November/December 2016 A publication of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria CROSSROADS AMERICA HAS VOTED
1 CROSSROADS | October/November 2016 EVENTS SECRETARY KERRY VISITS ABUJA July 23 & 24, 2016
Secretary Kerry Shakes Hands With Nigerian President Young women in STEM show Secretary Kerry their projects Muhummadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja following a meeting at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja
Secretary Kerry meets with a group of young women who have Secretary Kerry is made welcome by the Nigerian been empowered, or are empowering others through Education Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama
Secretary Kerry Addresses staff of the Secretary Kerry Poses for a Photo with the U.S. Marine U.S. Embassy and their family members Security Guard Detachment in Abuja, Nigeria AMBASSADOR’S NOTES
delighted to be here and especially new chapters to our long history grateful to have arrived now, with an of working with Nigeria to support opportunity to build on the legacy of democracy, justice, and civil rights, your successes over the past years. health and education, peace and From strengthening the Nigerian security, and economic growth and polity, to stopping Ebola, to fighting development. Our partnership to terror and helping victims, your advance our common interests will response together with your partners continue. has been remarkable. This issue highlights some of the We are deeply grateful to be one activities we are working on with of those partners. I am thankful to Nigerians. For example, the United every Nigerian who has worked to States Agency for International forge between our nations and our Development is engaged in providing peoples enduring ties strengthened humanitarian assistance to families by shared principles and common in the Northeast displaced by the interests. There is no tighter bond. violence of Boko Haram.
The World is at a Crossroads, and I In addition, we are supporting am convinced that Nigeria will help Nigerian government officials and W. Stuart Symington ensure we move forward together. I members of civil society in their fight U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria am privileged to be in your country against corruption. Inside this issue, and look forward to working with you you will see how we are working with ear CROSSROADS in the months ahead. members of the judiciary and with Readers, clerics across Nigeria on their anti- In this issue, we shine the spotlight corruption efforts. Thank you very much on the recent American Presidential for the warm welcome election. As the process of I hope that you enjoy this publication Nigerians have given transitioning from one Administration as much as we enjoyed putting it my wife, Susan, to another unfolds, the United States together. and me. We are will remain your strong friend and D committed partner. We will add W. Stuart Symington Vol. 22 No. 1 is publishedCROSSROADS quarterly by the Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy, Nigeria In This Issue... EDITORIAL TEAM Aruna Amirthanayagam (Counselor for Public Affairs) A Special The Legacy Darcy Zotter Introduction of American (Public Affairs Officer, Lagos) Pg 4 Schooling Russell Brooks Pg 14 (Press Attaché) Sani Mohammed Olaoluwa Aworinde Awaiting a American (Editors) Plentiful Spaces and Address all correspondence to: Harvest the Youth The Editor, Public Affairs Section Pg 6 Pg 16 U.S. Embassy Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central Business Area, Abuja, Nigeria 2016 Tributes Tel: (09) 461-4000. Fax: 09-461-4305 American Pg 18 Elections LAGOS OFFICE: Pg 10 U.S. Consulate General, Public Affairs 2, Walter Carington Crescent, Lagos Tel.: +234-703-150-4867/2444 Legendary Opportunities
Nigerian- Pg 20 E-mail: [email protected] Americans nigeria.usembassy.gov Website: Pg 13 Follow us on:
3 CROSSROADS | October/November 2016 Introduction of the Eastern District of Missouri, then litigated and practiced corporate law in New York, London, Paris, and St. Joseph, Missouri, before becoming a Foreign Service Officer in 1986. After beginning his diplomatic career tracking protests and politics in Honduras, he moved to Spain and worked on economic issues before serving as the Ambassador’s aide during Desert Shield and Storm. At the State Department, he worked for the Under Secretary for Political Affairs on Latin American and African issues, backing up as his aide for Bosnia. During a year-long Pearson Fellowship, he served on the staff of Congressman Ike Skelton studying U.S. military joint operations and education. He later traveled to Sudan and North Korea on teams negotiating to free American captives before finishing the year as an aide to the U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations. As a political officer in Ecuador, Symington forged ties to the political opposition, indigenous leaders, military commanders, and other government and private sector leaders.
