By Lanre Oloyede
Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon Mohammed Abba Isa, Wednesday joined other heads of Civil Society Organizations and development partners to bid farewell to the visiting President of the Ford Foundation, Darren Walker.
Mr Walker arrived Nigeria on May 19, 2024, as part of his routine visits to the Foundation’s regional offices.
According to sources, Darren Walker’s visit to Nigeria was aimed at providing an opportunity for the office of West Africa to advance its ongoing engagement with critical stakeholders in the region and also an opportunity for him to meet and interact with partners in the development and social justice sector.
At a cocktail farewell reception organized in his honour by the Ford Foundation Office of West Africa, the Senior presidential aide noted that he had the privilege ofwitnessing firsthand the transformative impact of the Ford Foundation’s development and humanitarian interventions, and support for the less privileged, particularly Persons With Disabilities in Nigeria.
In his special remark, Hon. Abba Isa said: “Under the leadership of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, we acknowledge and appreciate the Foundation’s tireless efforts to promote inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment for all. Your commitment to social justice and human dignity is a beacon of hope for our nation and the world at large.
“Mr Walker’s visit to Nigeria has provided a unique opportunity for the Ford Foundation’s West Africa office to engage with critical stakeholders in the region, fostering meaningful partnerships and collaborations. It has also been a pleasure to see him interact with our development and social justice community, sharing his wisdom and expertise.
“Your visit to Nigeria has been more than a symbolic gesture; it has been a significant opportunity for the Ford Foundation’s West Africa office to advance its ongoing engagement with critical stakeholders in the region.
“As we bid you farewell, we do so with deep appreciation for your contributions and a renewed commitment to continue the work you have championed. Your legacy will undoubtedly endure, and the impact of your efforts will be felt for generations to come. My office is very much disposed to partner with your organisation to deliver on our shared vision of social development for people with special needs.
“Thank you, Mr. Walker, for your vision, your compassion, and your tireless dedication to making the world a better place. We wish you continued success in all your future endeavors, even as we look forward to continued collaboration and partnership, knowing that together, we can create a more equitable and just society for all.
“Farewell, Mr Walker, and may your legacy continue to inspire and uplift generations to come.”
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