PD OCTOBER ROUND-UP - MISSION NIGERIA PROGRAMS SUPPORT

UNCLAS ABUJA 002270 DEPT FOR AF/PDPA C. ANYASO, D. WHITMAN, S. LISENBY DEPT FOR AF T. DOUGHERTY DEPT FOR AF/W A. SILSKI DEPT FOR AF/Ex FOR V. REYNOLDS DEPT FOR IIP/G/AF D. WHARTON, S. DOMOWITZ, A. MURPHY DEPT FOR ECA FOR R. RUTH DEPT FOR R FOR R.REYNOLDS PARIS FOR ARS L. COWHER CORRECTED COPY OF ABUJA 2252 -- TEXT REMOVED PARA 3. SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KPAO SCUL KDEM ECON EFIN NI SUBJECT: PD OCTOBER ROUND-UP - MISSION NIGERIA PROGRAMS SUPPORT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, PEACE AND SECURITY, EDUCATION, ECONOMIC GROWTH, DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNANCE ¶1. Summary: In the month of October, public diplomacy activities of the U.S. Mission to Nigeria supported each of the four pillars of the U.S. - Nigeria Framework for Partnership: Governing Justly and Democratically, Investing in People, Economic Trade and Growth, and Peace and Security. Headlines from this month's activities include: -- A Roundtable Discussion on U.S. Electoral Process with Nigerian Women in Politics -- Policy Remarks on U.S. Elections to Students, Politicians and Civil Society Members in Yola by Ambassador Sanders -- Political Counselor leads discussion of "The American Presidential Election Process" at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria -- Information Resource Center Conducts Workshop on Web Publishing and Information Research for Librarians -- American Corners Commemorate World Teachers Day with Programs on Literacy and HIV/AIDS -- USTDA Grant Supports Development of Hydroelectric Power in Northern Nigeria -- Lagos Chapter IVLP Alumni hosts lecture on the 2008 U.S. presidential election -- U.S. Expert lectures on ADR -- Embassy Educational Advising Center Abuja hosts Amherst College Recruiter on Education USA -- U.S. Embassy's Educational Advising Center 10th annual College and Career fair -- Educational Opportunities Beckons as U.S. Embassy's Educational Advising Center Holds Graduate Fair -- Mission Announces New Visa Appointment System -- U.S. Government Donates Utility Vehicles to the Nigerian Army -- United States Diplomats Donate N 412,000 in Medical Supplies to Local Clinic -- SIFE Nigeria Concludes Skills workshops in Niger and Kaduna States -- U.S. Mission Public Affairs Engages Adamawa State Media and Cultural Institutions -- U.S. Volvis Program Alumni Sensitizes Nigerian Public on Environmental Awareness The mission's web site (http://nigeria.usembassy.gov/) features reports of these and other events and remains a major source of information used by journalists and the Nigerian public. End Summary. A Roundtable Discussion on U.S. Electoral Process with Nigerian Women in Politics -------------- -------------- ¶2. U.S. Ambassador Robin Sanders led three distinguished women politicians -- Honorable Beni Lar, House of Representatives Chair on Women Affairs and Social Development; Hajiya Inna Ciroma, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Women Leader and Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf, a journalist -- at a roundtable discussion held at the International Press Center, Abuja on the U.S. electoral process and its implications for the status of women in politics. Three of the speakers recently returned from their participation in the U.S. National Democratic Party Convention in Denver[DWR1]. The roundtable dialogue was organized by the U.S. Mission, Nigeria in collaboration with the International Republican Institute (IRI),the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the Ministry of Information and Communication. ¶3. The speakers identified major obstacles that hinder Nigerian women from politics, including gender inequality in the composition of party executive offices, lack of finance, an uneven playing field during the candidate selection process and political violence. Ambassador Sanders recommended women candidates prepare early for their pursuit of political office and advised that women should effectively mobilize and engage the people at the grassroots. ¶4. Positive media coverage included reports from Africa's largest TV network - The Nigerian Television Authority (60 million viewers) and Radio Nigeria (65 million listeners). Several major newspapers covered the event, including the Guardian (90,000 readers),Daily Trust (45,000 readers),New Nigerian 45,000 readers),and Leadership (45,000 readers). Ambassador Sanders delivers Policy Remarks on U.S. Elections to Students, Politicians and Civil Society Members in Yola -------------- ¶5. As part of the U.S. Mission's national program of events on the 2008 U.S. Elections, Ambassador Robin Renee Sanders delivered a policy speech at the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola on October 17 to an enthusiastic audience of over 850 students, faculty members, journalists and civil society leaders. ¶6. Dignitaries who attended the event organized by the AUN and the Public Affairs Section included the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology Yola Professor Abdullahi Ribadu and his senior faculty, the AUN President Dr. Michael Smith, AUN's Board member Professor Samuel Aleyideino and the Academic Vice President Professor Jim Garofalo and other senior faculty of the