NAN-H-45
Agenda
Omu-Aran (Kwara) June 26, 2017 (NAN) A retired Public Administrator, Chief Festus Awoniyi, said on Monday that the nation’s public service have crucial roles to play in timely implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda.
Awoniyi stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Omu-Aran, Kwara.
He said that for the goals to be attained, “everyone, including governments, the private sector, civil societies and the traditional institutions need to play their part’’.
NAN reports that 17-point goals for 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda earlier adopted by World leaders in September 2015 officially came into force on Jan. 1, 2016.
“For the next 14 years, countries globally are expected to mobilise resources to end all forms of poverty, inequalities and tackle climate change as part of the SDGs agenda,’’ Awoniyi said.
He said that the role of the public service could not be overemphasised in achieving the SDGs, adding that countries have the responsibility to carry out follow-up and review progress made based on national-level analysis.
According to him, this in particular requires quality, accessible and timely data collection to achieve the desired objective.
He urged the relevant government agencies saddled with the SDGs responsibilities to channel available resources toward co-opting the civil service to ensure its successful implementation.
“None of the SDGs can be achieved without the bold and innovative efforts from public institutions and public servants.
“The ideas and creativity of civil servants have never been more important than this important perspective,’’ he said.
Awoniyi suggested necessary training for civil servants in order to improve on their awareness and skills in respect of the SDGs.
“In order to achieve the SDGs and ensure that children, youths, persons with disabilities, old persons, refugees and other vulnerable groups are not left behind.
“Public institutions need to adopt innovative approaches in public service delivery,” he said.
He described the goals 9 and 11 of the agenda that emphasised an improved industry, innovation, infrastructure and sustainable cities and communities as being crucial to the country’s national development roadmap.
Awoniyi stressed the need for the government to consolidate on the achievements recorded by the past Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) initiative in order to ensure a brighter future for the citizenry. (NAN)
ISHO/AJA/AFA
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Edited by Adeleye Ajayi/Felix Ajide