In a remarkable showcase of leadership, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Kaduna South in Nigeria’s National Assembly, has been awarded the esteemed African and Caribbean Leadership Legislative Excellence Award during the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) in New York City.
This accolade recognizes his exemplary legislative performance and unwavering commitment to the advancement of Nigeria.
The honor was presented to Senator Katung at the International Forum of African-Caribbean Leadership (IFACL), a significant event within the UNGA framework. Dr. Ken Giami, the founder and Executive Chairman of the African Leadership Magazine, emphasized that Senator Katung’s selection for this prestigious award reflects his status as a preeminent public servant and parliamentarian, distinguished by his professional expertise and adept leadership.
The award organizers commended Senator Katung for his integrity, transparency, and steadfast dedication to excellence, youth development, and empowerment. They highlighted his diverse achievements and exceptional service to the people of Kaduna South, particularly in addressing security issues, enhancing healthcare delivery, and promoting education.
During his acceptance speech at the IFACL, Senator Katung called for united efforts to combat the pressing challenges of climate change, poverty, inequality, and social injustice that affect both Africa and the Caribbean. He stressed the urgency of collective action, noting that many nations are at risk of failing to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
“Achieving our goals requires more than rhetoric; it demands a unified call to action,” he stated. “We must adopt a multi-stakeholder approach that engages all sectors of society to effectively tackle multidimensional poverty and environmental degradation.”
Katung advocated for a paradigm shift in governance, urging parliaments to evolve from traditional representative democracy to a more inclusive and participatory model. He underscored the importance of parliamentary roles in enacting laws that facilitate multi-stakeholder partnerships, appropriating resources, and holding executives accountable.
Despite growing challenges such as rising authoritarianism, he expressed optimism about initiatives like the Open Government Partnership (OGP), which fosters public transparency and accountability, crucial for driving transformational progress.
In his remarks, he noted, “Regional integration and cooperation are vital for building resilient societies. Collaborative efforts across all sectors are essential for economic growth, social progress, and inclusive development.”
The ceremony also honored Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, who received the Best Performing Governor Award and honorary citizenship of Georgia, alongside legislative recognition from South Carolina.
The event drew a distinguished audience, including prominent political and business leaders such as Reta Jo Lewis, President of the U.S. Export-Import Bank; Dr. Kevin Greenidge, Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados; and Stephen Hightower, CEO of Hightower Petroleum. Notable figures from various African nations were also in attendance, underscoring the significance of this gathering in promoting leadership and collaboration across continents.
