Former Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has been honoured by the United Nations in Nigeria with the ‘SDGs Champion’ award for her dedicated leadership and commitment in promoting the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development in Nigeria.
The award ceremony took place at the UN House in Abuja on June 20, 2023.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, praised the United Nations in Nigeria for recognizing and rewarding outstanding performance and unwavering dedication.
Representing the First Lady at the event, Dr Betta Edu, the National Women Leader for the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed gratitude to the UN and the award organizers.
She emphasized the importance of acknowledging and appreciating exceptional efforts, as it serves to motivate individuals to fulfill their responsibilities and encourages them to give their best in serving the nation.
“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 emphasized that the United Nations in Nigeria is prepared to collaborate with the new government to accelerate the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 agenda.
The First Lady reassured the United Nations in Nigeria of their partnership in constructing a strong and prosperous Nigeria, particularly in the current phase of rebuilding and restoring hope.
Regarding the recipient of the award, Mrs. Tinubu highlighted Princess Adefulire’s inclusive and dedicated approach to national responsibilities, which endeared her to stakeholders and enabled her to excel.
In her acceptance speech, Princess Adefulire expressed her gratitude to the United Nations Country Team for their commitment and immense support in implementing 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.
Adefulire 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”, she said.
The award ceremony was attended by members of the UN Country Team, and representatives of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF); Head of Service; Deputy Governor of Ogun State and the state First Lady, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun.
