Lagos, 28 January 2020: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria and Channels Television today announced a new strategic partnership to promote public engagement on the development issues facing Nigeria with the aim of finding people-centered solutions.

The announcement was made in Lagos where Mohamed Yahya, Resident Representative of UNDP in Nigeria and Mr. John Momoh, Chairman Channels Media Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between UNDP in Nigeria and Channels Television. 

Through this partnership both organizations will offer a platform that promotes effective dialogue by co-creating and promoting opportunities for multimedia public engagement forums. The platform is expected to explore innovative ideas and solutions that help to inform government policy and decision making; and, design people-centered interventions and strategies, towards the acceleration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Speaking on the partnership, Mohamed Yahya stated, “We have 10 years to go before the SDGs are met. As we start the Decade of Action, creating a platform where the public can access information and engage with experts across various sectors is key to the delivery of the global goals.”

The platform that hopes to bring together experts across all sectors from Nigeria and globally, to explore Nigeria’s potential by leveraging on the innovation and creativity of Nigerians as opportunities to solving development challenges through home-grown, people-driven solutions.  

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. John Momoh, Chairman of Channels Media Group said, “We are delighted by the relationship we have and working with the UNDP trying to see that the SDGs brought to the fore in what we do as Channels. The MoU cements further the relationship we have with you.”

As part of the Memorandum, UNDP and channels TV will collaborate to promote dialogue on the SDGs to assist government to come up with policies and programmes that can accelerate national sustainable development.  This will be achieved through brainstorming, dialoguing and consensus building provided by the platform.

The dialogues, expected to hold every two months will cover thematic and topical national issues, harness collaborative advantages and expertise to support government to design and implement integrated solutions. The sustained engagement will allow for transparent and accountable development including investment in young people among others.

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For more information and media enquiries contact:
Ngele Ali, UNDP Nigeria Head of Partnerships and Communications (interim)
Email: ngele.ali@undp.org 

About UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in some 170 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations.