On December 5, 2007, AHI hosted a brunch reception in honor of the president and CEO National 4-H Council, Mr. Don Floyd. The visit aimed at exploring the possibilities of collaboration and partnership with AHI in the area of youth development. On arrival, Mr. Don Floyd was taken on facility tour of AHI and was welcomed by the management and staff of AHI, and representatives from LEAP Africa, CLP, DEVCOMS, CISHAN, PATA, and CEPI.
In her welcome remarks, the Executive Director of AHI, Mrs. ‘Nike Esiet, recalled with reminiscence the warm reception accorded her and Dr. Esiet by the Management and staff of the 4-H Council during their visit to the United States in June 2007 where they were accorded the opportunity to understudy the operations of the various departments of the organization. She said that Mr. Floyd’s visit to AHI in particular and Nigeria in general would be of mutual benefit and a dream come true.
Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi, West Africa Representative of the Ford Foundation, also described the President’s visit as an opportunity not only for AHI but also for the wider constituents of NGOs working in Nigeria.
The round-table discussion addressed issues around youth empowerment and cultural barriers. Responding, Mr. Floyd maintained that both the young people and adults perceive each other in negative light adding that the essence of the 4-H youth development movement is to create a platform where young and adults will understand each other, learn, grow and work together as catalysts for positive change. He said he was to explore opportunities to collaborate with youth serving organizations towards the development of young people.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Uwem Esiet, Director of AHI, thanked the August visitor for finding time to visit AHI, describing him as an individual whose interest in youth development was borne out of passion. He also expressed his appreciation to the representatives of the NGOs for being part of the event. He charged everyone to see young people as a major resource.
The National 4-H Council is a US-based organization that advances the youth development movement, building a world in which young and adults learn, grow and work together as catalysts for positive change.
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