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CSDN Sets Development Agenda, Renews Pledge to Achieve SDGs Nationwide

Published

1 year ago

June 22, 2025

…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.

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Eagle Times Newspaper Will Be Voice for Nigerians – Publisher Chukwunyere Vows

Published

7 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Publisher of The Eagle Times Nigeria, Sir Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has pledged that the newspaper will promote accountability, credible journalism and public-interest reporting in its coverage of national affairs.
Chukwunyere made the commitment on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the official unveiling and launch of The Eagle Times Nigeria.

He said the new media organisation was established not merely to add another newspaper to Nigeria’s media landscape, but to provide a platform committed to serving the public interest.

According to him, the newspaper’s guiding philosophy, “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation,” places a responsibility on the organisation to listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight issues affecting their daily lives and scrutinise those entrusted with public responsibilities.

“To be a voice for the people means that we must listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight their concerns and give visibility to issues that affect their daily lives,” he said.

The publisher added that The Eagle Times would be guided by accuracy, fairness, professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism, stressing that the newspaper would not publish stories merely because they were sensational.

“We will verify. We will investigate. We will seek the other side. We will correct our mistakes when we make them,” he said.

Chukwunyere further stated that the newspaper would endeavour to give individuals and organisations the opportunity to respond whenever allegations were made against them.
“Our commitment is not to any political party, government or individual. Our primary commitment is to journalism, to truth and to the Nigerian public,” he said.

He noted that the newspaper was launching at a time when the media industry was undergoing rapid transformation, with audiences increasingly consuming news through digital platforms, including websites, television, podcasts and social media.

He said The Eagle Times would therefore operate as a multimedia organisation, combining its newspaper with digital platforms and The Eagle Times TV to reach audiences across different channels.

According to him, the organisation also intends to create opportunities for young journalists, writers, photographers, producers, digital creators and other media professionals to develop their skills and contribute to journalism and national development.

Chukwunyere said the newspaper’s coverage would include politics, governance, business, economy, security, judiciary, education, health, technology, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and international affairs.

He, however, said the organisation intended to distinguish itself not only by the subjects it covered but by the quality and approach of its journalism.

We want to tell stories that matter, we want to investigate issues that require investigation, we want to highlight Nigerians who are making a difference, and we want to give communities that are often ignored an opportunity to be heard,” he said.

The publisher acknowledged the challenges involved in establishing a newspaper, saying the venture required investment, commitment, professional discipline and the courage to pursue an idea.

He expressed appreciation to the management, editorial, reporting, production and digital teams, as well as families, friends, partners and supporters who contributed to the establishment of the organisation.

Chukwunyere also assured readers, viewers and the newspaper’s digital audience that The Eagle Times would strive to earn their trust and remain accountable to the standards it had set for itself.

He said the newspaper’s success would not be measured only by circulation figures, website traffic or social media followers, but also by the confidence Nigerians placed in its journalism.

“Today, we spread our wings. Today, The Eagle Times takes flight,” he said, reaffirming the newspaper’s commitment to its slogan: “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation.”

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