Buhari’s SIP in the spotlight as WEF confers award on Maryam Uwais

Schwab Foundation, a sister organisation of the World Economic Forum (WEF), has conferred an award on Maryam Uwais, special adviser to the president on social investments.

Uwais was among 40 individuals recognised by the foundation.

They were drawn from different countries across the world to receive the award in recognition of their innovative approaches and potential for global impact.

According to Justice Bibiye, communications manager, National Social Investment Office (NSIO), start-up founders, chief executive officers, multinational and regional business leaders, government leaders and experts who are working to address social and environmental issues, were among those recognised.

The 2019 awardees were formally inaugurated during the WEF’s sustainable development impact summit held on Sunday in New York.

In her message to the gathering, Uwais who was not able to attend the event, said the award is an endorsement of the efforts by the Buhari administration to address the challenges relating to poverty and unemployment through the National Social Investment Programme (N-SIP).

“I am truly encouraged by this international endorsement of our efforts, through the structures and processes we have put in place towards ensuring that we drive implementation and set standards at Sub-National level in Nigeria (where the work is primarily done),” she was quoted her to have said.

“This award acknowledges that Nigeria is serious about reducing poverty and unemployment, while improving our human capital indices.

“It is also a testament to the willingness of our legislators (at the National Assembly) and the Governors in the States to cooperate and partner with the Federal Government in its bid to uplift the conditions of its hitherto less privileged citizens.

“The close collaboration from the Federal Government Ministries and Agencies, as well as the Governors and officials of the States and Local Government, has enabled us to work towards our objectives, as one united and indivisible country.

“I am humbled by this recognition and thankful to the Almighty for this opportunity to serve my country and its citizens. I am also grateful to the team that has worked assiduously towards achieving our modest successes. It has been a collective effort, personally led by the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo SAN GCON.”