UNDP Installs Gov. Ayade As Goodwill Ambassador, Lauds MIDC And Stakeholders On SDGs Integration

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UNDP Installs Gov. Ayade As Goodwill Ambassador, Lauds MIDC And Stakeholders On SDGs Integration 

The United Nations Development Programs and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammad Buhari has installed the  Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Ben Ayade, Goodwill Ambassador for creating the Ministry of International Development Cooperation which is at the front line in increasing donor presence in the state, enhance the capacity of MDAs and Local Governments to initiate and implement relevant developmental projects and for bringing stakeholders to build productive partnership for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The UNDP representative, Mr Femi Ogunlege while installing the Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr Tina B. Agbor lauded the efforts of Cross River State for building productive partnerships with the UN under the “Delivering as One” modality and formulation of a draft Donor Coordination Policy which many states lack and beginning to learn from the Cross River initiative. 

Also speaking during the installation, the Representative of the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Mrs Rose Keffas lauded the efforts of the state Statistician Dr. Josephat Ogar. She stated that Dr. Josephat Ogar has done well in ensuring MDAs in the state have verifiable data unlike other states without data to work with. She said "data is a key resource to monitor the implementation of the SDGs, it helps to facilitate standards, accountability and implement an evidence based practice."

At the wrap up of the Advocacy and sensitization of policy and Legislation on the implementation by SDGs at Obudu Cattle Ranch, the Hon. Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr Inyang Asibong urged Lines MDAs to integrate the SDGs into state budget to drive in partners who will set an ambitious path to achieve SDGs 2030.

Goodwill messages from the Ministry of Water Resources, Health, Environment, Establishment, Information, CRSPHCDA, CRGIA, Accountant General, Budget office among other MDAs reassured the UNDP of their commitment to strengthen their working relationship with MIDC in the mainstream and incorporating of SDGs into the medium and long term development plans of the state.