The secretary general of the United Nations, Ban Ki Moon has tasked all Nigerian governors on the need to ensure that sustainable development goals are delivered to the people
Speaking at a meeting with the governors, Mr. Moon said the role governors play in the future of Nigeria and the world is very fundamental.
Ban Ki Moon
“You are among the closest to the people,” Mr. Moon said.
Mr. Moon said he is in Nigeria to listen and support the governors who understand the immediate needs of the people
“You have the resources and the power to help the people of Nigeria realize the tremendous promise of this great country – on education, on health care, on women’s empowerment, on climate change, on governance, institution-building, security and on rights across the board,” he said.
He added, “I am so pleased to begin my visit to Nigeria with you – and it is fitting that I do so. I strongly believe a more prosperous, democratic and secure Nigeria begins with you.”
Mr. Moon thanked the Kaduna state governor; Nasiru El-Rufai who hosted the event and condoled with his Borno counterpart on the loss of his deputy, Zanna Mustapha who died in the past week.
Commending Nigeria for the peaceful conduct of the past general election, Mr Moon said this was a time of hope for development.
“I want to commend you and all of Nigeria’s leaders for the peaceful democratic transition of power. Nigeria sent an important signal of hope throughout the continent,” he said.
In June, UN member states agreed on a new financing for development plan coined the ‘Addis Ababa Action Agenda’.
The member states also reached an agreement on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; “Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”.
This includes 17 goals expected to be formally adopted by world leaders in New York by September.
Also, governments of nations will meet in Paris in December to agree on a new climate change agreement.
The UN scribe said these three processes provide an opportunity to put the world on a sustainable pathway fostering human prosperity while protecting our planet.
He said that local governments have an important role to play in the implementation of the SDGs.
“Nigeria demonstrated this through its efforts on the MDGs through the Federal Government Conditional Grants program to States and local governments”
He called on collaboration of all to establish a revitalized global partnership for development through the implementation of the goals at local level particularly by ensuring health, education, empowerment and equality for women and girls.
In a related development, the UN secretary general said that the AIDS virus that has been ravaging the world would end by 2030 but would only be achieved if governments relax its policies.
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