Some Social development experts have called for deepening collaboration to champion gender and social inclusion, in line with the United Nations’ SDG 17, to promote economic growth and development.

The experts made the call at a stakeholders meeting in Abuja to mobilise resources for social intervention in Nigeria.

Speaking at the meeting, one of the experts and president of Nigeria-Germany Transformation Hub, Ambrose Okojie, restated the need for collaboration to achieve growth and development.

The hub is a social enterprise organisation registered in Germany with the objective of mobilising financial and technical resources to provide social intervention programmes and projects in Nigeria.

According to him, no single actor can drive transformation alone as partnerships rooted in trust, mutual respect, and shared purpose engender positive change.

Mr Okojie stated that there was a need for partnership in line with UN SDG Goal 17 to increase gender participation and inclusion in development and growth.

“We are calling for commitment to champion gender equality, social inclusion, safe and legal migration, sustainable agriculture and nutrition, intercultural exchange, sports, and bilateral cooperation.

“Stakeholders should strive to deepen collective understanding, renewed and shared resolve to work together across sectors, borders, and disciplines. Today’s conversations have reinforced one clear truth: no single actor can drive transformation alone, as Partnerships (SDG Goal 17) rooted in trust, mutual respect, and shared purpose avail us positive change,” said Mr Okojie.

He pledged to provide linkages to support women and youth in agriculture through several partnerships with ready off-takers of Nigerian agro-produce.

Vivie Obazenu, director of programmes at NGTH, urged participants and stakeholders to address the urgent need for sustainable, smart, and integrated agricultural development.

She said nutrition awareness was an essential tool for combating hunger and building food sovereignty.

She, however, expanded the working theme of NGTH in bilateral cooperation and diaspora engagement to address social inclusion gaps, gender inequalities, and dignified migration pathways that foster intercultural exchange through the arts and sports.

(NAN)