though I couldn't spot myself in other delightful photos available in the shared Google Drive link for all participants to download. Thank God I snapped with my phone.
