By: Abiodun Okuboyejo

A call has been made to individuals, corporate organisations, government, institutions, civil societies and members of the academia to collectively address global challenges that threaten a sustainable future.

The Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi, made the call while delivering a Keynote Address at an  International Conference organised by the School of Arts  and Social Sciences of the Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology, (SACOETEC) Omu-Ajose, Ogun State.

Speaking on the theme of the Conference, ‘Sustainability in a Changing World: Adaptation and Resilience’, Akinlesi, highlighted the crucial role of academic institutions in fostering a more sustainable planet.

He emphasised that academic institutions are no longer passive observers, but active key architects in building a sustainable world, saying their role in providing solutions through research, educating informed citizens and setting an example for operational sustainability could not be wished away.

He pointed out the importance of action oriented interdisciplinary research in tackling global issues such as climate change, poverty, hunger and access to clean energy.

"As leaders, researchers and educators, your role is not just to study these challenges but to actively dismantle them. We have the brains, we have the expertise and the future we envision is in our hands," Akinlesi affirmed.

He reiterated that making the world liveable should be seen as a concerted effort, urging leaders, researchers and educators to drive sustainability through research and community engagement.

Akinlesi called on government, citizens and corporate organisations to play their part in environmental preservation by eschewing acts like gas flaring and deforestation that could harm the climate.

Delivering his paper, Professor of Political Science, Public Policy and Governance, Babcock University, Prof Ngozi Nwogwugwu, noted that Institutions must be strengthened to be able to actively recognise challenges and Trade-Offs, saying that political will must be put in place for the enabling framework.

He advised the government to address the various challenges that have plagued the nation by ensuring good governance, adequate financing, stakeholder engagement and community action that would enable societies to navigate the challenges that confronted them.

Also speaking during the Conference, the Provost, SACOETEC, Dr. Modupe Oba-Adenuga, emphasised the growing urgency for sustainability, describing it not only as a global conversation but as a moral and developmental imperative for the nation and institutions of higher learning.

The Provost highlighted the critical role higher institutions must play through research, advocacy and innovative thinking. In her words, “We have a unique responsibility to explore how societies can adapt to evolving realities while preserving values that promote justice and equity. Let us remember that education remains the foundation of sustainable development’’.

She reaffirmed the College’s commitment to fostering research, innovation, and collaboration that would empower its graduates to become agents of positive change in an ever-changing world.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Dean of School of Arts and Social Sciences, SACOETEC and host of the Conference, Dr. Adebusola Okedele, clarified that the theme served as a call to action that should inspire policies and partnerships, aimed at tackling global challenges.

She urged all participants to remain committed to the sustainability of their communities, the country and the world at large, stressing that the responsibility lies with everyone, not just the government.