By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Federal Government has commended the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for relentlessly supporting Nigeria in developing the new national Medium Term Development National (2021-2030) and ‘Nigeria Agenda 2050’.
President Muhammadu Buhari had in September, 2020 appointed the National Steering Committee for the development of Successor Plans to Vision 20:2020 jointly chaired by Atedo Peterside and Zainab Ahmed, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning.
The main objectives of these Successor Plans are to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within the next 10 years.
The Director of International Cooperation, Federal Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Elizabeth Egharevba made the commendation while declaring open on behalf of the ministry a 3-day capacity building workshop organised in collaboration with UNDP in Keffi, Nasarawa State on Monday.
The director explained that the workshop is part of UNDP’s continued technical assistance to the Federal Government adding that it will provide the participants the opportunity to refresh their knowlegde and learn new techniques that would support decision making processes.
She said, “it is in a bid to consolidate this support that I would on behalf of the Federal Government like to express my profound appreciation to UNDP for her support to our dear country.
Mrs Egharevba enjoined all Nigerians and all critical stakeholders including the media to vigorously promote and market the Plan.
“Everyone must not only know about it but have sufficient information that enables them to identify a role for themselves. Many are already playing their part and we must know about them and highlight their work”, she added.
In her welcome remarks, the Director of Information in the Ministry, Mrs Victoria Agba-Attah commended the Minister of State, Prince Clem Agba for his foresight in approving the workshop.
“Your support clearly demonstrates the passion and commitment you attach to this workshop. We sincerely appreciate your willingness and encouragement to move our ministry and indeed, the nation forward”, she added.
The lead paper at the workshop titled, “National Development Plan 2021-2030 and Nigeria Agenda 2050”, was delivered by Mr Akpandem James where he stated that the main goal “is to raise awareness to the people”.
Participants at workshop included Information Managers and Media Practitioners “On the Development Communication Strategy for National Development”.
