US consulate awards $1.02m to Nigerian civic organisations

The US Consulate General in Lagos has announced that it will give civic organizations N423.3 million ($1.02 million) in 2021 to carry out projects in 17 Nigerian states.

The financed programs, according to the consulate, benefited marginalized communities, encouraged respect for human rights and government transparency, empowered women and youth, and assisted instructors in STEM education training.

Other efforts included entrepreneurship, media literacy, battling disinformation, and building a strong alumni network, according to the statement.

In a statement, US Consulate Public Affairs Officer Stephen Ibelli said, “We are thrilled to partner with such an enormously vibrant and creative network of alumni-led organisations and individuals committed to developing communities and empowering fellow Nigerians.”

He said seven new American Spaces were opened in southern Nigeria, including a flagship American Corner in Ikeja.

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The consulate added that it trained 250 women through the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs and provided them with skills to grow their businesses and contribute to the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises.

It said it supported the shipment of 250 dairy cows to Ekiti State to boost milk production, and introduced biotech cowpea to increase farmers’ yields and improve food security.

According to the consulate, it will break ground on its New Consulate Compound at Eko Atlantic City in 2022.