News
CSDN Sets Development Agenda, Renews Pledge to Achieve SDGs Nationwide
…Inaugurates Executive Committee, Expands Vision Beyond Campus
By Joel Ajayi
Students advocating for the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), under the umbrella of the Congress for Sustainable Development of Nigeria (CSDN), have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the goals across all parts of the country.
At its maiden inaugural meeting held over the weekend in Abuja, the organization officially inaugurated its newly elected Executive Committee and laid out a comprehensive roadmap to intensify grassroots efforts toward achieving the SDGs.
Speaking at the event, Professor Gobna Wafure, Director of the CSDN Centre at the University of Abuja, emphasized the urgent need for collective action to localize the SDGs and overcome barriers slowing their progress in Nigeria.
“We must be relentless in our mission to promote inclusive governance, environmental stewardship, and equitable economic growth if we are to realize a truly sustainable Nigeria,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr. Limota Goriso Giwa, Deputy Director at the University of Abuja’s Sustainable Development Centre, underscored the limited time left to achieve the 2030 Agenda. She identified the lack of adequate training for public officials and sector workers as a key challenge undermining SDG implementation.
Dr. Giwa emphasized the vital role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in facilitating sustainable development and providing platforms for young people—especially students—to engage with the United Nations system.
“We’re proud of the University of Abuja’s efforts to train development experts. This will help close the capacity gap and support sustainable change,” she noted.
In his inaugural address, newly sworn-in CSDN President Muhammed Mustapha James reiterated the congress’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with government, media, and private sector stakeholders in pursuit of national development.
“The 2030 deadline is fast approaching. We need urgent and collective action from all sectors. Our goal is to reduce poverty and hunger significantly, and that requires real partnerships,” James said.
He added that the congress aims to expand its outreach beyond the University of Abuja, with plans to build capacity, raise awareness, and foster cooperation across all six geopolitical zones.
“While we may not achieve all the SDGs by 2030, our efforts will not end there. Sustainable development is a continuous journey,” he stated.
Citing Goal 17 of the SDGs, which emphasizes the importance of partnerships, James stressed that CSDN will actively engage with ministries, agencies, and relevant institutions to drive real change. He also affirmed the organization’s inclusive approach, welcoming participation from Nigerians of all backgrounds.
“We cannot leave the responsibility of eradicating poverty to the government alone. Everyone must contribute to bridging the gap,” he concluded.
Newly Inaugurated CSDN Executive Committee:President: Muhammed Mustapha James Vice President: Neoma Njoku, Secretary: Ahmed Abdul Yusuf, Assistant Secretary: Khadijat Babansule, Treasurer: Joyce Katuka.
Other are Financial Secretary: Mary Adebayo, Social Secretary: Usman Yusuf, Public Relations Officer: Olayinka Ojo.
The congress closed the event with a renewed vow to take its SDG message to the nooks and crannies of Nigeria, promoting sustainable development for all.
News
Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.
The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.
Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.
These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.
In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.
“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”
The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).
– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.
– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.
– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.
– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.
“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”
The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.
About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.
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