The Nigeria Civil Society Organisations Strategy Group on SDGs (CSOSG-SDGs Nigeria) has elected a new National Executive to lead its affairs for the next two years in its effort to strengthen Nigeria’s civil society engagement on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Operating under the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (OSSAP-SDGs), the new leadership was democratically elected with broad representation across regions and sectors, ensuring gender balance and inclusivity, irrespective of ethnic, tribal, religious, and political affiliations.
The newly elected officers include Dr. Alexander Akhigbe as Chair; Jane Douglas as Vice Chair (Administration); Egondu Esinwoke-Ogbalor as Vice Chair (Operations); Dr. Auwal Ahmed as Secretary; Glory Otuojor as Project Coordinator; Dr. Adewale Kupoluyi as Treasurer; Ayodele Taofiq-Fanida as Resource Mobilisation Officer; Gerald Esemonu as Public Relations Officer; and Collins Nyong as Director of Welfare.
Dr. Akhigbe, a seasoned sustainable development practitioner and Founder of African Cleanup Initiative, brings over 15 years of experience in environmental sustainability and community development. Jane Douglas, an expert in development initiatives, is the National Coordinator of Accord-Bridge Foundation. Esinwoke-Ogbalor, with over 22 years of experience, is a leading voice in conflict management and the Founder of the Community Initiative for Enhanced Peace and Development (CIEPD).
Other key appointees include Dr. Ahmed, Co-Chair of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in Sokoto State, and Executive Director of The Productive Youths Initiative; Otuojor, a specialist in programme management and Executive Director of Development Impact Pathfinders Initiative; and Dr. Kupoluyi, a legal and media expert leading the Concern for the Aged People Foundation.
Taofiq-Fanida, Co-Founder of ImpactHouse Centre for Development Communications, has an extensive background in climate change and development communications. Esemonu, Founder of Environmental Friendly Initiative, has championed youth-led sustainability programs, while Nyong, a gender and civic engagement specialist, is a Senior Programme Officer with Youth for Change Initiative.
The CSOSG-SDGs Nigeria aims to drive advocacy for SDG-focused policies, collaborate with stakeholders to implement developmental programs, enhance the capacity of CSOs, monitor and evaluate SDG progress, and provide strategic recommendations on the role of civil society in achieving the SDGs.