The US has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting Nigeria in improving health, security, economic growth, human rights, democracy, and education throughout the country.

Beginning in January 2021, the United States Consulate General in Lagos will award $1.02 million to civic organizations to implement projects in 17 southern Nigerian states.

The funded projects focused on expanding outreach to underserved communities, promoting human rights and transparency in government, empowering women and youth, and teacher training and STEM education.

Other themes included entrepreneurship, media literacy, combatting misinformation as well as fostering a robust alumni network.

The Consulate supported United States exchange alumni efforts to utilise the skills, knowledge, and networks gained through their exchange program experiences to address challenges faced by communities across southern Nigeria.

Its exchange alumni organised clean-up campaigns, taught others job skills, marched to show support for combatting 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.

U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Stephen Ibelli praised the U.S. alumni’s commitment to working to improve the lives of community members through sustainable projects.