Remain committed to societal innovations, U.S. Consul General urges CYFI Fellows

United States (U.S.) Consul General F. John Bray, has advised the 2017 cohort of the Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative (CYFI), to against all odds remain committed and passionate to promoting societal growth and advancement.

Bray who handed down the charge during the graduation ceremony of the CYFI Fellows at Consul General’s Residence in Ikoyi, said the initiative was launched in 2011 with the aim of bringing Nigerian youths together to design and implement projects focused on societal innovation.

He said the graduating 20 young Nigerians who were selected through a very competitive programme, have carried out group projects within their communities.

Their projects, he added were focused on promoting civic engagement, economic empowerment, education and health care delivery.

He said, “Our objective at the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos is to support efforts that address Nigerian issues, particularly economic development, access to healthcare, peace and security and transparency and good governance. To that end, the CYFI program is an incredibly valuable program, in that it allows some of the most promising young people in Nigeria who are passionate about these issues to affect real, positive change.
 
“Stay committed and passionate to societal innovation and change in your society, even in the face of obstacles. I hope that the successes you have had this year have shown you that the impact of your efforts far outweigh the trials and tribulations you sometimes face in the course of enacting this change.”

He commended them for bringing a wealth of knowledge and skills to the table.