Ramadan 2003 PD Strategy: Engaging Islam in Nigeria

UNCLAS ABUJA 002007

SIPDIS


STATE FOR AF/PD , R, IIP, PA, AF/PDPA RSmith
LAGOS FOR PAS
SENSITIVE


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL OIIP KPAO IS SPECI
SUBJECT: Ramadan 2003 PD Strategy: Engaging Islam in Nigeria


REF: STATE 302772



1. (U) This is in response to an action request. This telegram has been
cleared by DCM Rick Roberts.



2. (U) As in previous years, the Mission in Nigeria, including PAS, is
planning an active schedule of events.



3. (U) Washington File. PAS will distribute President Bush's Ramadan
message and other WF articles related to Ramadan.



4. (SBU) Iftaars. PAS Abuja provided press support for the POL/ECON
"Unity" Iftaar in Kaduna on November 4th and has prepared packs on
"Islam in the US" to distribute at two Iftaars being planned by the
DCM on November 10th and 13th. PAS will host a special Iftaar for
the Press on November 18th in Kaduna. PAS will also provide support
for the Chargi's Iftaar on November 19th.



5. (U) Print Publications. PAS staff will prepare a
"Thanksgiving/Ramadan" feature for publication in Crossroads
(English Language) and Magama (Hausa language) magazines.



6. (U) AFNETS/TV Productions. PAS Lagos has requested an AFNET
on 'Islam in the U.S.' PAS Abuja is planning to host a showing of the
NTA co-op production on 'Islam in the U.S.' at the Yar'adua Center
(named in memory of a leading northern politician).



7. (U) Public Appearances. PAS Lagos has scheduled a series of
appearances on Muslim focused TV and radio channels to discuss
shared values and to touch on the Ramadan messages of President
Bush and Secretary Powell. Programs include Star FM/Murhi
International TV, Eko FM's morning show, Eko FM's Tiwan Tiwa
noon Friday Muslim issues show. There will also be a Tuesday
briefing for the print media, which will use a Muslim American
spouse. PAS Abuja will take advantage of Ramadan and International
Education Week to have the EAC sponsor a round table discussion for
alumni and PAS staff at Barewa Government College, Zaria. Most of
Nigeria's Muslim leaders and the first Prime Minister graduated from
Barewa College.




MEECE