YALI Walks for SDGs Actualization in Nigeria

The Young African Leaders Initiative – YALI Network Abuja chapter, participated in a strategic sensitization walk on the streets of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja on Saturday 18th February, 2023; alongside with other Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), to create the much-needed awareness on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the need for timely actualization on/before 2030 in Nigeria.

The walk which was organized by Ebaidebeki Initiative was considered highly necessary and important, considering the current worrisome state of the nation, and the fundamental role of the SDGs in boosting the declining economic status of Nigeria, through timely implementation of the 17 SDG complements by policy decision-makers at the helm of national affairs, leveraging on the inclusive-power of the citizenry.

Meanwhile, as part of the thematic mandate of civic engagement, as enshrined in the global blueprint of the Young African Leaders initiative (YALI), which is an initiative of the United States of America (USA) aimed at fostering economic prosperity of Subsaharan African countries – including Nigeria; the long-walk on the streets of Abuja presented a typical democratic demonstration and civic acceptance as market men and women, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), industry professionals across the SDGs, as well as young leaders from various ethnical and religious background pledged a renewed commitment towards contributing their quota to the actualization of the SDGs for a better Nigeria through their various sphere of influence(s).

The need for collective efforts towards ensuring poverty eradication, zero hunger, quality education, good heath, sustainable cities, reduced inequalities, gender equality, peace and justice, amongst others were the top chants by YALI Abuja Network representatives and delegates from the coalition of NGOs during the walk, who also emphasized the potency of sustainable partnerships – SDG 17 (Public Private Partnerships) as the key driver to achieving these goals and lofty targets.

Also considering the role of leadership in accomplishing the SDGs in Nigeria, the citizenry were equally admonished with all sense of responsibility, and in various Nigerian language(s), to peacefully exercise their civic obligations at the forthcoming general elections in order to facilitate the emergence of visionary leaders with Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound (SMART) blueprints for the SDGs realization in Nigeria in the next seven years (2023-2030).

It was indeed an impact-driven and result-oriented civic engagement exercise as many of the citizens assured to dissociate from activities that sabotage the collective efforts of institutions towards actualizing the SDGs in the country. Such activities were identified as indiscriminate disposal of waste which contribute largely to climate change and global warming; vote selling which undermines the nation’s democratic values; child abuse and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), amongst a host of other anti-development vices.

The presence of media organizations (print and electronic media houses) at the walk also facilitated solution-based interview sessions with delegates of YALI Network Abuja and other Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on how hunger can be reduced to zero bar, modalities for reduction of the increasing rate of Out -of-school children in the country, strategies for the nation’s healthcare development, as well as rudiments for national poverty eradication, amongst other innovative measures geared towards actualizing the SDGs before 2030 for a better Nigeria.

The Young African Leaders Initiative – YALI Network Abuja, alongside other hubs across the 36 States in Nigeria, is committed to keep leveraging on healthy collaborations and partnerships with CSOs and legislators in the country towards ensuring that every components of the SDGs is achieved and implemented for the economic prosperity of Nigeria as soon as expected.

Adebisi Matthew Adewale is the General Secretary of YALI Network Abuja.