| MAIN PAGE |
CONSUL GENERAL WELCOMES THE FIRST LADYYour Excellency, Hajia Turai Umar Yar’Adua, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Hon. Congressman, Al Green, Dr. John Mendelsohn, President, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Your Excellency, Mrs. Uloma Akpabio, wife of the Executive Governor of Akwa-Ibom State of Nigeria, Your Excellency, Mrs. Amina Sule Lamido, wife of the Executive Governor of Jigawa State of Nigeria, Your Excellency, Mrs. Omolola Oyinlola, wife of the Executive Governor of Osun State of Nigeria, Your Excellency, Mrs. Saratu Aliyu Shinkafi, wife of the Executive Governor of Zamfara State of Nigeria, Hon. Minister of Health of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Adenike Grange, Representative of the Mayor of Houston, Council Member Javis Johnson, Dr. Steven Tomasovic, Snr. VP, Academic Affairs, Dr. Eduardo M. Diaz, Jr., VP for Global Clinical Programs, Ambassador Usman Baraya, Charger d’ Affaires, ai, Embassy of Nigeria, Washington DC, Dr. Lovell A. Jones, Director, Center for Research on Minority Health, Hon. Ibrahim Auwalu, Consul General of Nigeria, New York, Dr. Kase Lawal, Chairman / CEO, CAMAC International Corporation, Leaders of Nigerian Organizations and other Chief Executives here present,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen. Nigeria, as Africa’s largest democracy, is at a defining moment in her history, having successfully for the first time, since her independence as a nation, in transferring power from one civilian administration to another. We cherish nations and friends who as partners in progress, peace and unity will help us move our dear country forward. It is in this context, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, that one should situate the visit of Her Excellency in its appropriate historic import. Make no mistake about it; this visit is a clear statement on the happily expanding bonds of friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and the United States of America. I make bold to say to our hosts that, Her Excellency, has in immeasurable ways, beginning with her erstwhile position as the wife of the Executive Governor of Kastina State of Nigeria, and in particular, as the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, contributed immensely in meeting the needs of the less privileged Nigerians. H.E., the First Lady has accomplished this through the empowerment of the weak, especially; Women, Youth and Children. It is to Her Excellency’s credit that today, Nigeria has a functional and virile Non-Governmental Organization called 'Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation' (WAYEF). The Foundation has increased the critical consciousness of women in Nigeria at the political, economic, social, educational and cultural levels, with a view to realizing their rights and ensuring their participation in the development of their various communities. Among others, there are various enlightenment and counseling programmes in Nigeria by the Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation, as a way to educate the people and also elicit government involvement, in addressing issues, such as violence against women, drug abuse, AIDS /HIV infection, malaria, cancer awareness and other social vices. It is also pertinent to underscore, that the First Lady’s patriotic zeal in pursuance of gender mainstreaming, in line with the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, (MDGS), has not only taken her and the various stakeholders, to the nooks and corners of Nigeria but also to other regions of the world namely; Africa, Europe, Asia and the United States. Without doubt, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,, has embarked on projects that would positively challenge the Nigerian woman in nation-building and assist Nigeria realize the goal of being one of the twentieth largest developed economies in the world, by the year 2020. It is therefore, no surprise, that Her Excellency graciously honoured the invitation by the MD Anderson Cancer Center, in order to better the lot of the Nigerian women folk in particular, and Nigerians in general. Clearly, the Nigerian Government is aware of the collaborative effort the Center is making with the Ministry of Health of Nigeria, and the ‘African Cancer Prevention Group’ with a view to providing necessary equipment, training and funding to contain the disease. I am confident that the gracious presence of Her Excellency, in spite of her very busy schedule, will facilitate the search and option for the control and cure of the disease. Before rounding up, it is proper to seize this opportunity to thank Dr. John Mendelsohn, the President, of MD Anderson Cancer Center, and his able team. Lets us continue to work together in order to make the world a better place since you are a renowned Center for cancer treatment. Our thanks goes to Dr. Lovell A. Jones, and the African Cancer Prevention Group, for their untiring efforts and contributions in making this event come to fruition. Our appreciation also go to hardworking Nigerians in Texas, who use every available opportunity to make our dear country, Nigeria, proud. In particular, may I, crave your indulgence to sincerely thank Dr. Kase Lawal, a patriotic Nigerian, who has greatly contributed his quota to the development of Houston economy and expended enormous energy, time and zeal in pushing for projects that would add value, and uplift Nigeria in our development quest. Finally, on behalf of all Nigerians here present, I sincerely welcome Your Excellency, Hajia Turai Umar Yar’Adua, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and her distinguished entourage. |