By Ikenna Nwokedi 

Former Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku, FAS; Billionaire Business Mogul and Philanthropist Chief Kenneth Ifekudu (Agbalanze Ezeonyekachukwu); President of Nigeria Senate, H.E Senator Godswill Akpabio; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Governor of Ebonyi State and other prominent figures who have contributed towards Sustainable Development of the country were recognized and honoured with special awards on the occasion of the First South East Regional Summit on Sustainable Development.

The event which was organized by the Centre for Sustainable Development (CSD) UNIZIK was held on Friday, 1st September 2023 at the ASUU NAU Secretariat of the institution.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion in his capacity as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, His Excellency Senator George Akume said the government of the day is serious in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals in the manner that if fully implemented, it will sustain democracy.

Senator Akume who was ably represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Bolaji Bernard Babatunde said the summit will act as a catalyst for strengthening the SDG goals. He also informed that the conference will provide opportunity for common challenges and discuss ground breaking research results in achieving the SDGs in order to meet the demands of the SDGs.

In his address, UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, FAS, stated that the summit is germane as it is geared towards the memories of the genesis of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The VC highlighted the goals as eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, achieving universal primary education, promotion of gender equality and hunger, achieving universal primary education, promoting gender equality and empowering of women.

Prof. Esimone pointed out other features of the SDGs such as reducing child mortality, improving mental health, combating HIV/AIDS, ensuring environmental sustainability and developing a global partnership for development. The Chief Executive of the institution appreciated the United Nations and it's agencies for the goodwork worldwide within the constraints of the sovereignty of member states in the promotion of world peace and the welfare of humanity.

Esimone congratulated the accomplished personalities to be conferred with various awards in recognition of the pivotal roles they have played in their different endeavours towards the realization of the SDGs.

In her address, the Director of the Centre for Sustainable Development (CSD), Prof. Echendu Dolly Adinma gave a brief insight on the genesis of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) highlighting the millennium declaration signed by 189 countries on 8th of September 2000 which spelt out focal areas such as poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation and discrimination against women.

Prof. Adinma disclosed that the year 2023 marks the midpoint in the implementation of the UN Agenda 2030 for sustainable development anchored on the 17 interconnected SDGs. The scholar informed that the CSD is a prime centre in UNIZIK with a core mission of providing a trans-disciplinary platform for the University to engage in issues of sustainable development, respond to the growing demand for education, research and innovation in sustainability and to work alongside with government, business and other interested stakeholders to maximize the commercial and epistemological impact of sustainability research and knowledge transfer activities generated by the University.

In his remarks, the Co-Host and UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mathias Schmale, averred that the attainment of the SDGs was hindered by the advent of COVID-19, climate change and pockets of conflicts across the globe. He stated that Nigeria and Africa remains the country and continent of hope as Africa has 60 percent of arable and fertile land.

The UN Resident Coordinator pointed out that Africa is a strageic partner in achieving the SDGs in areas of digital solution, medical solution, agriculture, eradicating poverty and promoting gender balance. Schmale also stated that the University has a huge role to play in the dynamics of SDGs through evidence based research and findings which can be put into practice in proferring solutions to numerous problems on the globe.

In a keynote speech delivered by the Pro-chancellor of Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru, Kebbi State, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, FAS on the topic: "Sustainable Development Goals: Gains and Prospects," the scholar opined that the South East and Igbos have played a tremendous role in the political dynamics of the nation spanning for a period of 30 years between 1930 to 1960 when the nation gained independence.

Nwajiuba stated that the South East has a huge role to play in attaining the focal points of the SDGs and meeting up with the demands before the target date of 2030. He called on Government in the South East region to see governance and leadership as a serious business geared towards having a positive trajectory on all spheres of human endeavour.

In a chat with reporters, the Deputy Director of the CSD, Dr. Tochukwu Oguegbe described the theme of the Summit as apt as it touches on critical issues of societal advancement and the role of SDGs towards societal development. Oguegbe stated that the Centre is leaving no stones untouched in its quest for sustainable development through cutting edge institutional researches and findings.

Others who spoke on the occasion were the Lead Paper Presenter, Ms. Inviolata Chinyangarara from the International Labour Organization (ILO) who spoke on the topic: "ILO's role and contribution in supporting Government and Social partners in achieving agenda 2030. The Guest Speaker in his capacity as the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP Aderemi Adeoye who spoke on the topic: "Insecurity and attainment of SDGs" and a brief remarks by the President of Nigerian Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio who was ably represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Sylvester Okonkwo.

A member of the ninth Governing Council of the institution, Prof. Nkechinyere Nwokoye delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the centre.

Highpoints of the occasion were financial supports, notably the donation of 30 million naira to the CSD by Chief Kenneth Ifekudu (Agbalanze Ezeonyekachukwu) also from the Government of Ebonyi State represented by the Deputy Governor of the State, Dr. Patricia Obila, the SGF and the President of the Senate.

There was also recognition and award of Excellence on SDGs Achievements to representatives of the leadership of the states in the South East zone, Chief Ifekudu, President of Nigeria's Senate, SGF, prominent men and women in the society who have contributed in excellent ways in sustainable development in the country.