The Speaker, Federal House of Representatives has affirmed that the house of reps would deploy its law making powers to enact laws to strengthen resource governance mechanism for revitalising its oversight duties to ensure that resources allocated for development purposes are properly utilised as approved in the appropriation act.
Mr Tajudeen Abass made the statement while speaking on the theme: “Resilient Futures, Thriving Communities: Focusing on Well-being through Sustainable Strategies,” at the opening ceremony of the Conclave On Sustainable Development organised by the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Centre for Sustainable Development in partnership with the United Nations in Nigeria, in Awka, Anambra State.
According to the Speaker, “We are also looking at reviewing the freedom of information act(2011) to strengthen its compliance and redress mechanism, and effectively empower Nigerians to be able to demand for accountability from those entrusted with the management of our resources.”
The Speaker who was represented by Professor Paul Nnamchi, stated that the theme of the Conclave aligned with constitutional act of convergence on security and welfare of the masses being the primary purpose for Governance.
Societal growth
He informed that SD should be a concerted effort for all and sundry towards societal growth and development of the nation.
The Chairperson of the occasion and Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDG, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, stated that the event was a unique opportunity to share thoughts and foster partnership towards achieving SDG project.
Orelope-Adefulire who was represented by Dr. Ify Nnamchi Ukaegbu noted that the conclave is an agenda for better health and wellbeing of Nigeria in the implementation of the 17 goals of the SDGs.
Challenges
She highlighted that Nigeria is besieged with challenges such as insecurity, organised crime, corruption and high rate of poverty while stressing that for Nigeria to achieve SDG, expertise and resources of all critical stakeholders is needed to make the SDG goals realisable.
While declaring the event open, the Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK, Professor Charles Esimone who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, said in response to the global awareness on the imperative for SD, the University instituted its Centre for Sustainable Development to contribute its quota to national and international efforts in this direction.
Presenting her address, the Host and Director, Centre for Sustainable Development UNIZIK, Prof. Echendu Dolly Adinma, asserted that Sustainable Development refers to the use of today’s resources in a manner that does not compromise the use of these resources by future generations.
She noted that the 2024 year marks the beginning of the second lap in the implementation of the United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development anchored on the 17 interconnected SDGs.
Research and innovation
Professor Adinma also said the core mission of the centre is providing a trans-disciplinary platform for the University to engage in issues of sustainable development via responding to the growing demand for education, research and innovation in sustainability, and to work alongside with Government.
He also encouraged business and other interested stakeholders to maximise the commercial and epistemological impact of sustainability research for knowledge transfer activities generated by the University.
On their parts, the Director General of State Security Service Nigeria, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi represented by Dr. Peter Afunanya and Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun represented by the AIG of Zone 13, Godwin Aghaulor, asserted that human security is the core of sustainability and there is no security without humans and the society.They urged the citizens to support the DSS, the Nigerian Police and UNIZIK.
High Points of the occasion was panel discussions on topical issues bordering on Sustainable Development with the Deputy Managing Director, Zenith Bank PLC, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji represented by Mrs Nkiru Kingsley Osualor who discussed on the topic, ‘Responsive Investment and Financial Management for Sustainable Development.’
Other discussants were the CEO Katchy Group of Companies, Dr. Ikechi Isa; Geriatric Nurse Practitioner based in Penn Valley, Pennsylvania USA, Lady Clem Okorji; Consultant Cardiologist at UNTH Enugu State, Dr. Nneka Udorah and Anambra State Director of Security, Adesina Bolarinwa.
Awards were presented to distinguished personalities who have promoted the course for the achieving SDG goals.
The Chairman of the Conclave Planning Committee and Deputy Director for Sustainable Development UNIZIK, Dr. Tochukwu Oguegbe, who noted that the Centre is geared towards ensuring that the SDG goals is achieved through education, research and community service, appreciated all who attended the event and the panelists for their thoughtful insights and advocacies.
