Charge d’Affaires of United States (U.S.) Mission in Nigeria, David Greene, has said his country is looking to partner with the President Tinubu administration to ensure the vision of Nigerians for their country is realised, by strengthening institutions and helping, in the words of the Nigerian national anthem, “build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.”
Speaking at the 247th birthday celebration of the United States of America, held at the Consulate House in Lagos, he said it was the first in-person Independence Day event, since 2019, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event was graced by representatives of the Senate President and Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, governors; deputy governors; members of the National Assembly; members of the diplomatic corps; religious leaders, captains of industry, publishers and others.
Greene said both countries share many principles in constitutions, institutions, citizens’ relationships to their governments and daily lives.
“Our struggles for independence, while centuries and continents apart, share the common vision of nations governed by their citizens, for the welfare of those citizens,” he said.
Noting that achieving the vision has been bumpy, he said both countries have had to work hard to preserve democratic principles and values, sometimes in the face of strong storms.
“Nigeria’s recent elections showcased the contradictions inherent in any democracy, at once highlighting this nation’s commitment to the democratic system, even as many voters were frustrated by the process. We, in the United States, know as well as any, that democracy is not a steady state, but a continuous process that requires focus, dedication and determination.”
He said the U.S. seeks to partner with friends and allies in strengthening democratic institutions, stressing that democracy needs to be renewed and defended globally.
He said: “Beyond the history and broad principles, I want to speak to our shared commitment to the practical work of any democracy, helping citizens live prosperous, secure, and healthy lives. Prosperity demands a stable economy in which businesses can succeed and in which citizens can aspire to leave their children better off. So, the United States partners with Nigerian entrepreneurs in agriculture, health, information technology and renewable energy, to help expand small and medium-sized businesses. We know that the success of any enterprise is dependent on reliable energy infrastructure; so the U.S. has helped bring electricity to over three million homes and businesses – so far, with the number to grow in the future.”
“But economic opportunity by itself is not enough; citizens need security. Through robust military-to-military ties, police training and judicial cooperation, both countries are partnering to bolster security capabilities, combat terrorism, violent crime, human rights abuses and corruption.”
He lamented the violent attack in Anambra State in May, which took the lives of three U.S. Mission staff and four Nigerian police officers. He also appreciated efforts of Nigerian authorities in working closely with U.S. Mission personnel to investigate the attack and recover other kidnapped colleagues.
He added: “Security itself isn’t enough, either, for the pursuit of happiness; citizens need good health, too. Through our partnership, Nigeria achieved Wild-type Polio virus-free status in 2020. Our PEPFAR programme, active in Nigeria for 20 years, is, incredibly, close to achieving HIV epidemic control. Together, we delivered 100 million COVID-19 vaccinations, an accomplishment that makes it possible to once again hold gatherings like this one.”
The special guest of honour, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, congratulated the U.S. and expressed delight at deepening of diplomatic ties via construction of a new consulate building, ongoing at Eko Atlantic city. This, he said, is a testament to the strength and longevity of the relationship both countries share.
