US opens public engagement space for youths to share ideas
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
A public diplomacy engagement space has been opened by the United States government at the Lagos Museum where young people can learn, research, and share ideas for comprehensive development.
Washington says it again demonstrates its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote learning, provide students the opportunity to share ideas in an engaging environment, and promote cultural preservation.
The space was launched by acting US Consul General James Suor, National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) Director General Abba Tijani, and Lagos Ministry of Youth and Social Development Permanent Secretary Aina Ayoola.
Suor hailed the event as another innovative project of the US government in Nigeria that will facilitate learning in an engaging environment for students.
“This modern educational space will stimulate curiosity in the minds of children, support learning, facilitate reflection and promote common ideals between the United States and Nigeria.
“The space will also promote shared values of democracy and encourage robust people-to-people ties,” he said.
Suor commended Pearl Recycling, a non-profit waste recycling organisation founded by Olamide Ayeni-Babajide, for working with the US Consulate to create the innovative space.
Ayeni-Babajide is an alumna of the TechWomen program sponsored by Washington.
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Benefits of US-funded programs
Suor explained that programs funded by Washinton have been of immense benefit to Nigerians, boosting intellectual and cross-cultural capital, and have also become catalysts for professional alumni networks that help address global challenges.
He said the recent upgrade of the Old Residency Museum Archive in Calabar with a digital conferencing facility and open space for educational events and the newly opened learning space at the National Museum in Lagos are important additions to the efforts of the US government to support Nigerian museums and the preservation of Nigerian cultural heritage.
“Since the inception of the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation program, Nigeria has received 10 grants worth $1 million with projects spread across the country, and these preservation projects benefit both future generations and the growth of the tourism industry.”
Tijani applauded America’s commitment to empowering young people through innovative learning spaces and preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
“This space is a world-class space and will provide people the opportunity to engage and learn, and also visit the newly renovated permanent exhibition at the national museum where we keep the cultural artifacts for posterity,” he said.
Ayoola also commended America for its continuing partnership with Nigeria to provide opportunities for children to explore their environment as part of an holistic educational experience.
The Public Diplomacy Engagement Space is funded through the public diplomacy grant of the US Consulate General Lagos to bring more young people to the Lagos Museum to learn, research, and share ideas.