The U.S. President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement (PAC-ADE) has successfully completed its first visit to the African continent, marking a significant milestone in U.S.-Africa relations. From July 14-17, the delegation engaged in high-level discussions and events in Lagos and Abuja, focusing on strengthening ties between the United States and Nigeria through diaspora-led initiatives.

The visit yielded concrete outcomes that will shape future collaborations. In Lagos, new partnerships were forged between U.S. and Nigerian universities, emphasizing women’s education, STEM, and creative industries. These agreements will facilitate knowledge exchange and create opportunities for students and faculty from both nations. The delegation also engaged with Nigeria’s thriving tech ecosystem, identifying avenues for increased cooperation in the digital economy.

In Abuja, meetings with Foreign Minister Tuggar and other senior officials reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to building its relationship with Nigeria. Discussions centered on leveraging diaspora expertise to address challenges in health, climate change, and economic growth. The visit to a USAID-supported healthcare center highlighted ongoing collaborations in improving health outcomes for Nigerians.

This trip underscores the role of the African diaspora in strengthening U.S.-Africa relations. By tapping into the unique perspectives and connections of diaspora communities, the United States aims to deepen its engagement with Nigeria and the broader African continent. The insights gained during this visit will inform PAC-ADE’s recommendations to President Biden, potentially shaping policies that enhance cultural, social, political, and economic ties between African communities and the African diaspora in the United States.

Established by President Biden and Secretary Blinken in September 2023, the PAC-ADE serves as an important advisory body, bridging the gap between the United States and Africa through the power of diaspora engagement. This inaugural trip to Nigeria demonstrates the Council’s commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships and driving positive change on both continents.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria.

President Wavel Ramakalawan served as the guest speaker at a seminar hosted by the Association of Palliative Care Centres (APCC) yesterday afternoon. The event, designed to enhancing palliative care, gathered professionals from various fields as part of the association’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of care.

The seminar is a component of a comprehensive two-week training session, “An Introduction to Palliative Care for Professionals,” which began on July 8th and will conclude on July 19th. This training aims to equip professionals with the essential skills and knowledge required to provide quality palliative care.

“As an ordained Minister, I have always been deeply interested in the pastoral ministry. I have had the privilege of meeting many people and accompanying them on the tough journey of life. Palliative care is a vital aspect of this journey, providing not just medical support but also emotional and spiritual care,” said President Ramakalawan.

Speaking in his capacity as an ordained minister, the President encouraged the team of professionals to explore various approaches to palliative care. He highlighted the importance of compassionate, holistic care that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families.

The President’s insight underscored the significance of palliative care and its crucial role in improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. He commended the association for their dedication to advancing palliative care and expressed strong support for their initiative.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Health Development Partners (HDP) in Uganda bid farewell to Dr. Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam, whose six-year tour of duty as WHO Representative to Uganda comes to an end this month.

During the July HDP meeting, hosted at WHO Uganda country office, the group acknowledged Dr. Yonas’ unwavering six-year commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Uganda’s population. The group presented to him a memoire plaque. WHO is a permanent co-chair and secretariate of the HDP group.

“Dr. Yonas, you truly excelled at convening and rallying development partners around a common cause especially during the emergency outbreaks of COVID-19 and Ebola. We attribute a lot of the success that Uganda has registered in emergency preparedness and response to your able leadership and support,” said Dr. Rose Okot-Chono, the Team Lead of Health System Strengthening at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Chair of the HDP group.

WHO is a permanent co-chair and secretariate of the HDP group. The group comprises bilateral, multilateral development partners and UN agencies with a presence in Uganda that support the health sector in the country. The Uganda Health Development Partners group has been actively engaged in health-related initiatives since 1997. Its three main objectives are: to provide a forum for coordination between partners working in the health sector to align their actions with government plans and budgets; to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the implementation of the health sector development plan; and to strengthen accountability between government and development partners.

While appreciating the recognition, Dr. Yonas urged the HDP group to continue pushing for a committed and well-facilitated health workforce coupled with more efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the health sector.

“Uganda has a great link between development partners and the official government structure. Over the past six years we have collectively contributed to improving programmatic efficiency and accountability in the health care service delivery system. Let us continue advancing Uganda’s health agenda,” said Dr. Yonas.

At the same meeting, the HDP group also bid farewell to Dr. Mohamed El Munir A. Safieldin, the outgoing UNICEF Representative and Dr. Atnafu Getachewe, UNICEF’s Health and HIV manager.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – Uganda.

In a stirring ceremony at State House this afternoon, President Wavel Ramkalawan presented the national flag to swimmer Khema Elizabeth, who will bear the flag for Team Seychelles at the 2024 Olympic Games. The Games, set to be held in Paris, France, will take place from July 26 to August 11.

President Ramkalawan extended his congratulations to the athletes on their selection and expressed his gratitude to their coaches for their unwavering commitment and dedication. He assured them of the nation’s full support as they compete at the grand event. 

President Ramkalawan also addressed the various sports federations and associations, urging them to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to advancing sports in the country. He emphasized the importance of upholding the spirit of sportsmanship and Olympic values, calling on the federations and associations to work together towards a shared goal of excellence and progress.

During the ceremony, the Secretary General of the Olympic Committee, Mr. Alain Alcindor, presented a shield of appreciation to President Ramkalawan, recognizing his continuous support for the development of sports in the country.

Three athletes will represent Seychelles in two sport disciplines at the Paris Olympic Games: Simon Bachmann and Khema Elizabeth in swimming, and Dylan Sicobo in athletics. The Seychelles delegation includes the Seychelles Olympics and Commonwealth Games Association Vice-President, Mr. Michel Bau, Secretary General of the Olympic Committee, Mr. Alain Alcindor, Chef de Mission Mr. Jeffrey Lagreanade, Athletic Federation representative, Mr. Wilfred Adrienne, Swimming Federation representatives and coach, Mr. Barnsley Albert and Mrs. Muriel Morgan, and Medical Officer, Dr. Julie Shamlaye.

Speaking to the media, Ms. Khema Elizabeth expressed her great delight at competing at the Olympic level, stating that it is an honour to raise the Seychelles flag at the Olympic Games.

Also present at the event were the Minister for Family and Sport, Mrs. Marie-Celine Zialor, the Principal Secretary for Sports, Mr. Ralph Jean-Louis, the President Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association, Mr. Antonio Gopal, Chef de Mission, Mr. Jeffery Lagrenade, Secretary General Committee Olympic, Mr. Alain Alcindor. Chief Executive Officer National Sport Council, Mr. Marc Arrisol, Athletics representative, Swimming representative and athlete. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.