LASG PRIORITISES PEOPLE-CENTRED POLICIES FOR SDGs IMPLEMENTATION
The Lagos State Government has disclosed that people-centred policies are at the forefront of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the State.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of SDGs and Investment, Mrs. Abosede George, stated this at a training session organised by the Office in conjunction with the ICON Consult for Secretaries and Legislative Support Team in Lagos State.
She said that the State Government has assumed a moral commitment to implementing the goals to the best of its abilities and in accordance with development priorities.
Represented by the Director, Administrative and Human Resources, Mrs. Dolapo Oludipe, the Permanent Secretary pointed out that it is desirable to strive for a consensus across the political spectrum considering the increased global recognition of the critical role that legislature has to play in the attainment of sustainable development.
Her words: “The SDGs, as a global commitment, explicitly recognised from the outset, the importance of the law-making arms of government in the effective adaptation, implementation and attainment of the Agenda 2030”.
“In a functioning democracy like ours, the legislature is at the centre of meeting the global targets, thus, the parliament is a valuable partner in ensuring accountable, inclusive, participatory and transparent governance that is necessary to achieve sustainable development for all”.
Speaking on the theme of the programme, “Impact of SDGs Sessions for Secretariat/Legislative Support Teams”, Mrs. George revealed that the capacity-building workshop is critical in the government’s desire to identify gaps and opportunities that will equip secretaries and legislative support officers to effectively mainstream the various goals into the legislative process.
“A well-rounded staff who has access to information, data and evidence to be able to provide critical and timely advice to legislators is necessary for an effective development agenda. Without a strong contingent of such staff, the legislature will not be able to engage with the key political actors on an equal footing”, she stated.
The Permanent Secretary remarked that such a session designed to broaden and strengthen the participation of key secretaries and the legislative teams will also provide opportunities to assess priorities and upscale action in the implementation of the development agenda.
While encouraging participants to be proactive in gathering information that will support the State in making informed decisions, Mrs. George maintained that their efforts must inspire people-centred development initiatives that are reflective of and responsive to the needs of the majority.
“As you are expected to maintain high professional, ethical and confidentiality standards that are consistent with office policies, it is significant that you inspire practices and procedures that will entrench legislative engagement with the SDGs”, she said.
In his remarks, the Managing Partner, ICON Consult, Mr. Femi Akinbo, stated that for citizens to always remain at the heart of the action, greater synergies between the Executive and the Legislative are imperative.
He acknowledged that engaging functionaries of the legislative arm and leveraging their competence will help address key challenges in the implementation process.
“Just as these sustainability goals are universal, integrated and indivisible, implementing them should equally be a collective effort. It is worthy of note that the leadership of the present administration in Lagos State is cognisant of this and taking steps to encourage it”, he revealed.
Certificates of Attendance were presented to participants comprising Secretaries and Support Officers of members of the Lagos State House of Assembly.