The Friends of Africa Conference held on the 8th of October 2011 at the Four Points Sheraton in Toronto. The focus of the conference was on Development Initiatives in the Energy and Tourism sectors in West Africa- focus on Nigeria. The conference was very successful with active participation by professionals and intellectuals from diverse sectors of Canada. In attendance were Leaders making a difference in the Public and Private sectors of Canada and Africa such as:
(with some executives and Business leaders from the State)
Click here to view some of the materials from the conference. (Please note that registration is required to access the documents page. Click on the Register link at the top of the page to register as a user on this site).
Friends of Africa 2011 Outcomes
Mass Transit
During the 2011 Friends of Africa (FOA) Conference representatives of TTC- Toronto Transit presented on current issues and solutions
Ekiti State has been involved in further discussions with TTC and exploratory visits have been conducted by representatives of the organization.
The goal of FOA is to follow-up on project proposals and implementation of a mass transit / light rail programme for some south western states using Ekiti state as a Pilot for the Project.
Healthcare
At one of the FOA sessions, Pharma Trust a leading-edge provider of innovative healthcare products presented on one of it’s products- The Drug dispensing Kiosk. The product can be used to expand patient services, offer unprecedented access to healthcare and pharmacy (including remote rural areas), enhance patient outcomes and realize a range of core business benefits. Interest has generated talks to design an African Friendly model of the product.
Medical Equipment
Through the support of our Canadian partners and other corporate organisations, Casa Foundation has secured 3 Ultrsound Scanning Machines and 4 Dental Chairs. These equipments recently arrived Africa and scheduled for donation to four teaching hospitals on the 22nd August, 2012.
Tourism
FOA discussion on Tourism development has resulted in some giant strides in Tourism in Nigeria. Several resort developments and redevelopment projects have been initiated including the Ikogosi Warm Springs. Foreign hotel chains like the Protea Group are now exploring some opportunities in the South west and other remote locations. At the same time, other joint ventures initiated by the governement with other franchise businesses are yielding results.
Impact in the GTA
At a Lunch Hour program, Casa Foundation donated food items to the Salvation Army’s Family Life Resource Centre – a Shelter for Women and their children in the GTA.
We could not have done all these without the commitment of Partners and Friends like you.