university. ¶7. Ambassador Sanders spoke on "What Democracies do for Their People: Strong Institutions and Smooth Transitions," and highlighted the benefits and challenges of democracy. She also underscored the importance of the U.S. commitment to support democracy and good governance in Nigeria. She noted that the U.S. Mission is hosting election night events in Abuja and Lagos featuring U.S. election coverage, information and programs on the U.S. election process. ¶8. Positive media coverage included reports from The Nigerian Television Authority (60 million viewers) and Radio Nigeria (65 million listeners). Several major newspapers reported the event including the Guardian (90,000 circulation),Daily Trust (45,000 circulation),New Nigerian 45,000 circulation),and Leadership (45,000 circulation). Political Counselor leads discussion of "The American Presidential Election Process" at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria -------------- -- ¶9. Political Counselor Walter Pflaumer lectured on "The American Presidential Election Process" at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria on October 17 as part of the Mission's program of democracy outreach events leading up the 2008 U.S. Elections. He discussed the primary election process, including the use of party caucuses, and spoke extensively on the structure and role of the Electoral College. Pflaumer also took several questions from the packed audience of students and senior faculty. Pflaumer's visit included a courtesy call on University Vice Chancellor Professor Shehu Usman Abdullahi and an exchange of views on the U.S. political process with the faculty of the Political Science Department. ¶10. In nearby Kaduna on October 16 Pflaumer met with media representatives as well as leaders and activists from NGOs dealing with democracy, human rights, and election monitoring for a scene-setter briefing at the Arewa House to share information about the ABU lecture and to listen to the group's questions on the 2008 U.S. elections. The meeting included a lively discussion of the U.S. election process. ¶11. Many of the participants at both programs said the lecture and discussions gave them a better understanding of the U.S. Electoral College and the conduct of elections in the United States. Positive media reports included Leadership newspaper (40,000 circulation), Daily Trust (35,000 circulation),New Nigerian (35,000 circulation), and electronic media reports from NTA Kaduna (30 million viewers) and Voice of Nigeria (20 million listeners). Lagos Chapter IVLP Alumni hosts lecture on the 2008 U.S. presidential election -------------- ¶12. U.S. Mission Consul General Donna Blair was the keynote speaker at a lecture on the 2008 U.S. elections organized by the Lagos Chapter of the IVLP Alumni. The lecture focused on how alumni can build on their U.S. exchange experiences to foster economic development and sustainable democratic governance in Nigeria. Event Chairperson and a 2007 presidential aspirant, Professor Pat Utomi, Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, Mr. Kofo-Abayomi (representing the Lagos State Governor) and guest lecturer Prof. Bola Akinterinwa of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs all spoke on the 2008 U.S. elections and their significance for Nigeria. ¶14. The theme of the lecture was "The U.S. Presidential Election System: Lessons for Nigeria," and took place in Ikoyi, Lagos. It attracted notable personalities such as former Nigerian Ambassador to the U.S.(2003-07),Prof. George Obiozor, several representatives of the Lagos State judiciary, politicians, and alumni of other USG-funded exchange programs. ¶18. The lecture was well attended with considerable interaction between the audience and speakers. The event received wide media coverage in both the electronic and print media: Channels TV (over 10 million viewers),Silverbird Television (over 5 million viewers), Guardian newspaper (over 90,000) and Vanguard newspaper (80,000 thousand readers). U.S. Expert lectures on Alternative Dispute Resolution -------------- ¶15. Dr. Fellina Nwadike, a U.S.-based peace building and conflict resolution expert, is conducting training sessions in Nigeria on peace building mechanisms and conflict resolution. Her program is funded by a six-week grant under the Fulbright Specialists Program. Dr. Nwadike is Associate Professor of Speech Communication at Coppin State University in Baltimore, ¶16. While in Abuja and Sokoto, Professor Nwadike will train lawyers, judges, magistrates, and law students on alternative dispute resolution methodologies and best practices. In addition, she will provide training on effective communication and listening skills, which are essential in the mediation process. These training sessions are conducted in collaboration with Settlement House, a dispute resolution center in Abuja, and the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Center for Peace Studies in Sokoto. Information Resource Center Conducts Workshop on Web Publishing and Information Research for Librarians -------------- -------------- ¶17. At the invitation of the Information Technology Section (ITS) of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA),U.S. Mission Nigeria Information Resource Officer Linda Parker and IRC Specialist/Webmaster