ABUJA — Edo State is making significant strides in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through targeted empowerment and development programmes, the state’s First Lady, Mrs. Edisi Okpebholo Anani has said.
Speaking at the 2025 SDGs Short Film Challenge and Awards Dinner held in Abuja, in collaboration with the United Nations and development partners, Anani highlighted the state’s progress in women’s empowerment, energy transition, agriculture, health, and education.
She disclosed that over 3,000 rural women have benefited from these interventions.
“We have embraced the spirit of action and innovation to accelerate SDG implementation in Edo State,” she said. “For you to truly make an impact, it must start with the rural woman.”
She cited initiatives such as the distribution of clean cooking stoves under SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and support for women in agriculture, health, education, and film production.
Anani also announced a strategic partnership with a German film academy to train emerging filmmakers, enhance production skills, and provide access to advanced equipment, aimed at boosting the state’s creative economy.
“Our government will continue to support the creative sector, especially films and cinema projects that promote SDG goals,” she added.
Many of these empowerment programmes, she noted, are implemented through her Better Life and Care Foundation, which promotes women’s mental, financial, and social independence.
“Our vision is a future where every child, every person, and every community thrives in a safe, sustainable, and prosperous environment,” she said, urging filmmakers nationwide to use storytelling to inspire civic action and drive national development.
Also speaking at the event, Olori Ivie Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Olu of Warri Kingdom, praised filmmakers as “powerful agents of sustainable change,” noting that storytelling makes global development goals relatable to communities.
She encouraged governments and development agencies to invest more in creative storytelling to accelerate SDG progress.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to Okpebholo and Olori Atuwatse III for excellence in promoting SDGs, alongside cash prizes and recognitions for winners in categories including best indigenous film and best animation.
The SDG Short Film Challenge provides a national platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase creative works focused on community action, policy impact, and innovation around the SDGs.
