Exploring the Theme of National Hope in the Poem “Homeless, Not Hopeless” For the Attainment of Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria is currently bewildered with lots of challenges which are negatively affecting all the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the attained in 2030. This paper attempts to bring to the fore these challenges and how students’ awareness and exploration of hope through Literature-in-English could serve as an antidote. It also presents various reasons Literature –in- English students should be advocates of sustainable development by inculcating right values and attitudes in bringing hope to the down trodden in the society at their different levels. It also reveals the need for poets, literary writers, artists, individuals, society, leaders, followers, curriculum planners and government to produce literary pieces that will enlighten Literature-in- English students about the change for development to both the oppressed and the oppressors. Students develop positive attitudes, right emotions, good moral values to bring hope to the hopeless in the society and orientating the society that all hope for better Nigeria is not lost. This can help to reduce rate of criminalities, morbidity and mortality, and insecurity across the states and making our leaders to act promptly to do the right things at the right time. Based on this overview, it is recommended that literary texts that teach good human relationship, discipline and national values among the leaders and the led should be recommended for Literature- in –English students as a driving force towards SDG 2030