Victor EzejaIn strengthening bilateral ties between the United States and Nigeria, the U.S. Consulate says it has spent a total of $1.02 million in 2021 through sponsoring civic organisations to implement projects across 17 Southern states in the country.
A statement released by the U.S. Consulate General office in Lagos indicated that the funding interventions was to help in addressing issues of health care, security, economic growth, human rights, democracy, and education in Nigeria.
“The funded projects addressed the themes of bolstering outreach to underserved communities, promoting respect for human rights and transparency in government, empowerment of women and youth, and teacher training and STEM education,” the consulate stated.
It further stated that the mission also worked in other areas which included entrepreneurship, media literacy, as well as fostering a robust alumni network.
“The Consulate supported United States exchange alumni efforts to utilize the skills, knowledge, and networks gained through their exchange program experiences to address challenges faced by communities across southern Nigeria. Our exchange alumni organised clean-up campaigns, taught others job skills, marched to show support for combating gender-based violence, promoted technology in the classroom, and raised awareness of illegal wildlife trafficking.
“The alumni-led projects were selected for their strong sustainability plans, and many will continue past the grant period through volunteer work and other funding sources,” it added.
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Public Affairs Officer at U.S. Consulate, Stephen Ibelli applauded the U.S. alumni’s commitment in working to improve the lives of community members through sustainable projects.
According to him, the Consulate’s alumni-focused grant projects are part of the U.S. government’s efforts to support Nigeria’s economic development, improve livelihoods, and strengthen communities.
“We are proud to work with such an immensely energetic and creative community of alumni-led organisations and individuals committed to strengthening communities and empowering fellow Nigerians,” Ibelli stated.
Reflecting on the outgoing year, Ibelli noted that seven new American Spaces were opened in southern Nigeria, including a flagship American Corner in Ikeja, as part of the U.S. Consulate efforts aimed at bolstering its public engagement efforts.
Addresses of American Spaces in Nigeria can be found here.
On entrepreneurship, the Consulate also funded training of 250 women through the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), equipping them with vital skills to grow their businesses and contribute to the growth of small and medium enterprises in Nigeria.
“Some of our AWE graduates received funding from the U.S. Africa Development Foundation and local funding sources to scale their businesses.
“The Consulate also supported the shipment of 250 dairy cows to Ekiti State to boost milk production and introduced biotech cowpea to increase farmers’ yields and improve food security in Nigeria.
“In 2022, the United States will break ground on its New Consulate Compound at Eko Atlantic City, symbolizing the U.S.’s sustained investment in Nigeria and its focus on the Nigerian people.”
In a chat with Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders alumna, Angela Omeiza Ochu-Baiye, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, said she is grateful to different agencies both from home country and Nigeria who worked with the mission in delivering projects despite challenges encountered in 2021, and looks forward to working with various groups to achieve more in 2022.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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