By Bunmi Yekini
Following the release of the 2024 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Report, which revealed only 17% of targets are on track, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, has urged for accelerated efforts at the local level. Fall concluded a one-week visit to Lagos, Enugu, and Anambra States on July 17, 2024, engaging with governors, private sector leaders, civil society, traditional rulers, women, and youth groups.
In Enugu, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah expressed his administration’s alignment with the UN’s SDG mandates. Fall praised the Owo Smart School, stating, “My visit to Owo Smart School, Enugu State was an eye-opener and a confirmation that with the right leadership, nothing is impossible. I saw firsthand how technology was deployed to ensure quality education, thus placing students on the path to a brighter future.” He also noted innovations in health services at a Type-3 hospital in Agbogugu and urged Nigerian women to remain optimistic about increased female political representation.
In Anambra, Fall discussed poverty alleviation and environmental threats with Governor Charles Soludo. At Eziabor village, he highlighted the need for urgent intervention at erosion sites, saying, “I saw a soil erosion disaster site that required interventions of the Federal Government, the State Government, and all development partners, to save lives and livelihoods.” At Onitsha market, Fall remarked on the industrious nature of the people: “I saw the vibrancy and resilience of the people, oiling the wheel of commerce and entrepreneurship while contributing to the development of not only Anambra State but the entire Southeast and beyond.”
In Lagos, Fall emphasized the private sector’s role in SDG progress during his meeting with Tony Elumelu. He praised Elumelu’s contributions to youth development, saying, “It’s always a pleasure to engage with you and your team, always reflecting on the youth bulge in Nigeria and Africa and the inherent demographic dividend. Young people offer great opportunities for national development.” At the Africa Social Impact Summit, Fall expressed optimism about tech-driven solutions, noting, “It’s so amazing and inspiring to hear vibrant young people – the timbuktoo cohorts – speak about their tech-driven innovative solutions to societal problems such as climate change, access to credits, rent payment, medical supplies, among others. With so many young people embracing tech and innovation, we see a ray of hope for a brighter, better future – a future of innovative solutions for the present and future generations in Africa.”
Fall reiterated the importance of technology and innovation for Africa’s development, emphasizing fintech’s role in expanding financial inclusion and reducing inequalities. The UN Resident Coordinator leads UN Country Teams and coordinates support for implementing the 2030 Agenda.