The United States government through its Consulate General in Lagos announces the award of grants to 45 beneficiaries on Monday, November 19

By Benprince Ezeh

The United States Consulate General in Lagos has awarded $453,568 to 45 individuals, non-government organisations, NGOs, and academic institutions from January 2018 till date.

The grants support a variety of worthwhile projects in the areas of human rights, transparency in government, freedom of the media, empowerment of women and youth, health, education, entrepreneurship, and the promotion of mutual understanding.

F. John Bray, the United States consul general, stated this on Monday, November 19 in Lagos, while recognising the commitment of the grantee organisations working to improve the lives of community members through sustainable projects that bolster good governance, education, and health.

According to him, the consulate’s grant award programme is part of the United States government’s efforts to support Nigeria’s economic development, improve livelihoods, and strengthen communities.

“The US Mission has several objectives here in Nigeria; one of the foremost is to support a healthier, more educated population in Nigeria.  One way in which we work to accomplish these goals is through grants.

“US Consulate received approximately 2000 strong and diverse project submissions, and as a result made awards ranging from $ 3,922 up to $80,000, depending on the proposed scope of activities.

“We are so proud to work with such an immensely energetic and creative community of organisations and individuals committed to strengthening communities and empowering fellow Nigerians,” Bray added.

On his part, Russell Brooks, the public affairs officer, PAO, while addressing the journalists at the event, said that the consul had identified some areas where  improvement are needed, and that it is the duty of every individual to support the course designed to assist communities through developmental projects aimed at improving basic living conditions at the grassroots.

“They are indications of our interests in supporting civil societies in variety of foundations and philanthropic groups that exist here. We saw groups that are working in the area of journalism and operating free media, youths and empowerment.

“All these are critical to Nigeria’s future and they also represent the goals and objectives of the US mission. We can’t achieve these purely with just the efforts of the staffs at the US mission, we need the assistance of the people of Nigeria.” Brooks said.

Speaking to Realnews, Abiona Oladoyin, the representative Fulbright Language Scholar’s Association, FULSAN, the association that introduced a new methodology, communicative language teaching to teachers of the English language, who got her second grant, said that people should not give up on Nigeria. “We understand that there are challenges, so whatever we have, let us try and replicate such in our environment for posterity’s sake and we should maximise this opportunity and make our society a better place,” she said.

Every year, the Public Affairs Section of the US Consulate General in Lagos, invites NGO’s, academic institutions, and individuals working in 17 states in southern Nigeria to submit proposals that seek innovative solutions to challenges facing local communities.

BE

– Nov. 20, 2018 @ 18:25 GMT |