By Hosea Parah, Abuja
Senator Barr. Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Kaduna South in Nigeria’s National Assembly, has been awarded the prestigious African and Caribbean award during the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) in New York. The recognition is a testament to his exemplary legislative performance and commitment to the development of Nigeria.
The award was presented at the International Forum of African-Caribbean Leadership (IFACL) by Dr. Ken Giami, founder and Executive Chairman of the African Leadership Magazine. The organizers praised Senator Katung for his integrity, transparency, and dedication to youth empowerment and community service, highlighting his commitment to addressing critical issues such as security, healthcare, and education in his region.
In addition to this accolade, Senator Katung received commendations from the South Carolina State Legislature, following a motion by Representative Rosalyn Henderson-Myers, acknowledging his significant contributions to Nigeria’s growth and legislative achievements.
During the award presentation, Senator Katung emphasized the urgent need for collective action to tackle pressing challenges such as climate change, poverty, and social injustice affecting both Africa and the Caribbean. He called for a shift towards participatory democracy, urging parliamentarians to engage all sectors of society in the legislative process.
Katung stated, “The demand for participatory democracy is growing, and African and Caribbean countries must embrace this shift to build resilient societies that truly represent the voices and needs of their citizens.” He highlighted the importance of the parliament in enacting laws that support multi-stakeholder partnerships and holding the executive accountable for their commitments.
His speech resonated with the need for global collaboration, particularly in the face of rising authoritarianism and closing civic spaces. He pointed to the Open Government Partnership (OGP) as a vital initiative supporting transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in governance.
The event also saw Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State receiving the Best Performing Governor Award and honorary citizenship of the State of Georgia, along with legislative recognition from the South Carolina State Legislature.
The ceremony attracted prominent leaders from various sectors, including Reta Jo Lewis, President and Chairman of the United States Export-Import Bank, and Dr. Kevin Greenidge, Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, among others.
Senator Katung’s recognition at the UNGA underscores the critical role of leadership in fostering sustainable development and collaboration among nations in tackling global challenges.