As part of measures to challenge the structures and institutions that perpetuate poverty, hunger, preventable diseases and campaign for the fulfilment of all socio- economic and human rights for sustainable human and ecological development, the Oyo State Government through the office of the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Makinde on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has assured its readiness to collaborate with Non-governmental organizations in the campaign against shrinking civic space.
Speaking at a seminar organized by the group in Ibadan on Monday, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on SDGs, Hon Kunle Yusuff MON stressed that SDG remains a critical stakeholder in development. His words:
“SDGs as defined by United Nations is an institutional office from the United Nations, Federal Government, State Local Governments, Civil Society and Development Partners.
There is no how you will talk about development in Nigeria without talking about civil society. Since SDGs is all about development, and civil society serves as an interface between the government and the electorates.”
“It becomes mandatory for us to partner with them. Since the theme for today’s event is campaign against shrinking and closing civil space, the civil society hasn’t been given priority to perform their role.
Oyo state is not like the federal government, right now, our state is collaborating with the group, we will support them. Also, we are having more robust relationship with them to achieve our aims and objectives for development of Oyo state.”
In his welcome address, the principal coordinator, CAFSO-WRAG for Development, Tola Winjobi said the workshop is targeted at training youth group, CDA, CISGHAN,PLWD, CPN, Human Rights Group and CSCDSD members on shrinking civil space.
He said the group remains hopeful that governments would reverse the trend of the repressive shrinking space with the understanding that the realisation of the 2030 agenda is hinged on freedom of speech, respect for human rights and upholding the rule of law.
