The United Nations in Nigeria has honoured the former Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs) Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire with ‘SDGs Champion’ award.
According to a statement issued by Dr. Oluseyi Soremekun of the United Nations Information Center, the award was in recognition of her commitment and visionary leadership in promoting the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development in Nigeria.
At the award ceremony held at the UN House Abuja, on 20 June 2023, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, commended the United Nations in Nigeria for rewarding performance and dedication.
The First Lady who was represented by the National Women Leader for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Dr Betta Edu said “I thank the UN and the organizers of this award for finding it imperative to reward performance and dedication. This will go a long way in instilling a sense of duty and encourage more people in their services to the nation, to give their best.
The First Lady assured the United Nations in Nigeria that “We will remain partners in building a virile and prosperous Nigeria in our quest to renew hope especially now that we are rebuilding.”
On the awardee, Senator Tinubu emphasized that Princess Adefulire’s inclusive and dedicated approach to national assignment endeared her to the stakeholders and eventually brought out the best in her.
Highlighting the contribution of the awardee to the implementation of SDGs at the sub-national level, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale noted, “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 also 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,” 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, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun.
