Nollywood Narratives on Social Exclusion and the Challenges of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria,

Abstract

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which came into being in 2015, is made up of 17 goals with a  blueprint to achieving a better world for all, irrespective of colour, creed or geographical location. It sets out to  address issues bordering on poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, peace and justice,  amongst others, with a target of achieving the set goals by 2030. Nigeria gained independence on October 1st 1960  from British colonisation and adopted the politics of indirect rule, which breathed power from a central authority, insensitive to the yearning and aspirations of the multi-ethnic subjects. This exclusion was further exacerbated by years  of military dictatorship and militarised civilian administration, and which thankfully the SDG is set to address.  Irrespective of the changing nomenclature of these goals by the United Nations (UN) for about 70 years on, and the  enormous wealth from oil exploration, 64 years on, Nigeria still wallows in the 17 underdevelopment goals professed by  the UN. Deploying the postcolonialism theory, this study uses interviews and content analysis to examine three  Nollywood feature movies. The respondents whose contribution is relevant to the development and exploration of the  subject matter cut across the media, academia, and Nollywood industry. Through interviews, movie contents and  reviewed literature, we arrived at the finding that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is lagging  behind in its effort at achieving the SDGs, particularly in creating awareness. As a result, a vigorous awareness campaign  to at the grassroots is recommended. Transparency and accountability of officials assigned to implement the  various programmes cannot be overemphasised in order to mitigate corruption, the bane to the success of the SDGs.