The Political and Economic Chief of the U.S. Consulate in Lagos, Mike Ervin, has said that the United States will continue to stand with Nigerian young leaders as they bring their sense of entrepreneurship, resilience and optimism to bear in solving the problems of society.
Speaking in Lagos during a one-day capacity building programme organised by the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria (MWFAAN) for the young public office holders in South West, Ervin said he has been in Nigeria for more than three years now.
“I have had the opportunity to meet with many youth leaders in Lagos and around Nigeria. I have had a good fortune of travelling to 14 states. Everywhere I have gone I have seen young tech entrepreneurs who are transforming the world. So, I am truly impressed by young people in Nigeria. I have seen their ideas in action. How they want to build their country, make their country safer and more prosperous,” he said.
He noted that as the two largest presidential democracies in the world, the U. S. and Nigeria are natural partners, adding that the programme would help to equip young leaders with the skills and knowledge to develop sound policies, communicate effectively with their constituents and maintain the public trust.
Ervin said the U. S. Government has long been committed to supporting youth participation in governance. “Our interest extends beyond just creating an institution in Nigeria. The United States recognises that peace, democracy and stability abroad directly contribute to America’s own security and prosperity. A more stable and democratic Nigeria creates conditions for economic growth, fosters regional stability and advances values that benefit our nations on both sides of the Atlantic,” he said.
The President of MWFAAN, Julius Ilori, used the event to celebrate MWFAAN alumni making a difference, including Hauwa Liman – Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Women and Youth and Abiodun Esset – Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central).
“Let this programme equip you to lead with vision, govern with accountability, and work together to solve the challenges facing our communities,” Ilori said.
Special Duties Secretary, MWFAAN and Lead Planner, Capacity Development for Young Political Appointees and Office Holders in South West, Mahfuz Alabidun, noted that as the organisation empowers young leaders with essential skills and knowledge, it is shaping the future of governance in Nigeria.
“Through this capacity development programme, we aim to foster effective leadership, promote transparency, and drive sustainable development in our communities.”
One of the guest speakers, Mariam Nurudeeen-Arole, who spoke on policy implementation by political office holders, urged the participants to initiate policies that impact lives positively.
She said: “For me, beyond just making bogus policies, you have to reflect on whether the people really need it. Is it a problem that needs to be solved? Ten years from now is this legacy going to be useful?”
One of the moderators of the event, Enitan Jessica Oba, said the programme was very successful as the participants were able to learn some things about leadership.
