UN@80: UNA-Nigeria Calls for Bold Partnerships and Innovation to Fast-Track SDGs

As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, the United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNA-Nigeria) has called for a renewed wave of partnerships, innovation, and inclusive action to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the nation.

Speaking at the UNA-Nigeria Day 2025 celebration themed “Fostering Social Collaboration for a Sustainable Future,” the UNA-Nigeria President, Professor Oluremi Olutimo, emphasized that collaboration and creativity are indispensable to achieving the 2030 Agenda.

“The world cannot hit the target of the 2030 Agenda by working alone, especially after the setback caused by COVID-19,” Olutimo said.

Drawing from his experience managing a $70,000 project in Liberia through an international partnership in Poland, he stressed that “every partnership needs structure, trust, and clarity.” He urged Nigerian organizations and entrepreneurs to align business operations with the SDGs, adopt digital transformation, and embrace inclusive practices to ensure no one is left behind.

Olutimo also underscored the role of education and empathy in sustainability, sharing how he intervened to help a student complete her postgraduate studies despite financial hardship.

Representing the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Professor Efem Ubi, Director of Studies, described Nigeria as “a vital, pounding heartbeat” in the global system.

He highlighted the nation’s contributions to peacekeeping, diplomacy, and development, while cautioning that the world continues to face complex challenges; from poverty and famine to climate change, terrorism, and digital disruption.

Ubi reaffirmed the NIIA’s partnership with UNA-Nigeria as part of its mission to turn Nigeria’s potential into actionable global influence, even as he urged stakeholders to go beyond rhetoric and build meaningful collaborations that include marginalized voices.

Also speaking, Professor Lanre Amodu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, representing Vice-Chancellor Professor Timothy Anake, reiterated the university’s commitment to advancing peace, innovation, and sustainability through research and strategic partnerships.

“As an institution dedicated to knowledge creation and global impact, Covenant University shares in the UN’s vision for a peaceful and prosperous world,” Amodu said, affirming the university’s openness to collaborations promoting SDGs such as peace, global education, and inclusive research.

Gender equality took centre stage in a rousing address by Ngozi Dike, Founder of Premier Services LLC, who declared that empowering women and girls remains essential to achieving the SDGs.

“When a woman heals, a nation rises,” she declared, noting that over 351 million women and girls worldwide still face systemic oppression.

She urged Nigerian leaders to back their commitments with concrete laws guaranteeing safety, access, and opportunity for women and girls.

Ambassador Ayo Olukanni, Chairman of the UNA-Nigeria Board of Trustees, equally urged leaders and citizens alike to translate SDG discussions into measurable outcomes.

Recalling his experience at UN climate talks in Nairobi, he shared the story of a small island nation of just 1,500 people fighting for survival as rising seas threatened their home.

“It was not theory it was real. Our journey in the UN system has always been about service, learning, and bridge-building,” he said.