From 2001-2003, Symington served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Niger, West Africa, and as Chargé d’affaires, a.i., dealing with military mutinies, terrorist threats, On September 28, 2016, W. Stuart Symington was and civil unrest. He mounted an outreach effort to confirmed by the United States Senate as the nextU.S. Muslim leaders, fostered anti-terrorism cooperation, and Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. buttressed Niger’s democracy with a key food security program. He then returned to the State Department as Most recently, Ambassador W. Stuart Symington served the Deputy Director of West African Affairs in the Africa as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central Africa Bureau, working on the Trans-Sahara Counter Terrorism and African Security Affairs. He also served as U.S. Initiative, humanitarian and development issues, and Special Representative for the Central African Republic challenges to security and democratic stability. from 2014 to 2015. From 2011-2014, Symington was the Foreign Policy Advisor to the Commander, North From October 2004 to February 2005, Symington worked American Aerospace Command (NORAD) and U.S. for Ambassador Negroponte in Iraq on the election Northern Command, working with foreign partners and process and political issues, managing pre-election U.S. government departments and agencies to defend political reporting from around the country and visiting against threats to national and regional security. From reporting officers in six of our ten regional offices during 2008-2011 he was U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda, helping the run-up to the election. Symington also worked at to increase regional security cooperation and accelerate the National Defense University’s Joint Forces Staff improvements in health care. And from 2006-2008, College in Norfolk, studying and teaching how America’s Symington served as Ambassador to Djibouti, leading diplomats and warriors can cooperate best to advance Embassy efforts to advance regional economic U.S. interests abroad. integration, defuse humanitarian crises, and promote democratic development. Join us in welcoming Ambassador Symington to Nigeria as he continues the legacy of a symbiotic partnership He was raised in Missouri, earned a bachelor’s degree between the United States of America and Nigeria and from Brown University, and a Juris Doctorate from working together to achieve common goals. Columbia University. He clerked for the Chief Judge 4 CROSSROADS | October/November 2016 David J. Young has been serving as Human Rights; a Pearson Fellow the Deputy Chief of Mission, US. in the House of Representatives; Embassy Abuja, Nigeria since August Public Affairs Officer at Embassy 2016. Guatemala; and Director of the Office of International Religious Mr. Young previously served as Freedom. Mr. Young graduated from Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. the University of Missouri with a Embassy in Lusaka, Zambia (2013- bachelor’s degree in journalism. He 2016). received a Master of Divinity degree A Foreign Service Officer for 26 and a Master of Arts in international years, Mr. Young was Deputy Director relations from Boston University. of the Office of the U.S. Special Born and raised in Kansas City, Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan Missouri, he and his wife Diane Weisz and he served as Acting Deputy Chief Young have two children, Paul and of Mission in Khartoum, Sudan. Prior Sarah. He is a fanatic of the Kansas to this, he was Executive Assistant City Chiefs and Royals and loves his to the Under Secretary of State for hometown KC barbeque. Civilian Security, Democracy and
in September 2016. His last posting United States Trade Representative was at the Foreign Service Institute (USTR). From 2000 Aruna worked in in Arlington, Virginia where he served Public Affairs as the Cultural Attaché as a Senior Advisor in the School for in Ethiopia, as Desk Officer for West Professional and Area Studies. Africa in Washington, as the Cultural Attaché in Kenya and the Counselor Aruna grew up in Sri Lanka and for Public Affairs in Singapore. He Britain before moving to the U.S. was then posted to Bolivia where in 1975 when his father joined he served initially as Counselor the East-West Center in Hawaii. for Public Affairs, as Acting Deputy Aruna has a BA with distinction in Chief of Mission and then as Chargé international relations from Stanford d’Affaires. His last overseas posting University and an MBA in finance and was as Deputy Chief of Mission at international business from Cornell the U.S. Embassy to the Eastern University. Caribbean based in Barbados. After several years in the private Aruna’s wife, Vathani, is a former sector with Bank of America and IBM, USAID officer who focuses on health he joined the U.S. Foreign Service Aruna Amirthanayagam is a career and human rights issues. They have in 1990. He served as an economic member of the Senior Foreign a son and a daughter in college in officer in Haiti, the Philippines, and Service. He assumed the position the U.S. Aruna enjoys sports as well India as well as a Deputy Director for of Counselor for Public Affairs at as music and travel. the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria Mexican Affairs at the Office of the
2016 as the Information Officer Before joining the Foreign Service, and Mission Spokesperson. Brooks was a writer and producer His responsibilities include with ABC Sports in New York City. He organizing press engagements for began his broadcasting career as a Mission personnel; drafting press producer at WNYC/TV, also in New guidance, press releases and York. statements; liaising with domestic He earned a Bachelors of Arts in and international media; and the Political Science (International supervision of the Information Concentration) from the University Section of the U.S. Mission. Brooks of Pennsylvania and a Masters also provides media advice to Front in International Relations and Office and Mission personnel and International Business from Seton serves as Acting CPAO as required. Hall University in New Jersey. Russell Brooks Joined the State Russell is married to Michele with two Department as a Foreign Service children and enjoys reading, sports, Officer in 2004 and before coming to watching movies, and listening to Russell Kenneth Brooks joined the Nigeria, he has worked in Honduras, music. U.S. Mission, Nigeria in August, Peru, Iraq, Côte d’Ivoire and Washington, DC.
