The United Nations has emphasised that empowering women remains critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria.
This position was made known by the UN’s Acting Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, during the Lions Day with the United Nations (LDUN) event held on Thursday in Abuja.
Represented by the UN Women Country Representative, Beatrice Eyong, Attafuah said the annual observance serves as a reminder of the longstanding collaboration between the UN and Lions International, which dates back to 1945.
She noted that the world continues to grapple with evolving challenges such as climate change, migration, public health crises, insecurity, gender-based violence, and the under-representation of women in leadership.
According to her, addressing these issues requires stronger commitment to inclusive development strategies, with women playing central roles.
“Achieving the SDGs by 2030 is still possible. The UN has outlined key pathways to accelerate progress, including education, digital connectivity, food systems, energy access, social protection, and climate action,” she said.
Attafuah stressed that gender equality and women’s empowerment cut across all 17 SDGs and are essential for building a peaceful, just, and sustainable society.
She further called for increased dialogue, innovation, and collaboration through platforms such as LDUN to reduce the number of out-of-school children and improve protection for women and vulnerable groups.
Highlighting partnerships, she said Lions International has worked with UN agencies such as UNICEF, WHO, and UNESCO to deliver humanitarian interventions globally.
Earlier, Multiple Council Chairperson of Lions International, Ibrahim Bello, said the partnership with the UN is anchored on shared values of service, dignity, and collective action.
He added that countries in the Global South, including Nigeria, possess strong potential to drive inclusive development through grassroots innovation, particularly led by women and young people.
Bello noted that community-based organisations play a vital role in translating global frameworks into tangible impact at the grassroots level, where development efforts are most needed.