Nigeria’s 27 unbroken years of democratic rule remain the cornerstone of its progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Presidential Adviser Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire has declared.
In a statement to mark Democracy Day on Friday, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs said democratic governance had created the enabling environment for advances in poverty reduction, quality education, healthcare, gender equality, economic growth, and infrastructure.
“Democracy and sustainable development are inseparable,” she said, citing inclusive governance, accountability, transparency, citizen participation, and the rule of law as essential to achieving the SDGs.
“The Sustainable Development Goals can only be effectively achieved in an atmosphere where citizens participate in governance, institutions are strengthened, and development policies are implemented with continuity and accountability.”
Orelope-Adefulire congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, past leaders, democratic institutions, and Nigerians for their resilience in preserving civil rule since 1999.
She noted that the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda aligns with the 2030 Agenda, through interventions targeting livelihoods, social protection, infrastructure, food security, and opportunities for youth and women.
The presidential aide urged continued support for democratic institutions, peaceful dialogue, and active citizenship, stressing that achieving the SDGs requires collective action from government, the private sector, civil society, development partners, and citizens.
Her office, she reaffirmed, remains committed to accelerating SDG implementation nationwide, ensuring democracy’s dividends translate into tangible improvements for all Nigerians.
With sustained democratic stability and responsible leadership, she added, the country would continue building a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future.