s part of its ongoing engagement with youth leaders across Edo State, the Director General of
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Hon. Julius Ogieva-Okunbor, recently hosted a
courtesy visit from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). The meeting opened
the floor for meaningful dialogue on shared commitments to sustainability, student
empowerment, and community development.
The Director General warmly received the NANS delegation and emphasized the vital role
students must play in advancing the SDGs. In turn, the NANS leadership expressed support for
the SDGs vision and proposed a range of collaboration opportunities, from education and
innovation to clean water, sanitation, and leadership development.
During the meeting, NANS raised critical concerns about the current state of SDG awareness
across campuses. The student body emphasized the need to center advocacy efforts around
the core intent of the Global Goals, urging for more genuine, grassroots engagement rather than
surface-level campaigns.
Key proposals discussed include:
● SDG Campus Ambassadors: Students volunteering to lead awareness and action
initiatives at tertiary institutions.
● Youth-Led Innovation Workshops: Forums focused on problem-solving, social
enterprise, and local action tied to specific goals.
● Community Data Collection: Students participating in local data gathering efforts to
inform SDG strategies and policy alignment.
● Clean Water and Sanitation Projects: Addressing urgent water safety and hygiene
challenges in hostels and campus environments.
● Strategic Action Plans: Joint development of measurable goals and deliverables for
sustainable student partnerships.
The Director General praised the breadth of NANS’ proposals and emphasized that
youth-driven innovation is essential for lasting change. He highlighted urgent issues such as
open defecation, poor drainage management, and plastic pollution, pointing to the need for
sustained action under SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
He further proposed creating dedicated student subgroups around each of the 17 SDGs, with
platforms like radio and social media to enhance public advocacy. He also noted the Office’s
plans for a new public awareness campaign on the Edo State Cultism Act, aligning with SDG 16
(Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and invited NANS to collaborate on this initiative.
While the DG acknowledged that current funding was already committed to other goals, he
reiterated the Office’s support for student-led initiatives and encouraged continued dialogue,
coordination, and visibility.
The meeting concluded with a shared vision of actionable partnerships and a strong
commitment from both parties to keep pushing forward. With the energy and insight of Edo
State’s student leaders, the pathway to achieving the SDGs is not just possible, it’s already
underway.
Student voices are shaping the future of sustainable development in Edo State.
Backed by Project SHINE and Governor Monday Okpebholo’s inclusive vision, the SDGs
Office led by the Director General (SDGs Focal Person) Hon. Julius Ogieva-Okunbor is
empowering students through sanitation drives, mentorship, and leadership programs.
