The visit coordinated by Ambassador Timothy Nwachukwu, SDG Ambassador and National Coordinator of the Sustainable Development Goals Council, Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, also founder of Youth Advocates for Peace, Justice & Empowerment Network (YAPJEN), underscored the growing collaboration between Nigeria and the State of Delaware in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Among the most notable highlights of the visit was Dr. Hall-Long’s trip to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Durumi, Abuja, where she witnessed firsthand the humanitarian challenges confronting displaced communities.
In a significant show of solidarity, the Governor made a generous donation in collaboration with Dr. Nnenna Njoku, Country Chairperson of the Women Economic Forum (WEF) Nigeria Chapter, providing essential relief materials to affected individuals.
The gesture resonated as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, support, and cross-border collaboration in addressing humanitarian crises.
During her visit, Dr. Hall-Long held a series of strategic meetings with key Nigerian leaders, including Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives; Dr. Alex Otti, Executive Governor of Abia State; and Senator Uche Ekwunife CON.
The discussions focused on areas of mutual interest including economic development, regional cooperation, and humanitarian affairs, laying the groundwork for stronger Nigeria-Delaware ties.
Further engagements included interactions with Hon. Barr. Uba Maigari Ahmadu, Minister of Regional Development, and Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
These meetings provided opportunities to explore collaborative strategies for regional development and humanitarian response. Dr. Hall-Long also shared her experiences with the Spouses of Governors Forum and the Nigeria Air Force Wives Forum, emphasizing women’s leadership and empowerment.
In addition, Dr. Hall-Long toured the Centenary City project, witnessing Nigeria’s ambitious master-planned development for the capital region. The visit culminated with the Empowered Women Summit, co-organized by WEF Nigeria Chapter, Women of Exception, and the Progressive Next Generation Initiative (PNGI) led by Hon. Jeffrey Omoh.
The summit convened over 200 women leaders, entrepreneurs, and youth advocates to discuss gender equality, economic inclusion, and mentorship for emerging female change-makers. The summit’s highpoint included the donation of two plots of land to indigent women and the distribution of bags of rice to women in need.
Expressing his gratitude for the success of the visit, Amb. Timothy Nwachukwu noted, “The outcomes of Dr. Hall-Long’s visit are tangible and symbolic, demonstrating the depth of collaboration between Nigeria and Delaware. We are confident that these partnerships will drive progress in economic development, humanitarian response, and women’s empowerment, in alignment with the SDGs.”
The visit not only strengthened diplomatic and socio-economic ties between Nigeria and the United States but also reinforced the shared commitment to advancing sustainable development, addressing humanitarian challenges, and uplifting vulnerable populations.
