Opinion/Feature
Princess Orelope-Adefulire @ 64: Celebrating a Visionary Leader and Trailblazer in Sustainable Development
By Desmond Utomwen
Service to humanity is the highest calling, and Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire has embodied the commitment throughout her remarkable journey over the last 64 years. Her tireless commitment, particularly to sustainable development, resonates with the wisdom of renowned American philosopher, educator and psychologist, William James, a notable philosopher, who wrote: ‘The greatest use of life is to spend it on something that will outlast it.’ –
As Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire celebrates her 64th birthday, her life and achievements become the mirror that captures the testament to the remarkable impact an individual can make on their nation and the world. Inevitably therefore, this special report is an attempt to reflect on her illustrious journey as a trailblazer in the realm of sustainable development. Notably, the reflection becomes even more relevant as her 64th birthday coincides with her reappointment as the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a role she has held with distinction for a while now.
A Legacy of Excellence
Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire’s journey in public service has been marked by unwavering dedication, innovative leadership and a deep commitment. That explains why her achievements in various public offices she has held left indelible marks. It is therefore not a surprise that her commitment to Nigeria’s pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, are a source of joy to many. Just as well, her impact has resulted in many recognitions, home and abroad.
In 2023, the United Nations bestowed upon her the prestigious SDGs Champions award, recognizing her ground breaking achievements as the head of Nigeria’s SDGs implementing office. The UN’s commendation of her accomplishments speaks volumes about her contributions to the global sustainable development agenda.
Transformative Leadership
Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire’s tenure as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals has been marked by transformative leadership. Among others, she played a pivotal role in positioning Nigeria as a global leader in sustainable development.
One of her notable achievements centred around championing Nigeria’s country-led evaluations of specific SDGs, including health and education. Nigeria’s status as number one in the Global South to conduct independent SDG policy evaluations underscores her commitment to evidence-based decision-making.
Furthermore, her leadership led to the launch of the Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF), a critical step in ensuring that Nigeria’s commitment to the SDGs is adequately funded. This initiative is pivotal in securing sustainable financing for the country’s SDG-related projects.
Global Influence
Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire’s impact extends beyond Nigeria’s borders. She spearheaded Nigeria’s sponsorship of a United Nations resolution aimed at strengthening Voluntary National Reviews through Country-led Evaluation. This initiative received support from numerous countries, highlighting Nigeria’s influence in promoting robust evaluation mechanisms for monitoring SDG progress worldwide.
Her strategic vision, collaborative partnerships and innovative initiatives have not been any less revolutionary, helping to position Nigeria as a trailblazer in the SDGs implementation journey. Her ability to foster cooperation among stakeholders has been instrumental in driving sustainable development initiatives.
Institutional Frameworks for Success
Upon assuming office, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire left no stone unturned in ensuring that the country established essential institutional frameworks for the effective implementation of its SDGs. This included the Presidential Council for the SDGs, the Private Sector Advisory Group, the Donors Partnership Forum and the Civil Society Strategy Group. These partnerships have been instrumental in advancing the SDGs agenda in Nigeria.
Tangible Impact on the Ground
Under her leadership, significant investments and key intervention projects were initiated because they were important to the process of accelerating the progress towards the SDGs. These initiatives spanned across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Notable achievements include the construction and furnishing of over 9,000 classrooms, 66 Skill Acquisition Centres, and the supply of specialized hospital beds to various healthcare facilities.
The commitment to building healthcare infrastructure, including Mother and Child Hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centres, also reflects her dedication to ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development.
Awards and Recognitions
For her remarkable service in public office, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire has received numerous awards and recognitions, both locally and internationally. These accolades reflect her unwavering dedication to empowering women, youth, children and her advocacy for the rights of vulnerable populations.
Conclusion
As we celebrate Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire on her 64th birthday and her reappointment as the Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Sustainable Development Goals, SSAP-SDGs, it is evident that her journey has been one of relentless dedication and visionary leadership. Not less are her truly remarkable impacts on Nigeria’s sustainable development journey and influence on the global stage.
Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire stands out as a beacon of inspiration, one that proves the power of committed individuals in driving sustainable change. Without any doubt, her legacies will continue to shape Nigeria’s path toward achieving the SDGs in ways that will leave lasting imprints on the nation and the world.
Utomwen is a journalist and wrote from Abuja
Opinion/Feature
Downstream Deregulation: Between Obasanjo’s Half-measures And Tinubu’s Bold Leadership
Opinion/Feature
UNCOMMON SCHOLAR, EXCEPTIONAL ADMINISTRATOR: MY TRIBUTE TO PROF. OLOYEDE AT 70
By President Bola Tinubu
As Professor Ishaq Oloyede turns 70 tomorrow, October 10, I pay a special tribute to this astute administrator, educator, author, and scholar, currently the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar.
As the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Oloyede’s invaluable contributions to the nation through academia and public-sector administration have significantly impacted the academic community.
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His impactful tenure at the University of Ilorin, during which he introduced landmark ideas and innovations that helped the institution attain enviable heights, is on record.
Through patriotic dedication and commitment to his craft, Prof Oloyede imparted knowledge and character to thousands of students who underwent his teaching during his glorious and impactful academic career.
Indeed, the bedrock of development lies in education. Developing nations, including Nigeria, are in dire need of more scholars like Prof. Oloyede. His selfless sacrifices and innovative approaches to learning and leadership give hope for a brighter future.
Perhaps more remarkable is Prof. Oloyede’s transformative leadership at JAMB. He pioneered and sustained a series of reforms and technological innovations that have made the admission process in Nigeria transparent and credible.
In his eight years of stewardship at the board, thus far, Prof. Oloyede has demonstrated an uncommon commitment to financial integrity and accountability in public service. He has also raised the bar in administration and management.
I am proud of Prof. Oloyede’s accomplishments.
The nation owes the Professor of Islamic Jurisprudence a debt of gratitude for transforming JAMB, traditionally a non-revenue-generating government agency, into a consistent contributor to the national treasury through efficient financial management. His contributions to JAMB are invaluable and greatly appreciated.
On this occasion of his 70th birthday, I join members of the academic community, students, JAMB staff, and well-wishers in celebrating this scholar who, in words and deeds, has also done a lot to propagate the Islamic religion.
I pray that Almighty Allah will continue to honour the distinguished professor with health, wisdom and strength to serve the nation for many more years.
Opinion/Feature
Clarification On NNPCL Refinery Operations
By Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri PhD
My attention has been drawn to statements made by Engr. Kamoru Busari, Director of Upstream in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, who represented me at a recent conference in Lagos. I wish to categorically state that the claim that I directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to stop running its own refineries and focus solely on equity participation in other refineries is false. This does not represent my position as Minister overseeing the oil sector, nor does it reflect the stance of the Federal Government.
It is important to clarify that NNPCL is a company governed under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), with a functional board and management. The Ministry of Petroleum Resources does not control or run NNPCL, as it operates independently like any corporate entity.
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The oil and gas sector is fully deregulated, and the Nigerian government remains committed to promoting in-country refining. We encourage companies, including NNPCL, to operate independently, following global best practices. While we provide strategic guidance, we do not interfere directly in the operations of these companies.
I reaffirm our commitment to supporting the growth and independence of NNPCL, ensuring that its operations are in line with international standards for efficiency and transparency and profitability.
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri PhD, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), wrote from Abuja, Nigeria