In a significant move that underscores a commitment to protecting the political and socioeconomic interests of Nigerians, the United States-based Nigerian Physicians Advocacy Group (NPAG), along with Grand Knight Sir Tonna Okei (Ikuku Oma), leader of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), and the ANPA Carolina chapter, met with key U.S. leaders on Saturday, September 14, 2024, in Columbia, SC. The discussions focused on opening pathways for strategic collaborations aimed at strengthening critical relationships between government entities and the Nigerian community.
The Nigerian Physicians Advocacy Group (NPAG), under the leadership of Dr. Susan Edionwe, MD, FACS, serves as the 501(c)(4) advocacy affiliate of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), a 501(c)(3) philanthropic organization. Both entities represent physicians residing and practicing in the Americas.
Led by Dr. Uyi Igbinadolor and Dr. Joel Anifowokan (Chair of ANPA’s Carolina chapter), along with Grand Knight Emeritus Tonna Okei (Ikuku Oma), President of the Organization of African Unity SC, and Ms. Nneka Amuji, Presidential Aide, the group paid a joint working and courtesy visit to the federal appointee for the Southeast Crescent Commission, a federal agency in the United States.
At the meeting, the group outlined their overarching advocacy goal: not only to advance the immediate needs of members but also to support NPAG’s mission in the U.S. by influencing health legislation and shaping policies in both the U.S. and Nigeria. They also aim to contribute to the appointment of Nigerian ambassadors to the U.S., facilitate Nigerian representation within the White House, and support physicians in addressing future challenges.
In a joint presentation, NPAG representatives described the meeting as productive, setting the stage for significant collaborative efforts between NPAG and local stakeholders to advance healthcare initiatives and support community needs.
In addition to making groundbreaking requests, which were lauded as milestones, the group noted that future actions would be guided by the outcomes of their upcoming health fair and subsequent discussions with local leaders.
During the discussions, the group emphasized the importance of creating an atmosphere conducive to hosting dinners, fundraisers, health missions, and events with political figures. They also explored NPAG’s role in assisting with upcoming elections.
The visiting physicians and development professionals stressed that their call for an inclusive approach to mutual collaboration with the state was not simply a gesture but a value-adding initiative. They highlighted how it could assist in advocacy efforts for Medicaid expansion in South Carolina.
The group also took the opportunity to announce their upcoming health fair, organized by the ANPA Carolinas chapter, to be held in Charlotte, NC, on October 26, 2024. A significant turnout is expected based on previous events, which served over 500 people. NPAG also highlighted the association’s telemedicine services as a solution for overcoming geographical barriers at future health fairs.
The federal appointee expressed enthusiasm for the meeting and highlighted the benefits of effective healthcare advocacy. She emphasized that influencing the macro environment starts with strong local foundations and recommended collaborating with non-profits and local governments to foster grassroots relationships.
She also expressed interest in expanding Medicaid and improving healthcare access in the Appalachian region (ARC), noting the challenges posed by the distance of hospitals from seniors and residents outside downtown Columbia. Additionally, she mentioned the alarming rate of diabetes in the 29203 area and sought NPAG’s expertise to address this issue.
In a related development, the group visited two-star Major General and 2021 National Sheriff of the Year, Leon Lott, to brief him on the outcome of their meeting with the federal appointee and to discuss NPAG and ANPA’s mission.
Sheriff Lott expressed enthusiasm about the potential impact of the ANPA Carolina health fair and facilitated a connection with the sheriff in Charlotte to support the upcoming event. He also presented each member with a service coin inscribed with the motto: “Iron sharpens iron – Servant leadership.”
NPAG President Dr. Susan Edionwe spoke via phone to the federal appointee and Sheriff Leon Lott, affirming NPAG’s support for collaborative relationships and mutual benefits. Dr. Edionwe emphasized that elevating NPAG in the realm of political advocacy and politics, to secure substantial influence for the Nigerian community regarding policies, key appointments, and more, is part of her 5G Presidential agenda. She also recognized Sir Tonna Okei for being strategically instrumental in the day’s meeting. Dr. Joel Onafowokan, Chair of the ANPA Carolinas chapter, affirmed the chapter’s support for the proposed mutual relationship to further their chapter’s mission. He noted that he has added value to ANPA Carolina by promoting inclusivity, ensuring a paradigm shift, and introducing fiscal discipline, accountability, transparency, and collaboration with state and county leaders to ensure the local ANPA chapter plays a bigger role in the state. Sheriff Lott awarded the Sheriff’s badge to ANPA Carolina President Dr. Onafowokan, NPAG representatives, and Ms. Nneka Amuji. In 2022, Sir Okei was awarded the Sheriff’s Golden Coin for his service to the community.
Presidential Aide Ms. Nneka Amuji, who serves as the Admin Executive for the Organization of African Unity SC, along with Grand Knight Emeritus Sir Tonna Okei, recorded the event and addressed a press conference, where she spoke to international reporters about the gains from the day’s historic visit.
A high point of the event was the group’s visit to the gravesite of the late Dr. Nowa Omoigui to pay their respects and take group pictures.
