May 29, (THEWILL)- Last week, US Consul General, Will Stevens, paid a two-day visit to Edo State, highlighting the robust and enduring US-Nigeria bilateral relationship that fosters inclusive economic growth and shared prosperity for both of our two countries.
The Consul General met with Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his key cabinet members; the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II; civil society representatives, and alumni of US government exchange programmes with whom he discussed progress made on key mutual priorities such as health, technology, education, human capital development, and trade and investment.
Additionally, Consul General Stevens received a guided tour of the Edo Innovation and Edo Creative Hubs and observed the key role played by US tech companies, such as Amazon Web Services in training young people, including women, on high-demand digital skills, thereby supporting the development of emerging tech talents in Edo State.
Governor Obaseki and Consul General Stevens jointly launched the US Agency for International Development-supported Edo State Integrated Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC). The Consul General toured the facility and saw firsthand how US government health assistance programmes are helping to build resilient health systems that prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks in the state and across the region. The newly upgraded PHEOC — the first of its kind in Nigeria — will play a crucial role in analysing data on HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, immunizations, Lassa fever, and other public health concerns, enhancing Edo State’s response to emerging health threats.
At the Benin Window on America, Consul General Stevens inaugurated the third cohort of the GirlLEAD STEM Talent Accelerator Program for 25 girls from public secondary schools in Edo State. Supported through a public diplomacy grant from the US Consulate General Lagos, this programme offers mentorship and skills training to help girls explore careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
In his remarks, the Consul General underscored the importance of empowering and inspiring girls and young women to pursue careers in science and technology. “When barriers to the participation of women and girls in STEM fields are removed, we all benefit. Whether at home or abroad, promoting women in the STEM fields is a US government priority,” he noted.
The Consul General also visited the National Museum in Benin City, the forthcoming Museum of West African Arts, and toured Igun Street, renowned for its rich history in bronze casting and significance in Benin art and culture. He reaffirmed the US government’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s cultural preservation through initiatives like the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation and the Cultural Property Agreement Implementation Grant.
While meeting with alumni of US government-funded exchange programmes in Edo State, Consul General Stevens learned about the positive impacts these exchanges have had on their careers and community service. Representing different exchange programmes, including the International Visitors Leadership Program and the Mandela Washington Fellowship, alumni shared their experiences and emphasised the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties between Nigeria and the United States.
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