Last week former Congresswoman Diane E. Watson was the keynote speaker at the DE Watson Leadership Academy graduation ceremony in Bauchi, Nigeria for the graduating class of 2016. Prior to the culmination, Watson and her crew landed in Abuja, Nigeria, and met with the Consulate of the Central African Republic, Ambassador Tochil Nwaneri and Liza Idum from Cameroon.
Discussions were of current terrorist threats in Nigeria and Cameroon, education and democratic disposition within the states of Nigeria and the Central African Republic with respect to mandatory education for children from 5 years old to 16 years of age provided by the governments.
The following Sunday they met with the Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwan Suleiman Adamu. The Emir was receptive and is interested in staying informed about the university along with community involvement and the influence of the graduating class and how they are expected to have an impact on their local communities.
Watson and her aid Stephanie Grayson returned home with a new vision for education and community involvement in Nigeria and the Central Africian Republic that will bring new hope for Africa, she said.