Samuel Eyitayo were lead facilitators at the annual Library and Information Technology Today (LITT 2008) workshop in Zaria, Kaduna State. The workshop attracted 49 professional participants from 26 Nigerian states. Eyitayo pioneered the LITT program when he served as the chair of ITS. ¶18. The Embassy played a crucial role in formulating the curriculum as well as identifying resource persons. The workshop was conducted in the laboratory of the University library. Parker and Eyitayo led the training under the theme "Basics of Web Development for Library and Information Centers," using practical demonstration and hands-on activities to enhance the participants learning. This training will assist many libraries and information centers in their efforts to provide web-based services. ¶19. Several participants discussed the impact of the workshop in the NLA's blog (http://blog.nla-ng.org). For example, The Sun newspaper librarian Leo Nwokoji wrote: "before this workshop, I had thought that the marriage between I.T. and library practice was mere conviviality. I have come to realize that it is for better and for worse. I have cleared the phobia. I am readily equipped to speak the language of web developers at least at the basic level." Another participant writes "LITT 2008, in my opinion, the workshop is enriched and indicates an improvement on LITT 2007. The practical session is encouraging and has given participants a good start to developing websites..." Some participants said the hands-on approach to the training gave them the knowledge to create a blog either for their institution or themselves. Further stories on the workshop on NLA website: http://www.nla-ng.org. U.S. Mission Commemorates World Teachers Day with Program on Literacy and HIV/AIDS -------------- ¶20. The U.S. Mission in Nigeria commemorated the 2008 World Teachers Day in Lagos with a program entitled "Literacy is for the Living". The program highlighted the highly positive U.S. partnership against AIDS and emphasized that because of PEPFAR, People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) have been given new leases on life and are facing the future without fear and with confidence. Society for Health and the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) collaborated with the Public Affairs Section (PAS) to implement this program. The 50 participants (15 more than were expected) included several Lagos State education permanent secretaries, the Senior Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor and the CEO of LSACA, as well as principals of both private and public schools and directors of education. ¶21. Victor Omoshehin, a PLWHA, held the audience spell-bound with the story of how he had considered suicide upon learning that he was HIV-positive and how his life was turned around when he came in contact with PEPFAR. He was lucky to have family support, and with the help of PEPFAR, he learned to live positively. He is currently the National Coordinator of the Association of Positive Youths Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (APYIN). Many principals were keen to have him speak to their students. ¶22. Grass-roots and community sub-partner Ms. Simisola Agada discussed her training by SFH under the auspices of PEPFAR. She currently leads an organization called Youth Health Concept and works. She is involved in awareness programs and carries out voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services. ¶23. At the end of the program, participants agreed to step up actions to combat HIV/AIDS in their various schools. All 30 of the participants that completed program evaluation surveys said they were satisfied (53%) or very satisfied (47%) with the program. The Society for Family Health provided free VCT services at the end of the program; several participants availed themselves of the service. ¶24. The event received both electronic and print media coverage from NTA (60 million viewers),The Guardian, (90,000 in circulation) This Day (90,000 circulation),New Age Newspapers (45,000 circulation) and The Nation (40,000 circulation). USTDA Feasibility Study Grant Supports Development of Hydroelectric Power in Northern Nigeria -------------- -------------- ¶25. On October 17, Ambassador Sanders and the Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako (Admiral Retired),signed a grant to support the development of a hydroelectric power project in the state. The $467,000 grant awarded through the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) will fund a feasibility study of a proposed 35 megawatt (MW) hydroelectric power plant at the existing Kiri Dam site, located on the Gongola River in Adamawa State. The hydroelectric power study, the first of its kind in the country, will develop a template for power plant project feasibility evaluations in Nigeria. ¶26. Currently, Adamawa State relies on the national grid as its main source of power, but the national grid configuration makes for a fragile delivery system and often leaves the state's capital city Yola and surrounding areas vulnerable to power outages. Diesel-fueled backup generators are used sporadically in Yola, but fuel supplies can be prohibitively expensive for many residents and businesses. The development of a hydroelectric power plant at the Kiri