In a renewed drive to fast-track inclusive and sustainable development, the Lagos State Government has deepened its commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by convening a high-level Breakfast Meeting aimed at fostering strategic partnerships.
The event, themed “Accelerating SDGs Through Strategic Partnerships,” was held at the Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, and organized by the Office of Sustainable Development Goals. It drew participation from a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including diplomats, development partners, private sector leaders, civil society representatives, and senior government officials.
Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat—represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule—underscored the centrality of partnerships in achieving the SDGs. He noted that the state had strategically aligned its THEMES+ Agenda with the SDGs, prioritizing social inclusion, gender equality, youth empowerment, and sustainable infrastructure.
“Lagos is building a resilient and sustainable city where no one is left behind,” the Deputy Governor stated. “Our THEMES+ Agenda integrates key SDG pillars—education, the green economy, digital innovation, and transportation—to deliver long-lasting impact.”
He highlighted notable milestones, including the completion of the Blue Line Rail project, progress on the Red Line, and technology-driven reforms in education. He also stressed the need for a collective approach, describing the SDGs as a shared responsibility beyond government mandates.
“We must foster synergy among academia, civil society, the private sector, and international development agencies. It is time to mobilize blended financing, leverage innovation, and empower grassroots change-makers to turn bold ideas into scalable impact,” he added.
Also addressing the gathering, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, commended Lagos State’s efforts in mainstreaming the SDGs into its policies and institutional frameworks. She acknowledged Nigeria’s national progress in poverty reduction, education, and gender equality but noted that global disruptions—such as the COVID-19 pandemic, insurgency, and geopolitical conflicts—had slowed overall progress.
“These challenges have stretched resources and disrupted vital systems. Without intensified collaboration and investment, achieving the SDGs by 2030 will remain elusive,” she cautioned.
Orelope-Adefulire announced that Nigeria would present its third Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the United Nations in New York this July—an exercise that reflects the country’s commitment to localized, data-driven solutions.
“Lagos has become a model for subnational implementation of the SDGs,” she said. “Its use of data, innovation, and inclusive partnerships offers a clear benchmark for impact at scale.”
In her welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, described the meeting as a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration, and co-creation.
“We have moved beyond conversation into co-creation—developing programs that are changing lives across Lagos,” she said. “Our office remains committed to being a convener, connector, and catalyst for sustainable development.”
She emphasized the importance of shared responsibility, adaptive planning, and systems thinking in scaling development interventions across sectors.
“Lagos offers a unique opportunity to align global ambitions with local realities. With intentionality and collective resolve, we must translate our commitments into real impact—through improved healthcare access, inclusive education, job creation, climate resilience, and gender equity,” she added.
A key highlight of the meeting was the collective pledge made by stakeholders to support Lagos State’s drive toward accelerating the implementation of the SDGs.
Present at the event were members of the Body of Permanent Secretaries, Director-Generals and General Managers of MDAs, Consular Generals, development partners, representatives from the private sector, academia, and philanthropic organizations.
The gathering marked another bold step in Lagos State’s effort to institutionalize sustainable governance and build inclusive partnerships for lasting development.
