Lagos govt marks 10 years of SDG achievements

The Lagos State Government has commemorated ten years of significant progress in promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Lagos State Office of SDGs.

This event, which coincided with the global observance of SDG Week, attracted a diverse group of high-ranking officials, development partners, NGOs, civil society organizations, private sector representatives, SDG Ambassadors, volunteers, and other key stakeholders, all showing their commitment to sustainable development in Lagos State.

During the celebration at Marcellina’s Place in GRA, Ikeja, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs, discussed the significant growth of the SDGs Office over the last decade.

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She outlined its evolution from the Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment in 2015, to the Office of SDGs & Investment in 2019, and its current establishment in 2023 as the Lagos State Office of Sustainable Development Goals—an evolution that aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda.

Dr. Finnih emphasized that this well-planned development has bolstered the state’s ability to incorporate sustainable development into governance, planning, and public service delivery.

She pointed out that Lagos has emerged as a leading example in Africa for effectively implementing the SDGs at a large scale, with THEMES Plus translating the global goals into actionable steps across vital areas including transportation, healthcare, climate resilience, human capital development, education, and economic advancement.

Key accomplishments over the decade were highlighted, including the State’s Voluntary Local Review (VLR), demonstrating Lagos’ commitment to transparency and inclusive reporting.

Dr. Finnih also noted the financial inclusion initiative aimed at women in coastal and hard-to-reach areas, empowering thousands across various local government areas like Ibeju-Lekki, Ikorodu, Alimosho, and others through digital literacy and access to business resources.

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Additional achievements discussed included the SDG Champions Programme, which integrates trained personnel within government ministries to ensure SDG alignment; the SDG Volunteer Corps, which promotes SDG awareness at the community level; the Lagos Sustainability Summit, which has influenced the city’s climate and green-growth strategy; and the establishment of the Lagos Carbon Registry, a groundbreaking framework for climate financing.

In her closing remarks, Mrs. Kaphayah Olayemi Sarumi, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of SDGs, expressed deep gratitude to all partners and attendees, emphasizing that the anniversary serves as both a moment for reflection and a renewed call to action.

She reiterated the Office’s dedication to enhancing collaboration across various sectors, utilizing advanced data systems, strengthening capacity within ministries, and speeding up community-driven initiatives that lead to significant improvements in the lives of Lagos residents.

Mrs. Sarumi praised the award recipients for their outstanding contributions and encouraged them to continue their advocacy for the SDGs within their communities. She also acknowledged the efforts of the Special Adviser, staff, technical partners, volunteers, and media teams in making the anniversary celebration a success.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of Special Recognition Awards to individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to advancing the SDGs at the grassroots level, celebrating their innovation, commitment, and service to the community. According to the SDGs Office, their contributions have enhanced the SDGs framework in Lagos and ensured development reaches underserved populations.