5 CROSSROADS | October/November 2016 U.S.-NIGERIA RELATIONS Sowing Seeds for Recovery
in Northeast Nigeria By Zack Taylor
Fufore farmers receive free seed crops and foodstuff from American University of Nigeria’s Adamawa Peace Initiative/USAID
OMBI, Nigeria “But many of my relatives who on the floor of a host neighbor’s didn’t leave soon enough were house. Aisha M. was home killed.” with her husband “All of us in Guyaku [district] are and children the day Three years later, Gombi and farmers,” Aisha said. “It has not they heard that that communities like it in northern been easy for us since we returned Boko Haram was Adamawa state remain devastated. without any supplies or equipment. Gcoming. The family left the village All that’s left of Aisha’s house is a We didn’t have anything to do.” that same day, taking only what charred heap of collapsed concrete To be sure, the protracted Boko they could carry. and corrugated tin. Any food is long gone. Farm fields are strewn Haram uprising has substantially “We managed to escape to the with debris. Home for thousands restricted food access for most mountains,” Aisha recalled later. of families is little more than space households across the region.
6 CROSSROADS | October/November 2016 Diminishing community support, “These seeds are helping me start “The farmers have also received poor harvests, inflation, and my life again,” said Garba A., who food assistance,” Jaro said. “This reduced incomes all continue to left his home in Madagali and still will ensure the seeds all get limit food access. lives in the nearby town of Fufore, planted.” also in Adamawa state. “Though Many households who could not we were hungry we did not eat With local partners and plant crops this year will continue them. At the end of the day we will government agencies, the to have difficulties meeting basic all benefit by planting and growing distribution is one example food needs and will remain in crisis food again.” of USAID’s active role in the or at a high state of food insecurity transition from humanitarian through 2017, according to the Partners, including state and local relief to development assistance worldwide famine early warning government and the American in this conflict-ravaged region. system, FEWS NET. While the University of Nigeria’s Adamawa USAID support for humanitarian, security situation has improved, Peace Initiative (AUN-API) transitional and longer-term there is a danger of famine helped ensure the distribution development in the Lake Chad following three missed growing went smoothly by assembling a Basin totals $318 million as of mid- seasons. committee of local partners like the August. Christian Association, the Muslim Over the course of this past June, Council, the Youth Council, women Despite the numerous challenges the U.S. Agency for International leaders, and the citizen militias. that remain, USAID/Nigeria Mission Development, or USAID, responded With this broad community Director Michael Harvey said to the looming crisis by donating involvement, there was confidence reintroduction of agriculture, the 160 metric tons of seeds to 6,000 the seeds were distributed to those region’s traditional economic households in the northeastern most in need and who had the land driver, should go a long way Nigerian states of Borno and and capacity to use them. toward returning the communities Adamawa, where Gombi is to normalcy and food security. situated. The donation will not only To ensure seeds are actually contribute to food security in the planted and not cooked or sold for “These efforts are literally sowing region but to the livelihoods of the food as a result of food scarcity, the seeds for recovery for the farming community. AUN-API through its fund raising people who have been hit so hard efforts distributed food parcels by the Boko Haram insurgency,” The seeds are helping more than to help support recipient families Harvey said. 60,000 internally displaced people while they plant and await harvest. in the region begin to rebuild their USAID is the leading development lives. The donation included a Fufore district representative agency of the U.S. government active wide variety of seeds to meet Malam Aminu Jaro said the in more than 100 countries around the different nutrition needs, such as committee did the work of world. USAID provides approximately maize, sorghum, millet, groundnut parceling out land to the $500 million annually in support and cowpea. For many of those beneficiaries, providing technical to Nigeria annually in the areas of who received them, the seeds are assistance for the planting, Health, Economic Growth and the already visible sprouting from the ensuring the seeds did not end up Environment, Education, and Good newly prepared soil. in the market for sale. Governance.
