NIGERIA: AMBASSADOR AWARDS SPECIAL SELF-HELP

UNCLAS LAGOS 000480 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID PGOV PREL NI SUBJECT: NIGERIA: AMBASSADOR AWARDS SPECIAL SELF-HELP PROJECTS ¶1. (U) Summary: On November 21, Ambassador Sanders signed agreements with seven non-governmental organizations to implement Mission's Special Self-Help grants for 2008. Grantees received a ceremonial check and participated in a training on administration of grant funds. The event was featured in at least three daily newspapers, including The Guardian, Vanguard, and Daily Independent, and on television and radio stations. End summary. ¶2. (U) On November 21, Ambassador Sanders hosted the Mission's 2008 Special Self-Help grantees at the American Guest Quarters in Lagos for a signing ceremony and training on grant administration. The Ambassador called the Special Self-Help program an exercise in democracy, and urged grantees to continue to work for improved quality of life in Nigeria. Investing in communities through the Special Self-Help program is just one of the ways the people of the United States, through the U.S. Mission, are working in partnership with Nigerians, the Ambassador said. She also gave grantees an overview of other USG partnership efforts to promote economic growth, just and democratic governance, investing in people, and peace and security. ¶3. (U) Representatives of each of the recipient organizations received a ceremonial check. The 2008 grantees include: the Daniel Igali Foundation in Bayelsa, Garram Children,s School in Plateau, Grace Hospital Eziama in Imo, Health Awareness and Gender Advocacy Initiative in Lagos, Npang-Niyes community in Plateau, Ovim Community Initiative in Abia, and Women,s Board in Ogun. These grants will fund school books, classroom furniture, boreholes, and surgical equipment. ¶4. (U) The event was featured in at least three major newspapers, including The Guardian, Vanguard, and Daily Independent, and on television and radio stations. ¶5. (U) This cable has been coordinated with Embassy Abuja. BLAIR