British Council restates commitment to developing Nigeria

Seeks media partnership on programmes

The British Council has restated its commitment to developing Nigeria as it seeks media partnership to aid development. Country Director, British Council, Lucy Pearson, said a mutual beneficial relationship would be of huge benefits to their programmes in the country.

Pearson, who spoke when she led a team from the British Council Nigeria on a courtesy visit to The Guardian’s headquarters on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Isolo, Lagos, said: “We will continue to partner with civil society organisations, government ministries and institutions in the United Kingdom (UK), Nigeria and around the world to deliver high quality programmes.

“We are concerned with the socio-economic challenges that face the Nigerian government and people, and work to strengthen public institutions, facilitate dialogue and highlight key issues facing the country.“We support government agencies, policy-makers, non-state actors and community leaders to collaborate locally and internationally to encourage the development of inclusive, cohesive and accountable societies.”

Also, Director of Schools, British Council Nigeria, Mohammed Ahmed, said the Council is committed to bringing people together to experience UK ultra to collaborate with other people across the world.He said: “Inasmuch that we don’t provide library services again in Nigeria, we are trying to bring people together to experience UK ultra to collaborate with other people across the world. While we do not provide these services, what we have tried to do is to find alternative ways of bringing people together through arts, among others.”

Meanwhile, Editor of The Guardian, Abraham Ogbodo, who commended the British Councils for their dedication towards support to the country, assured them of continuous support in the course of their duties.“It is good that we encourage you to increase your tempo because even with what you are doing, we still need so much and it is not restricted to one part of the country alone.

“Skills and positive building is very key in this dispensation and the collaboration you just mentioned is a welcome idea and the least we can do is to give you all the support. You did a lot for the media. You also did a lot of trainings, programmes and exposure for reporters of which we commend you. From this end, we assure you of our support.”