The Edo government says it has intensified measures through various innovative programmes to ensure full and prompt implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Edesili Okpebholo, the governor’s wife, communicated this on Monday at the 2025 SDGs Short Film Challenge and Awards dinner in Abuja, an event organised in collaboration with the United Nations and other stakeholders.

The SDG Short Film Challenge is an initiative that aims to inspire creativity and storytelling around the SDGs.

Mrs Okpebholo said the government had embraced the spirit of action and innovation, working to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs in the state.

She said that more than 3,000 rural women had been empowered through various programmes, including the provision of clean energy facilities, agricultural production, health, education, training and film production.

“I will begin with our most recent project regarding SDG 7, Clean Energy, in which we provided clean stoves to rural women. I have always said that for you to make an impact, it must start from the rural woman; we have done a lot of education of the girl child. I believe in the total woman, empowering her financially, in her health and mentally.

“So, in my office, we are in agreement with all SDG goals, but as I said, it has to do with the total woman, the complete woman, so that is what we do as a project, to care for our people,” she said.

The Edo first lady said the state government had, some months ago, entered into a strategic partnership with a German film academy to expand its creative economy.

“This collaboration aims to equip emerging filmmakers with world-class training, modern film production techniques, and access to advanced professional film production equipment,” she said.

She said the state would continue to support the film industry practitioners in their movie production, especially on films and cinema shows that promote SDG goals.

According to her, the Edo government has transformed the lives of numerous women and girls, providing them with tools and confidence to pursue their dreams and become pillars of their communities. She said the efforts aligned with various SDG goals, adding that she personally believed in the full empowerment of the female gender.

“Our vision is clear and simple: a future where everyone, every child, every community is in a safe, sustainable, and prosperous environment,” she said.

She urged filmmakers to continue to utilise their creativity and voice as a force for the good of the nation as they work toward a better and prosperous future.

The Edo first lady said achieving the SDGs goals was not the responsibility of the government alone, saying that it required the collective effort of all citizens.

She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working closely with partners, including platforms like the promoters of the SDG short films challenge programme, to ensure inclusive, sustainable, and impactful development.

(NAN)