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.
Foreign news
Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.
Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.
He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.
On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.
He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.
On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.
Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.
Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.
He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.
The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.
He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.
Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.
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