UN Dep. Sec. Gen. Praises Orelope-Adefulire for ‘Unusual Leadership’ On SDGs Implementation

The Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Amina J. Mohammed has given thumbs up for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria, describing it as “exceptional”.

A release by Rotimi Ajayi, Head, Communications of OSSAP-SDGs, said the Deputy UN Scribe gave the accolade last Friday during a High-Level visit to the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, who she, noted, has demonstrated unusual leadership in steering the implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria.

According to the Ms. Amina Mohammed, “What the SSAP-SDGs has been able to do, is to build on foundations that have been laid – that’s unusual leadership. It recognises that there was history and that there are things which have been done which Nigerians are benefiting from. What the SSAP has done is to take it to a different level.”

The UN Deputy Secretary General was particularly impressed with the efforts of the OSSAP-SDGs to ensure that required data are provided for effective planning, tracking, monitoring and evaluation describing the baseline study, the re-alignment of the National Statistical System and the signing of Data Bond with Ministries Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government and the Government at the Sub-National level carried out by the OSSAP-SDGs, as remarkable achievements.

The Data Bond is designed to help provide accurate statistics for more effective implementation of projects and policy formulation.

The UN Deputy Secretary General, who is also the Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group, further showered encomiums on Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and her team for their innovative approach to the 2030 Agenda, particularly the provision of pro-poor and pro-development programmes  and initiatives as well as establishment of a robust institutional arrangement for the implementation of the goals across the country.

Speaking during the occasion, Princess  Orelope-Adefulire described the visit as a “rare privilege and full circle moment” due to the fact that  Ms. Mohammed was the first occupant of the Office – in her capacity then as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Millennium Development Goals.

“You were instrumental in setting a standard institutional framework, leaving a lasting legacy which aided the transition to the SDGs in Nigeria,” Orelope-Adefulire said in her welcome address. “I commend you for your incredible leadership as SSAP-MDGs; and at the global level, for your coordination efforts on the transition, as the Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General on Post-2015 Development Planning.”

In what turned out to be a double-fold celebration, the UN Deputy Chief marked her Diamond Jubilee as she turned 60 on June 27, 2021. Earlier in the same month, the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterre, had also nominated her for a second term.

During the visit, the DSG was presented a congratulatory letter and a plaque in recognition of her outstanding leadership and commitment to the transformative promise of the 2030 Agenda.

The UN DSG’s delegation to OSSAP-SDGs comprised of the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon, represented by Mr. Fred Eno; Executive Assistant to the UN DSG, Ms. Hadiza Elayo and UN National Information Officer, Dr. Oluseyi Soremekun. Also in attendance were the Senior Management of OSSAP-SDGs and media personnel.