By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The United Nations in Nigeria has conferred the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) award on Nigeria’s Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba for his passion and enthusiasm in championing SDGs in Nigeria.
UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Mathias Schmale, said on the occasion, which held at the UN House in Abuja, on Friday night, that he was, on behalf of the UN Nigeria, conferring the award on Agba as “our First SDGs award” recipient.
The UN chief listed some significant attributes that stood the recipient out in consideration for the ward.
According to him Agba’s private sector background, which came into play in his interactions with the UN system during his official engagements was remarkable, as he was always asking questions geared towards result orientation and value for money.
Describing the Minister as a champion of transparency, Schmale pointed out that the minister had always talked about the need to be open.
He referenced the minister’s introduction of the Eyemark, a web application, which enables citizens to track and report progress of Federal Government capital projects with their android phones, saying it would aid transparency and accountability of government’s expenditures.
He also commended Agba’s time discipline, as he was always coming early to meetings as well as his staying connected with the people countrywide, through monitoring and inspection of government projects, ensuring in the process that what the government was doing was in the interest of the people.
Schmale noted that Agba had demonstrated courage by profoundly and in an evidence-based manner challenged state governors on their failure to contribute to development of their rural communities.
He underscored the minister’s significant partnership with the UN system, saying that “you are key in terms of partnership with us on this SDGs issue.
“You are not the only one, but you are key; and, as your administration is coming to an end, we feel we should honour you for your contributions.”
Responding to the conferment of the award, Agba said he wholeheartedly accepted it as the first minister to be so honoured from 1999 until now and expressed his appreciation to the UN Nigeria Office for conferring him with the award in recognition of his passion and enthusiasm in championing sustainable development goals in Nigeria.
Agba, who was in company with his wife, Princess Catherine Agba, and a select group of well-wishers and some top management staff members in the ministry and agencies under it, declared: “I am deeply honoured and humbled to be the recipient of the SDGs Champions Award by the United Nations in Nigeria in recognition of my passion and enthusiasm in championing sustainable development goals in Nigeria
“The award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of my colleagues and staff members at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning and I dedicate it to His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, for giving me the privilege to serve in his cabinet.
“As the Honourable Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, I have had the privilege of working on a wide range of initiatives that have allowed me to contribute to attaining the SDGs in Nigeria and being part of the progress made in its implementation has been an immensely rewarding experience.
“I recognise that this progress would not have been possible without the support of Mr. President, my colleagues in the Federal Executive Council, development partners, and my family.
“I am grateful for the support and remain committed in my contributions to the development of Nigeria and attainment of the SDGs.”
Agba added: “I would like to use this opportunity to also emphasise how particularly meaningful it has been to work in close collaboration with the UN System, and indeed the Development Partners Community in Nigeria.
“As Partners in the growth and development of Nigeria, it is imperative for us to continue to work together in our shared vision and common strategies for sustainable development and peace.
“You would agree with me that; the 169 Targets underpinning the SDGs are actually 169 ways of explaining how no one is to be left behind. In other words, these 17 Goals and 169 targets for which indicators exist and monitoring systems are being set, form the fulcrum of a new social contract between the world’s leaders and their people.”
According to him: “Upon assumption of Office as the Honourable Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, I have had the privilege of working on a wide range of initiatives that have allowed me to contribute to attaining the SDGs in Nigeria.
“From preparation of the Succession Plan to the ERGP in 2020 and the National Development Plan 2021 – 2025, to negotiating economic Agreements and strengthening international relations including technological and cultural exchange, Chairing the National Steering Committee of the EU/UN Spotlight Initiative, cochairing the Open Government Partnership, I have been fortunate to be a part of some truly remarkable endeavours towards achievement of the 2030 Global Development Agenda”.
