Toluse Francis has announced that he is contesting for the position of Public Relations Secretary of the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria (USGEAAN) to strategically tell the association’s story, bridge the legacy gap, and enhance its visibility in the country.
He stated that he would leverage his network and influence across the approximately 22 exchange programmes under USGEAAN to give the association the right branding and reach it deserves.
Francis, a mental health professional and communications strategist, said this during a chat with the press on Sunday as part of his campaign for the election, which will be held on July 26.
USGEAAN is a coalition of Nigerian professionals, leaders, and changemakers who have participated in United States government-funded exchange programmes, including the International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP), Fulbright, Humphrey Fellowship, Mandela Washington Fellowship (YALI), TechWomen/TechMen, among others, designed to deepen mutual understanding between the US and partner nations through knowledge exchange and leadership development.
Francis participated in the US exchange programme through YALI in 2018 and has been an active member of USGEAAN and USGEAAN Lagos since then, serving as the association’s Assistant General Secretary (2020–2022) and later General Secretary (2022–2024).
Beyond USGEAAN, Toluse is a member of the YALI Regional Leadership Centre (RLC) West Africa, a member of Rotary International, and is affiliated with the World Federation for Mental Health, advocating for culturally sensitive mental health strategies and representing Nigerian perspectives in global forums.
Speaking about the role he would play when elected Public Relations Secretary of USGEAAN, he said, “Our stories must be told. Not quietly or passively, but with boldness, clarity, and pride. As Public Relations Secretary, I intend to champion strategic storytelling, amplify alumni successes, and build a robust digital presence that reflects who we are and what we stand for.”
According to him, other roles he would play to develop the association include enhancing national- and chapter-level visibility through data-driven media strategies, establishing a central communications framework for cohesive brand messaging across the country, and launching USGEAAN’s Impact Hub — a digital archive of alumni milestones, events, and global engagements.
Toluse stated that with his network and experience, he is poised to redefine how USGEAAN connects with the world. He said he would do this by strengthening media partnerships, leveraging technology to promote the association’s events in real time, and supporting the various association chapters in building their storytelling capacities.