Dam would provide an additional, reliable source of power for the state. Embassy Educational Advising Center Abuja hosts Amherst College Recruiter on Education USA -------------- --- ¶27. The Education Advising Center (EAC) in Abuja hosted Eli Bromberg, Assistant Director of Admissions, Amherst College, Massachusetts for discussions at several very competitive high schools within the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja. ¶28. Three hundred and fifty students and guidance counselors from Loyola Jesuit College, African International College, Cherry Field College, and the American International School Abuja benefited from the visit. The advising center also organized a one day colloquium and workshop for EAC members and the general public that focused specifically on admissions processes and financial aid opportunities at liberal arts colleges in the United States. ¶29. By the end of the outreach sessions participants received accurate, first-hand information on studying in the U.S., including financial aid for international students. Several of the participants said that the exercise was enriching, rewarding and educational. U.S. Embassy's Educational Advising Center Holds 10th Annual College and Career Fair -------------- -------------- ¶30. Ten recruiters, professors and alumni from U.S. universities attended this year's 10th annual College and Career fair organized by the Educational Advising Center. The recruiters were available throughout the one-day event to provide information on admissions and the financial aid process for their respective institutions. Among the schools represented were Harvard Law School, North Carolina Central University, Loyola University Chicago and Pennsylvania State University. ¶31. More than 1400 students representing over 30 secondary schools, their principals, guidance counselors and members of the public participated in the undergraduate fair. In addition to the U.S. institutions, Nigerian educational partners, fair sponsors and educational testing institutions were represented. ¶32. The Educational Advising Center's annual College and Career Fairs have directly contributed to an increase in highly qualified Nigerian students studying in the U.S. The fairs also provide an opportunity to disseminate information on U.S. education to a wide audience. For fall 2008, the Educational Advising Center attracted over 1.51 million U.S. dollars in scholarship funding for its student members. Educational Opportunities Beckons at Educational Advising Center's Graduate Fair -------------- ¶33. Ambassador Sanders gave the keynote remarks at the second annual Graduate Student Fair organized by the Educational Advising Center (EAC),Abuja, which was co-sponsored by several prominent Nigerian companies. The Graduate Student Fair attracted over eighty participants including U.S. university representatives, alumni, Ford Foundation Fellows, dignitaries from Nigerian academia, fair sponsors, professionals from financial institutions and prospective graduate students. Among the dignitaries were the Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, the representative of the Minister for Education, and representatives from the Petroleum Technology Development Fund and Educational Trust Fund. ¶34. The Graduate Student Fair is organized to bridge the disparity between the number of undergraduate students and graduate students seeking to study in the U.S. The percentage of graduate student-members of the advising center has doubled since the first Graduate Student Fair in 2007. The EAC also attracted full and partial scholarships for its graduate members from institutions like Harvard School of Public Health, Tulane University Freeman School of Business and Brandeis University. ¶35. This year's Graduate Student Fair received wide coverage from the radio, print and television. Positive media reports included Leadership newspaper (40,000 circulation),Daily Trust (35,000 circulation),New Nigerian (35,000 circulation),and a report from NTA (60 million viewers). Mission Announces New Visa Appointment System -------------- ¶36. The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Mission, Nigeria facilitated an opportunity for members of the media to inspect the newly instituted improvements in the processing of nonimmigrant visa applications. From October 29, the U.S. Embassy Mission is partnering with VFS Global on a one-year pilot program to provide more convenient, secure, and user-friendly services to those applying for U.S. visas in Abuja and Lagos. VFS manages the on-line visa appointment system, operates a visa information call center, and handles return of passports with issued visas. The system is expected to provide improved customer service and convenience. The new visa improvements made front page news in many Nigerian dailies and prime time in many electronic media outlets: the Guardian Newspaper (circulation 90,000),"New Age" (circulation 45,000,000),This Day Newspaper (circulation 90,000),Punch (circulation 95,000),NTA (Africa's largest TV network - over 100 million viewers),Channels TV (5 Million viewers),AIT (100 million viewers),Radio Nigeria (more than 30 million listeners),and Rhythm 93.7 FM radio among others. U.S. Government Donates Utility Vehicles to the Nigerian Army -------------- ¶37. The U.S. Government funded African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance (ACOTA) program on October 24 donated one ambulance and five utility vehicles to the Nigerian Armed Forces Peacekeeping Training and Operations Center in Jaji, Kaduna State. ¶38. The vehicles, which total approximately $400,000 USD, will be used to support the logistical and administrative requirements of the training center. This will include transporting personnel and equipment to and from the various training areas and base camps. The ambulance will provide the center with the ability to respond quickly to any medical emergency. ¶39. Positive media reports include Leadership newspaper (45,000 circulation),Nigerian Tribune (30,000 circulation) and African Independent Television (100 million viewers). United States Diplomats Donate US$ 3,500 In Medical Supplies to Local Clinic -------------- ¶40. In keeping with U.S. Mission Nigeria's theme of investing in people, a group of American volunteers from the U.S. Consulate General Lagos delivered US$ 3,500 worth of medical supplies to the Ife Oluwa Maternity Clinic, Orphanage, and School in Lekki, Lagos, on Monday, October 13th. The group spent the day talking with the expectant mothers, holding babies, and playing with the school children. The occasion was the first opportunity for some mission members to visit a medical clinic or school in Nigeria and they found the experience life changing. One volunteer remarked, "It is so inspiring to see so many babies and children full of joy despite the hardships that they face every day." ¶41. Mama Theresa Marquis, the founder and owner of Ife Oluwa, was pleased to host the group and receive the donations, which included two hospital beds, an infant bed, portable sonogram machine, instrument trolley, and surgical equipment. Recent renovations to the clinic have created a surgical floor to begin performing Cesarean sections. ¶42. The donations were funded by the U.S.-based J. Kirby Simon Foundation, which provides funding to U.S. diplomats interested in investing in local communities. It marks the first grant from the foundation to the U.S. Consulate General Lagos. Consulate volunteers plan to continue their outreach in upcoming months to organizations including Ife Oluwa and the Pacelli School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. SIFE Nigeria Concludes Skills Workshops in Niger and Kaduna State -------------- ¶43. More than 400 unemployed youths from Minna in Niger State and Zaria in Kaduna State received training in catering, computer repair, hair styling, phone repair, farming, screen printing, and tailoring from the Nigeria chapter of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE). The effort was a six-month skills training program followed with an award and grant to participants. The US$59,000 grant for the program was made possible by a special supplemental budget allocation from the U.S. Department State. Public Affairs Engages Adamawa State Media And Cultural Institutions during Annual Offsite -------------- -- ¶44. The U.S. Mission Nigeria Public Affairs Section held its annual planning meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, North East Nigeria, from October 14 - 18. The choice of Yola was strategic in the Mission's outreach effort to partner with Nigerian communities across the country. PAS previously held similar events in Ibadan and Lagos in the South West and Kaduna in the North Central geopolitical zones. ¶45. Highlights of the institutional visits included meeting with alumni of the Mission's high profile International Visitors Leadership Program who are now making a difference by driving the change and creativity in their fields of endeavor such as FRCN's affiliate in Yola. ¶46. The team also visited the Fombina Palace Museum which had benefited from training on manuscripts preservation under the Ambassador's Special Fund for Cultural Preservation Project as well as the Federal University of Technology Yola which had benefited from on campus HIV/AIDS awareness campaign under the U.S. President's Emergency Program for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). ¶47. Secondary school students in Yola also benefited from educational advising sessions especially those who intend study in America. U.S. Volvis Program Alumni Sensitizes Nigerian Public on Environmental Awareness -------------- ¶48. On October 21, U.S. Mission Public Affairs Counselor and the ESTH officer attended a reception to honor members of the Nigerian 3rd Expedition Across the Sahara Desert undertaken to raise awareness against desert encroachment and global warming. The event was jointly organized by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and the Environment and private partners, including Exxon Mobil. The highpoint of the event was a photo exhibition and a brief clip from an upcoming documentary on the expedition. ¶49. Newton Jibunoh, captain of the expedition and a recent participant of the US Voluntary Visitor program, characterized desertification and global warming as real threats to Nigeria, the surrounding countries, and the world and encouraged collective action by all. He thanked the USG for its support and encouraged young Nigerians to join in the fight against global warming. SANDERS