By Emeka Nwokocha
WARRI/Nigeria: Against the backdrop of the alarming increase in poverty and depletion of social infrastructure across the country, Nongovernmental Organisations (NGOs) in Delta State, have stressed the need for Delta state government to bring to fruition a better and sustainable future for all and sundry in the state through implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) blueprint.
This view was canvassed recently by the NGOs during a 1-day meeting on planning, identification and mobilization of relevant partners on SDGs in Delta state, organised by ENVIRUMEDIC with support from Action Aid Nigeria, held at Freshvill hotel, Okuokoko, on 20 November, 2018.
After a brainstorming session, the NGOs expressed concern over the inherent challenges hampering the implementation of the SDGs across board in Delta State, even as they observed that some of the SDGs blueprint being implemented by the Delta state government has been impeded by some lapses.
Determined to achieving SDGs in all ramifications the NGOs offer some guides to Delta State government on possible ways to achieving the SDGs in critical areas, and subsequently recommended as follows: an advocacy for an improved and sustained agricultural extension program for farmers in the rural area where agriculture is the predominant activity. Introduction of innovative agricultural methods to avert the losses incurred by farmers during flood. To carry out research to introduce new techniques into farming and enhance the agriculture value chain.
The NGOs also recommended an advocacy for inclusion of entrepreneurial skills development in the educational curriculum. Effective monitoring of implemented SDGs programmes including impact assessment of SDGs to pave way for expansion.
The NGOs also recommended an advocacy for a clean and safe environment through tree planting and proper waste disposal including waste sorting and recycling education. An advocacy for compulsory tree planting by every owner of a building backed by the law.
Adding their voice to sustaining peace, the NGOs recommended sensitizing of communities on the values of peace. Including Advocacy for reward project for peaceful communities in order to foster peace building in other communities. While an advocacy for a repeal of the land tenure system and inclusion of peace education in the curriculum was also recommended.
The NGOs at the meeting were: Nigeria Shock Media; Capacity Enhancement & Manpower Development Foundation; NAIIS; ENVIRUMEDIC; Niger Delta Women’s Movement for Peace & Development; Ideal Women Advancement Initiative (IWAI); Initiative for Peace and Stability (IPAS); The Healthy Real Initiative for Valued Entrepreneurship (THrive); Entrepreneurship Skills Initiative for Peace and National Development; EISED; VREI; Foto Sofia Foundation; Community Empowerment and Development Initiative (CEDI); Working Fingers Int’l Initiative; Eco Assurance and Rural Transformation Centre; Neferok Development Initiative (NeDI); Development Initiative for Community Impact (DICI); Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF); Centre LSD; and Greenspring Development Initiative.
