Nigerian singer and “Mama Africa” crooner, Yemi Alade has bagged a United Nations Development Program (UNDP) ambassadorial position.
Achim Steiner, UNPD administrator made the announcement yesterday, Wednesday. He said that Alade will champion issues about the socio-economic impact of COVID19 among women in developing countries.
Steiner added that she will also promote the campaign for COVID19 green recovery even as humanity grapples with the health challenges brought on by the disease.
According to him, “we can’t wait to hit the ground running with you, Yemi. We look forward to hearing and sharing issues that you are passionate about – including women’s empowerment and tackling inequality.”
“We at UNDP will also be working to amplify your voice in the socio-economic impact of #COVID19 in the developing countries and the importance of a green and equitable recovery for all.”
Yemi Alade responded to the new appointment saying that it gives her the chance to draw public attention to issues affecting women, especially the vulnerable in Developing nations like Nigeria.
In her words, “women are among the 4 billion people who are trying to survive #COVID19 without any form of social protection.
“I want to lend my voice to these women and other vulnerable people who make up half of the world that’s struggling to make ends meet.
“They don’t have the luxury of working from home and are putting their health at risk just to put food on the table.
“But as we address poverty and inequality in our COVID19 recovery plans, we can’t put climate change on the back burner.
Alade added that “climate change and poverty go hand-in-hand and and neither is gender-neutral. Women in developing countries, such as my homeland Nigeria are disproportionately affected by both.
Read also:
“Chimamanda Adichie, UN Awards
Yemi Alade bags UNDP Ambassadorial Position