7 CROSSROADS | October/November 2016 ANTI-CORRUPTION STRENGTHENING NIGERIAN CYBERSECURITY LAW
ENFORCEMENT By Susan Dauda
Some workshop participants, facilitators and embassy officials after the workshop on Cybersecurity
n the 25th of July, 2016, During her remarks, Mrs. Brewer d’Affaires commended Nigeria former U.S. Embassy said, “While the digital age for accomplishing the first and Charge d’Affaires Maria presents boundless opportunities, most important of these steps OBrewer opened the West it also presents many new by passing the cybercrime act Africa Cyber Initiative Bilateral challenges to law enforcement. of 2015 which also incorporated Workshop in Abuja with a call to In 2015 alone, high profile recommendations from the United the participants to network and cybercrimes included a breach of a States and the United Kingdom. strengthen the bonds between the major health insurance company’s Nigerian and U.S. law enforcement IT system, hacking the U.S. Office Fifty investigators and prosecutors communities. of Personnel Management system, were trained during the first week and an unprecedented cyberattack to strengthen cybercrime first The workshop was convened to on the Ukrainian power grid. These responder and digital evidence build the capacity of Nigerian law cyber-attacks led to the theft of skills, while also reviewing enforcement officers, prosecutors, millions of customers’ account international cooperation, judges, legislators, and policy information, 22 million personnel cybersecurity strategies and civil makers in the implementation of files, and power cuts to hundreds liberty issues. Nigeria’s cybercrime law. This of thousands of customers.” workshop was a collaboration In the second week, U.S. between the Nigerian Federal She added that the transnational government officials trained 40 Ministry of Justice, the U.S. State nature of cybercrime dictates not judges and 10 legislators/policy Department, the Federal Bureau of just the passage of substantive makers on legal procedures and Investigation, and the Department laws and the development of digital evidence, while addressing of Homeland Security. investigative tools but also cybersecurity campaigns, Internet demands increased international governance, and countering violent cooperation. The former Charge extremism..
8 CROSSROADS | October/November 2016 Governor Ganduje who received him in curbing corruption and holding warmly. The Governor shared words officials accountable. Participants of support for President Buhari’s anti- were exposed to tools and strategies Tackling corruption agenda and detailed his for budget tracking and transparency establishment of an anti-corruption to aid in anti-graft efforts. They also commission to champion the cause identified corruption as a driving Corruption at the state level. force behind violent extremism and discussed ways to address both The cultural richness of Kano was damaging practices within their on full display for SRMC Zafar as he By Way Of communities. At the conclusion visited the dye-pits of Kofar Mata, of the workshop, the participants the Gidan Makama Museum, and established a Northern Region the Kano State Bureau of Culture Religion Anti-Corruption Committee with and History. He enjoyed a musical religious representatives from across presentation at Gidan Dan Hausa of different geopolitical zones who will U.S. Special Representative to the traditional shantu and kalangu offer follow-on workshops for other Muslim Communities (SRMC) art forms and contributed to the community and religious leaders. Shaarik Zafar marked his first trip commercial history of Kano by purchasing indigo dyed items to take to sub-Saharan Africa in October SRMC Zafar was honored to be back to Washington for his family. with a visit to the ancient city of received by both His Royal Highness, Kano. His visit included a workshop the Emir of Kano, and His Excellency SRMC Zafar ended his visit by which supported the anti-corruption Governor Ganduje. The Emir participating in a TechCamp for commitment of northern religious graciously provided the Embassy youth and community leaders leaders and served as a sequel to a delegation with some rich insights organized by the popular television similar event hosted in Lagos with into the traditions of his Emirate. station Arewa24. From Facebook support from U.S. Mission Nigeria His Highness was delighted to hear to Snapchat and social media in in January. The workshop attracted of the Special Representative’s between, trainers shared with the participation of Muslim and anti-corruption work and his participants strategies to build Christian leaders from across the engagement with religious leaders. successful online followings and region. The Aminu Kano Centre for His Highness’ ability to draw from to get their message out across Democratic Research and Training both his government and religious platforms. SRMC underscored (Mambayya House) hosted under service provided RSMC Zafar with the power of social media as the theme: The Role of Religious a comprehensive introduction to a communication tool and its Leaders in Combatting Corruption many of the issues facing Nigeria. importance in promoting messages in Nigeria. The workshop increased Following the courtesy visit at of peace, tolerance, and shared awareness among those gathered of the palace, SRMC Zafar traveled prosperity. the unique role religious leaders have to Government House to meet
