SDGs: Community Waka Initiative Engages 500 on Development Plan in Delta, Concludes Pilot Phase 1
Delta Community Waka Initiative has concluded the first phase of the Sustainable Development Goals SDGs implementation plan, after engaging over 500 persons from over eight coastal communities in Delta State.
This was made known by the Director General, of the Directorate of Sustainable Development Goals
Chief Daniel Ivwrighen, who remarked during the conclusion ceremony of the SDG's pilot phase one ceremony on Tuesday in Warri.
According to him; The pilot phase which began in April involved a series of focus group discussions, community walks, and participatory assessments in Ijaghala, Kantu, Ureju, Ogheye-Eghoroke, Obonteghareda, Bateren, Bobbi-Olobe, and Orere Communities.
The initiative was aimed at assessing existing SDG project initiatives as well as the state of education to identify the actual needs of the people to generate data-driven recommendations for accelerated actions by the government.
He noted that; "community engagement is the bedrock of sustaining government efforts in achieving sustainable development. Our participatory approach ensures full participation of locals in their affairs, empowering them to take ownership of their development."
The program that was tagged (NA YOUR HAND E DEY) extends a participatory approach to sustainability.
According to him, "Development planning and action has commenced its pilot phase in Delta State. The initiative, which aims to engage rural communities in the process of sustainable development planning and action, was implemented in eight riverine communities across two local government areas of Delta State.
"Through this initiative, the SDGs Community Waka team engaged over 500 community members, including men, women, and youth, to understand their priorities, challenges, and aspirations related to sustainable development. The team also conducted physical walks within the communities to observe and document the socio-economic and environmental aspects of life.
"Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, through the SDG's implementation, reaffirmed his M.O.R.E Agenda which is truly set to do M.O.R.E for Deltans through localizing the SDGs. "Localizing the SDGs is crucial to achieve sustained development in Delta State and my administration is dedicated to the development of both riverine and upland communities.
"We are thrilled to have successfully concluded the pilot phase, the Special Assistant, SDGs, and project lead, Lady Diana Eyo-Enoette said "The participatory approach has provided us with valuable insights into community dynamics and the actual needs of the people. We are confident that our findings will contribute to the development of effective and sustainable solutions that resonate with the aspirations and priorities of rural communities in Delta State."
Findings from the assessments are already been used to develop data-driven recommendations for government actions. These recommendations will be based on empirical evidence and community input, ensuring that government interventions are targeted, effective, and aligned with the needs and priorities of rural communities.
The SDG Community Waka initiative is a collaboration between the Office of the Special Assistant, SDGs Delta State, Royal Iwere Foundation, and the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Centre for Sustainable Development.
The initiative is part of the larger effort to localize the SDGs and ensure their effective implementation in rural and underserved communities.
