By BASHIR ADEFAKA
Royalty in Africa made a successful delivery of ideas with regards to traditional institution’s contribution, especially from Nigeria, to global development as it was the case on Wednesday July 19, 2023.
That was when His Royal Highness Ambassador Olusegun Aderemi JP, the Atayero of Aramoko Ekiti, represented His Imperial Majesty Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, at the UN Headquarters in New York, to address the importance of empowering educators as agents of change to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to the address delivered live at the event by Oba Aderemi, the Ooni identified with and appreciated the critical roles educators play as agents of change in this digital age.
“Various innovation models can be employed to empower educators and facilitate their transformation. In Sub-Saharan Africa, innovations that can help educators embrace the digital transformation and drive positive change is particularly crucial due to the unique challenges faced in the region and the level of success we have achieved in meeting the global goals ahead of 2030.
“To support SDG educators’ transformation, various innovative models can be adopted, focusing on technology, pedagogy, and capacity building,” he said.
The monarch went on to state some of the SDG innovation models that can empower educators to drive change effectively and he listed them.
“Firstly, integrating technology in pedagogy can enhance engagement and promote active learning. Educators need training in digital tools and online resources to create dynamic and interactive learning experiences aligned with SDGs.
“Notably, the EKO EXCEL initiative in Nigeria, a public-private partnership between the Lagos State Government and NewGlobe, exemplifies how technology integration can revolutionize public education,” he explained the first model.
Secondly, the Nigerian traditional ruler said “offering online professional development courses focused on SDGs equips educators with the necessary knowledge and skills to address global challenges. Creating platforms for global collaboration and networking allows educators from different regions to exchange ideas and share best practices.”
He said, “Moreover, the importance of localized content creation, digital content, and open educational resources cannot be overemphasized. These initiatives ensure relevant and culturally appropriate educational materials, promoting equitable access to education.
“Lastly, empowering student leadership, implementing sustainability reporting and assessment, establishing innovation hubs, and promoting inclusive education for girls further contribute to achieving SDGs by 2030.
“In this decade of action, embracing SDG innovation models is essential for Sub-Saharan African educators to become effective agents of change, empowering students to create a sustainable and equitable future. His Imperial Majesty’s vision drives us closer to inclusive success in meeting the SDG Goals,” he said.
