Celebrating U.S Based Nigerian Physicians For Engaging American Government In Strategic Partnership, by Jerome-Mario Utomi

It was Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States of America (1901-1909), that once noted that it is not the critic who counts; nor the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who actually strives to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. 

The above lines recently came into view after going through the news report that 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, and held discussions that focused on opening pathways for strategic collaborations and strengthening critical relationships between government entities and the Nigerian community.

Adding context to the discourse, 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.

the delegation to the meeting was 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. Nnenna 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.

Indeed, as a public affair analyst, it is important to confess that as ambitious as the development sounded, I have no idea of the cost implication, (human and financial), of executing such an initiative at international stage and scale.  However, as a public relations professional, I need not pause to know that in reputational terms, the initiative amply qualifies as both impressive and exemplary development that will be too difficult to erase in the sand of international relations history.

Aside from acting as a platform for Nigerians to present a far reaching advocacy goal that not only advance the immediate needs of members but also supports NPAG’s sincere desire to influence health legislation and shaping policies in both the U.S. and Nigeria such as contributing to the appointment of Nigerian ambassadors to the U.S, facilitate Nigerian representation within the White House, and support physicians in addressing future challenges, the gathering going by quality of presentation by visiting Nigerians frontally confirmed as true the long held believe that as a nation, Nigeria may be addressed as a third world but in both human and material terms, her citizens have, through hard work, established themselves globally in all sectors-finance, sci­ence/technology, sports and education among others. 

In addition to ebulliently manifesting without doubt signs of a people that have left behind third world challenges of illiteracy and poverty, to become global citizens with best human capital resources, this well foresighted visit has further amplified community organizing technique domiciled in Dr. Susan Edionwe, MD, FACS, led NPAG, as well as forced Nigerians with critical minds to hastily but rightly conclude that with creative and transformative leadership presently delivered by Dr. Susan Edionwe, at NPAG, United States Government should be set to Nigerian community to compete healthily with other well established and long thriving communities such Jewish and Idina communities resident in the USA.

Even as Nigerians across the country continue to celebrate these worthy ambassadors, I must confess that the present occurrence or is it development, is neither newsy nor came as a surprise to me and the reason is not far-fetched. 

Going by reports, the Texas, United States-based Dr. Susan Edionwe is among few women across the globe with a public leadership character considered as clear as crystal and blessed with courage that would shame a warrior.  She is long reputed for managing within the same organization different people with different experiences, assumptions, values, beliefs and habits to their work. And famous for providing direction, protection, orientation for these professionals irrespective of their number.

An ENT surgeon, Skull base surgeon,  Consultant , Speaker , Entrepreneur and Radio Host of Medicine For The People, with over 10 years of progressive clinical experience including fellowship training focused in Skull base surgery and Advanced Rhinology from McGill University,  she is also skilled in Public Speaking, Healthcare Information Technology (HIT), Mentoring, Healthcare Management, and Healthcare and Podcasting/Radio hosting and takes pride in her approachable bedside manner and wants her patients to feel comfortable asking her any and all questions to ensure they receive the best possible health outcomes.

Despite residing outside the country for over two decades, the Edo state physician has continually kept faith with her people, giving back to the society that made her. 

A similar comment is recorded for Dr. U. Phillip Igbinadolor, a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and Diplomate of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. Going by his resume, the Edo state born Physician is not only globally respected but well sought after, with his intimidating wealth of experience and international connections. 

Dr. Igbinadolor is a seasoned professional and a dependable humanist that could be entrusted with any responsibility with a sure hope of delivery. When it comes to service to humanity and promotion of sustainable development and good governance, he knows neither night nor day as he is always willing, eager and ready to deliver both aptly and promptly. 

For his part, Grand Knight Emeritus, Sir Tonna Okei (Ikuku Oma), a Nigerian born but United States of America (USA) based President of South Carolina Organization of African Unity (OAU), is personally resident in the United States but his contributions in political, socioeconomic and cultural development of Nigeria is daily felt in Delta, Edo states and Nigeria has become not only legendary but both historic and impressive. 

For me, what the above scenarios tells us is that, as a nation, Nigeria is blessed with quietly influential citizens in strategic positions at the global stage. The nation, if critically examined, has more citizens as good ambassadors than ill informed personalities attempting to draw the country’s name to the mud. 

As the piece celebrates these Nigerians of impeccable character, another question that is as important as the piece itself is;  now that they have been discovered, will it not be considered rewarding if consulted or better still, drafted by the state or the nation into mainstream responsibility to assist Nigeria at large find sustainable solution to the present hydra-headed leadership predicament afflicting the nation?

The answer to the above question is in the womb of time!

Jerome-Mario, a media specialist, writes from Lagos Nigeria. He can be reached via jeromeutomi@yahoo.com/08032725374