The appointment of Senator Biodun Olujimi, representing Ekiti South Senatorial District by the Chairperson of the upper chamber’s Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) has been described as most appropriate and a step in the right direction.
In a statement by the Executive Director of Lead Entrepreneurs Network Africa, LENA, Adepeju Aderele, the group stated that the appointment would reinvigorate Nigeria’s NGOs to assist the government in the fulfilment of the United Nations’ Social Development Goals (SDGs).
Aderele stated: “We received the news of the appointment of Senator Biodun Olujimi as the Chair of the Senate Committee Chairman on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) with excitement, joy and happiness. This appointment is most appropriate and a step in the right direction for the league of Nigerian NGOs that are committed to a total transformation and well-being of the Nigerian people, especially as it relates to the progress and development of children, youth and women.
“We are delighted at the decision of the leadership of the Senate, particularly the Senate President, Senate Ahmad Lawan for its recognition of the contributions of Senator Olujimi to the progress of the Senate and her prowess, knowledge and capacity in championing the course of women, youth and children not only in Nigeria, but in the continent of Africa. This appointment will no doubt help the Nigerian government to bring the activities of both local and international NGOs to bear on the programmes and policies of governments at various levels to chart a new course for the rapid and accelerated development of the less privilege and vulnerable people.”
LENA expressed gratitude for honour to Senator Olujimi whom it described as “a woman who has spent most of her career in public sphere creating value and touching lives.”
“Senator Olujimi is well known and loved by all. She is a bridge builder and a Nigeria patriot. We have no doubt that her time as the Chair of the new Senate Committee will witness a remarkable stride in terms of contributions of the NGOs sector to government policies and programmes,” the statement added.
LENA is an emerging not-for- profit organisation with mandate to raise a new generation of entrepreneurs, products creativity, business development, marketing and communications through networking with established businesses, investors, relevant stakeholders and governments across Africa.
Its activities are geared towards the development of agriculture and sustainable livelihood, foreign direct investment, joint capital ventures, Overseas Development Assistance (ODA), infrastructure and project funding and financing, policy lobbying, networking and improved trade relations, as well as best business practices.