Familiarization Visit to IGET by HE. Amb. Tarnawska, Polish Ambassador to Nigeria

November 9, 2023

Introduction

Amb. Tarnawska was received by Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, President of IGET, and the IGET staff team.

Prof Moghalu presented signed copies of his two books BIG and EA, and a copy of IGET’s 5 policy briefs to HE. Amb. Tarnawska.

Prof Moghalu made a brief remark, introducing IGET, our goals and objectives as a Think Tank, and ways through which IGET plans to reach Nigeria and continental Africa, through Research, Policy Analysis, Advocacy, Discussion Forums, Executive Education and Advisory & Consultancy.
The Ambassador, while paying homage to Prof on his knowledge and expertise, made mention of the need to have stronger institutions, and why public policy and its implementation is a key part of the drive for stronger political institutions in continental Africa and the world at large.

Our President mentioned the fact that a lot of African countries, with emphasis on Nigeria, practice a pseudo democracy and the need for Think Tanks like IGET, that can help enlighten the country on the need for strong institutions.
The Ambassador spoke on the fact that democracy isn’t just a word, but a system of government that has to be achieved, practiced and maintained.

Prof Moghalu highlighted IGET’s vision to collaborate with the Polish Government, the Polish Embassy in Nigeria, other Think Tanks in and from Poland, and maintaining bilateral relationships between Nigeria and Poland.
The Ambassador also highlighted her shared vision with Prof, and her hope to kickstart a partnership with IGET in areas of policy formulation and implementation, executive training and exchange in the area of staff training.

Ambassador Tarnawska spoke on her lengthy stay in Africa; from her growing days in Africa and not leaving to Europe until about 21 to attend college.
The Ambassador also made mention of her love for Africa and Nigeria, and the fact she has names from the three major tribes; Ifeyinwa- Igbo; Jamila- Hausa; Funmilayo- Yoruba.

IGET’s President stated that he had hopes that women would be more active in the political process and that he hopes to push, through IGET, for actual legislation that protects women’s rights in all areas.
Our President and the Ambassador shared similar opinions on championing women empowerment, the need to address the “Equality” and “Equity” subject matter.

Prof Moghalu commended the friendliness of the Ambassador, her relentless work in Africa and Nigeria, and her commitment to a better relationship between Poland and Nigeria.

Prof Moghalu spoke on IGET’s plan to release a detailed policy brief titled “Women, The Untapped Potential” and its translation into Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, and Pidgin in order to disseminate it properly to the average Nigerian Woman.
The Ambassador stressed on the importance of affirmative action, not just theoretical propositions that bear little or no fruit.

IGET’s founder made mention of his appointment as the Chairman of the Advisory and Executive Board of Africa Private Sector Summit and his hopes to use this position to encourage trade policies that benefit Nigeria and Africa.