The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment recalled TAConnect’s timely support to national health governance and promised the partnership will outlast portfolios.

Some partnerships follow people wherever they go. That was the message from Dr. Kamil Shoretire, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, whose goodwill address carried the warmth of a longstanding collaborator rather than the formality of protocol, which, he cheerfully announced, he would not be observing.

Dr. Shoretire recalled TAConnect’s support for the National Council on Health in Calabar, delivered in the face of real challenges, assistance he received while serving as Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics at the Federal Ministry of Health. He extended his appreciation to the other partners in the room who had supported him during that tenure, crediting the collective effort for what was achieved together.

Now seated atop a different ministry, his commitment has travelled with him. “A lot is happening, and a lot will still happen,” he told the gathering, “But just be assured that you have a strong partner in the Ministry of Labour and Employment.” As Permanent Secretary, he pledged to explore what the two institutions can do together “to make things better for our citizens and to make the country healthier,” a reminder that health systems strengthening and the goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage are a whole-of-government effort, and that TAConnect’s friendships now span well beyond the health sector.