The Inner Wheel Club Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the sudden withdrawal of financial support by the United States of America to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The organization stated that the decision by the U.S. would have severe consequences on developing countries, including Nigeria, adding that those suffering from HIV/AIDS and other critical health challenges would be the most affected.
President Donald Trump, in fulfillment of his “America First” campaign promise, signed executive orders on his first day back in the White House to halt U.S. funding for the WHO and USAID.
The withdrawal of funding by the U.S., a major financier of these two vital international bodies, has generated widespread concern and anxiety across the globe.
Speaking at a media briefing at the Rotary House in Ikeja to kick off the 38th International Conference and Rally of the Inner Wheel Club holding in Lagos, a former president of the club, Dr. Abimbola Showade, lamented that the decision would disproportionately affect women and the girl child in Nigeria.
She, however, declared that this is the time for Africa to return to the drawing board and seek homegrown solutions to challenges in the health and humanitarian sectors.
On her part, the President of the Club, Karen Uwaje, described the 38th National Conference and Rally in Nigeria as highly anticipated.
She noted that the event, expected to host over 500 delegates, including representatives from the club’s 1,200 members in Nigeria and over 100 members from other African countries, was aimed at fostering friendship and deliberating on the future of the Inner Wheel Club.
She disclosed that the club is present in over 100 countries, adding that the event would provide a platform for empowering people and uplifting lives in various ways.
According to her, the four-day conference promises to be a defining moment for women in Africa, as it will address critical aspects of their lives.
Also speaking, past International President of the Inner Wheel Club, Oluyemisi Alatise, shared her experience with Women for Africa, an initiative she launched in Nigeria in 2012 that raised funds for microcredit and interest-free loans for women.
She stated that the initiative would be introduced to other participating African countries at the event, adding that while European governments provide strong social welfare support for their citizens, African countries must also step up to do the same.
She emphasized that Africa must unite and position itself as a powerful voice in determining the leadership of the Inner Wheel Club at the international level, noting that India currently leads the organization.
In her remarks, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Omolara Adedugbe, described the event as epoch-making, stating that this is the first time the first Inner Wheel Club in Nigeria and District 911 would produce both the first Nigerian and first African President of the International Inner Wheel Club.
She further noted that it was also the first congregation of Inner Wheel Club members in Africa, marking the first year of the second century of the organization. She highlighted that experienced members had come together to organize a Pan-African Forum, with over 500 registered delegates.
Omolara Adedugbe concluded by stating that the conference would showcase Nigeria’s prominence in global charity efforts, expressing delight that the Inner Wheel Club is represented on the United Nations platform.
In her vote of thanks, Chairman of Inner Wheel Club District 911, Mrs. Nike Sodipo, revealed that it took seven months of intensive planning to organize the event.
She also acknowledged that much work remained now that the program was officially starting.
Mrs. Sodipo expressed gratitude to all members of the planning committee and the media for their unwavering support in ensuring the success of the program.
