Nigeria, US are natural allies on many issues, says Consul General Stevens
By Jeffrey Agbo
United States Consul General in Nigeria, Will Stevens, has said that Nigeria and the United States have shared visions that make them allies on many important matters within the continent and on the global scene.
Mr Stevens stated this on July 1 at the 248th Independence Day celebration of the US at his residence in the Ikoyi area of Lagos.
The event was attended by Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, deputy governors, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, religious leaders, Nollywood stars, social media influencers, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Every July 4, the US celebrates the day the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776, declaring the 13 American colonies a new nation: the United States of America.
In countries around the world, some US embassies and consulates host celebrations on the actual day or a few days before or after for logistic reasons.
Stevens said, “As the two largest presidential democracies in the world, the United States and Nigeria serve as robust examples for the rest of the globe. We have a shared commitment, as President Lincoln said, to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. And we recognize that democracy is not a destination, but a continuous journey where elected officials and citizens work together to address the needs of all.
“This shared vision makes the United States and Nigeria natural partners, friends, and allies on so many important issues across the continent and the globe.”
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He said that since the beginning of the year, the US Mission in Nigeria has had the opportunity to host high-level delegations from Washington, including the Secretary of State, the Deputy Secretary, and many others.
According to him, they all came seeking to better understand and expand the US-Nigeria partnership in key sectors including trade and investment, security, health, technology, and cultural exchange.
He also said the new US ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, who was received in Abuja last week, looks forward to his first trip to Lagos.
Speaking on the display of meals from Georgia, New York, Texas, and California at the event, Stevens said: “You may have noticed the theme of tonight’s celebration is ‘The Great American Roadtrip’. You will see booths dedicated to the states of California, Georgia, New York, and Texas. We selected these states because they boast some of the highest numbers of Nigerian diaspora in the United States. Over 700,000 people of Nigerian descent live in the United States, the largest of any African country. Nigerian culture and heritage are an integral part of the American story.
“And later this month we will welcome President Biden’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement, which includes two Nigerian Americans, to explore how these people-to-people ties translate into increased economic prosperity for both our nations.”