Hit the ground running, SGF tasks AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Governing Council
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha has tasked the newly inaugurated National Governing Council of African Union Development Agency- New Partnership for Africa’s Development/ African Peer Review Mechanism (AUDA-NEPAD/APRM) to hit the running especially on its core mandates.
This was in a statement signed on Tuesday by Abolade Ogundimu, Media Assistant to Princess Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator/C.E.O, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria.
Mustapha, represented by Dr. (Mrs.) Habiba Lawal, Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund Office made this known on Tuesday during the inauguration of the 15-Man council at the SGF’s Conference Room on Tuesday.
According to the SGF, the council should ensure that transformation of AUDA-NEPAD is fully completed while the second peer review of the nation is also successfully conducted.
“I implore your council to hit the ground running, in collaboration with the secretariat, to put all necessary machinery in motion to conduct the country’s 2nd Peer Review Self-Assessment and Country Report in process.
“Your council is expected to build a strong synergy with National Planning Commission, National Bureau of Statistics, Budget Office and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies and the political class for proper integration and acceptance of APRM policies, knowledge and process nationwide in adherence to the principle of broad-based participation.
“Also, you are to fast track the process of transformation of NEPAD to AUDA-NEPAD/APRM by collaborating with the Ministry of Justice and the National Assembly to pass the necessary enabling law,” he said
The Federal Government added that NGC must ensure that all the concerns outlined in the self-assessment report were addressed in the final document.
“They should meet all the criteria identified in the guidelines towards the integration of all national emerging issues to develop a robust National Plan of Action (NPoA) for a comprehensive National Development Programme (NDP),” Mustapha said.
He however reiterated that NGC’s mandate did not involve interference in the technicalities of the day-to-day running of the secretariat, AUDA-NEPAD.
The SGF said the clarification became necessary in order not to divert attention from the APRM process, which must be technically competent, credible and free of political manipulation.
The SGF assured the council that the Management of AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, under Princess Gloria Akobundu, Secretary of the NGC was committed to the success of the councils objectives.
In his response, Senator Abba Ali, |Chairman of the newly Council urged other members to work on the existing mercenary of the agency saying it was capable of delivering desired objectives of his team.
According to the Council’s Chairman, the council will work harmoniously to deliver on its mandate, giving the pedigree of the members.
“I appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for his unreserved commitment towards ensuring that Nigeria maintains its leadership among African Nations.
“His approval for the domestication of AUDA-NEPAD mandate in the country and conduct of second Peer Review in Nigeria attest to his commitment to ensure that Nigeria remains at the forefront of development in the continent.
“ By the special grace of God, the council will work harmoniously to deliver the assigned mandates trusting the integrity, credible track records and core areas of competence of the members,” he said.
On behalf of the entire governing council, the Chairman expressed appreciation to the president, the SGF and the National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM, Princess Gloria Akobundu for their tremendous efforts towards the actualisation of the two major mandates of the Council.
The AUDA-NEPAD/ APRM Nigeria’s C.E.O expressed appreciation of her management and staff to the inauguration of the council.
” The appointment of the NGC by Mr. President’ is to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the AUDA-NEPAD mandate , the 2nd review and the flagship programmes.
They include: Reform and Domestication of AUDA-NEAD;
2nd Country assessment/process/review; Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)/Monitoring and evaluation.
” Also, realisation of AU Agenda 2063; Giving early warning on election and violence/Voters education; Harnessing skills/ entrepreneurship and strengthening public-private Partnership, among others”.
The NGC members are:
NAMES POSITION
1.Sen. Abba Ali – Chairman
2.AMB. Haliru Sodangi – Member
3.DR. Bala Zakari -Member
4.Mr. Dozie Madu -Member
5.Chief Barnabas Chimezie Njoku – Member
6.Chom Bagu -Member
7.Mrs. Tawakalitu Olayemi Yusuf -Member
8.Dr. Ugo Beke – Member
9.Hon. (Barr.) Thomas Okasun – Member
10.Comrade Ayuba Wabba – Member
11.Mrs. Halima Kiyari Joda – Member
12. Dr. Louis Mandema – Member
13.MR. Kola Adesina – Member
14.Mrs. Okieimen Funke Iyabo – Member
15.Hon. Princess Gloria Akobundu – Secretary
