By Dare Akogun
Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) has announced the inauguration of the Planning Committee for the formal induction of its Patrons and Matrons.
The Committee has members from several countries where members of the AHOA Network live and work.It has Dr. (Mrs.) Saba’atu Elizabeth Danladi of Nigeria as the Chairperson, and Ailin Katherine Palmera Amaya of USA as Secretary.
AHOA, a global and community-focused network and think-tank of 2,522 organizations from 117 countries, has been empowering healthy and sustainable communities since 1997.
The CEO, AHOA, Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje , highlighted that the association’s network includes 41,000 members in its Google Group, promoting development work, climate actions, sustainable development, and health.
He said AHOA employs strategies such as partnership, advocacy, communication, research, capacity development, outreach, and monitoring and evaluation to benefit marginalized populations, including women, children, youth, people with disabilities, orphans, and the elderly.
Dr. Adirieje emphasized the importance of shared understanding in addressing health and sustainable development challenges globally.
“Our strategies transcend any single entity or approach and showcase the immense power of collaboration,” he noted.
AHOA is a CSO Network in Consultative Status at UN ECOSOC, an Accredited Observer status at the UNEP/UNEA, and is approved by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The newly established Planning Committee will serve as the key advisory body to the Board of Trustees (BOT) and CEO/Management of AHOA for the installation and public presentation of the first set of Matrons and Patrons.
The committee is tasked with planning and coordinating all aspects of the inauguration ceremony, including setting the date and venue, sending invitations, mobilizing resources, managing RSVPs, coordinating with speakers and performers, and ensuring effective communication among committee members.
AHOA Matrons and Patrons are expected to support the association by promoting its image internationally, mobilizing donations, and contributing to its activities and interventions for the benefit of humanity, especially among poor and less endowed populations.
Dr. Adirieje, added that the Patrons and Matrons of AHOA would be honored and recognized at all AHOA occasions and have opportunities to be included in official delegations to local and international events.
The Planning Committee, composed of members from various countries where AHOA operates, will report directly to the CEO of AHOA and provide weekly updates on its progress.
The committee’s deliverables include a detailed plan, a comprehensive report on the ceremony, and other assignments for the advancement of AHOA as requested by the BOT.
The induction ceremony aims to acknowledge individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to supporting AHOA’s cause and to encourage further contributions to the association’s mission of promoting health, sustainable development, and community welfare across the globe.
