Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Former Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs), H.E. Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire has been honoured with ‘SDGs Champion’ award by the United Nations in Nigeria.
The honour is in recognition of her commitment and visionary leadership in promoting the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development in Nigeria.
First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the award ceremony held at the UN House commended the United Nations in Nigeria for rewarding performance and dedication.
The First Lady represented by the National Women Leader for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Betta Edu commended the UN and the organisers of the award for finding it imperative to reward performance and dedication.
“This will go a long way in instilling sense of duty and encourage more people in their services to the nation, to give their best,” she said.
Senator Tinubu gave assurance that the country and the United Nations in Nigeria will remain partners in building a virile and prosperous country in the quest to renewing hope especially now that rebuilding is on.
She noted that Princess Adefulire’s inclusive and dedicated approach to national assignment endeared her to the stakeholders and eventually brought out the best in her.
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale commended Princess Orelope-Adefulire for successful implementation of SDGs at the sub-national level.
He said “Your firm belief that the Sustainable Development Goals are for everyone everywhere, is a constant reminder that Agenda 2030 is neither for just one part of the country, nor for just one group of people.”
He underlined that the UN in Nigeria is ready to engage with the new government on how to accelerate achievement of the SDGs and the 2030 agenda.
In her acceptance speech, Princess Adefulire expressed her appreciation of the United Nations Country Team for the commitment and tremendous support towards the implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria.
“Together, we have made significant progress in our collective desire to achieve the SDGs and leave no Nigeria behind,” she said.
She disclosed that as of December 2022, her office had completed the long and meticulous process of institutionalizing the SDGs in Nigeria, while all the institutional frameworks required to support the effective implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria were also in place.
“It is with a great sense of gratitude and honour that I accept this humbling and prestigious United Nations SDGs Champion Award. I accept it on behalf of my formidable team at OSSAP-SDGs and thousands of unsung heroes in Nigeria,” Princess Adejoke added.
The award ceremony was attended by members of the UN Country Team, and representatives of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF); the Head of Service; Deputy Governor of Ogun State and the First Lady of Ogun State, H.E. Mrs Bamidele Abiodun.
