Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has been appointed an advocate of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2019-2020 by the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres.
Mr Guterres made the announcement in a statement on Thursday in New York.
The appointment was sequel to the UN Member States’ agreement to accomplish the SDGs by 2030.
Sanusi is the only Nigerian on the 17-man list of SDG advocates worldwide.
The advocates would be chaired by President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana and Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway.
“They are expected to use their unique platforms and leadership to inspire cross-cutting mobilisation of the global community to build the momentum for transformative and inclusive development by 2030,” Guterres said.
Sanusi has been plagued by allegations of misappropriation of funds by Kano State Government.
He has also had his powers reduced with the creation of four new emirates in Kano, leaving him with control over 10 LGAs out of 44.
However, Mr Akufo-Addo has called for a united force to fight poverty globally.
He said: “This is a time of great hope for the world. If we work smartly together and stay on course, we can raise millions out of poverty and significantly expand basic social services for many more by the 2030 end date of the SDGs.”