Josiah Idowu-Fearon, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion Special Rep to Muslim Communites, Shaarik H Zafar introduces Worldwide and Anglican Archbishop of the province of Kaduna listens while himself to workshop participants while Amy Lilis of Amy Lilis of the Dr Bashir Isyaku speaks Office of Religion and Global Affairs, US Dept of State, looks on
9 CROSSROADS | October/November 2016 COVER STORY
nd so Americans have voted. As President Obama said to the American America people on November 8th “Regardless of which side you were on in the election, regardless Aof whether your candidate won Has Voted! or lost, the sun will come up in the morning.” Oh yes, the sun did come up in the morning on November 9th. The election is now over and the results are well known, Mr. Donald Trump is the President-Elect. Whether Americans feel elated and hopeful about the results, or depressed and scared about what is going to happen over the next four years, what matters is the integrity of an enduring democratic process. The next step is the smooth and successful transition of power, a strong foundation of America’s democracy, aptly demonstrated by Secretary Hillary Clinton, President- elect Donald Trump, and President Barack Obama in their post- election remarks. The following are excerpts of their remarks:
President-Elect Secretary Hillary Clinton Donald Trump
10 CROSSROADS | October/November 2016 the rule of law; the principle Secretary Hillary Clinton: we are all equal in rights and President Barack Obama: Last night I congratulated Donald dignity; freedom of worship and I had a chance to talk to President- Trump and offered to work with him expression. We respect and cherish elect Trump last night -- about on behalf of our country. these values, too, and we must 3:30 in the morning, I think it defend them. was -- to congratulate him on I hope that he will be a successful winning the election. And I had a president for all Americans. This is Let me add: Our constitutional chance to invite him to come to not the outcome we wanted or we democracy demands our the White House tomorrow to talk worked so hard for, and I’m sorry participation, not just every four about making sure that there is a that we did not win this election for years, but all the time. So let’s successful transition between our the values we share and the vision do all we can to keep advancing presidencies. we hold for our country. the causes and values we all hold dear. Making our economy work Now, it is no secret that the But I feel pride and gratitude for for everyone, not just those at the President-elect and I have some this wonderful campaign that we top, protecting our country and pretty significant differences. built together. This vast, diverse, protecting our planet. And breaking But remember, eight years ago, creative, unruly, energized down all the barriers that hold any President Bush and I had some campaign. You represent the American back from achieving pretty significant differences. But best of America, and being your their dreams. President Bush’s team could not candidate has been one of the have been more professional or greatest honors of my life. My friends, let us have faith in more gracious in making sure we each other, let us not grow weary had a smooth transition so that we I know how disappointed you feel, and lose heart, for there are more could hit the ground running. And because I feel it too. And so do seasons to come and there is more one thing you realize quickly in this tens of millions of Americans who work to do. job is that the presidency, and the invested their hopes and dreams in vice presidency, is bigger than any this effort. This is painful, and it will of us. be for a long time. But I want you President-Elect Donald Trump: to remember this. Now, everybody is sad when their I’ve just received a call side loses an election. But the day Our campaign was never about after, we have to remember that one person, or even one election. from Secretary Clinton. She congratulated us — it’s about us — we’re actually all on one team. It was about the country we love This is an intramural scrimmage. and building an America that is on our victory. And I congratulated her and her family on a very, very We’re not Democrats first. We’re hopeful, inclusive, and big-hearted. not Republicans first. We have seen that hard-fought campaign. She fought very hard. We are Americans our nation is more first. We’re patriots deeply divided Hillary has worked very long and first. We all want than we thought. very hard over a long period of what’s best for this But I still believe time and we owe her a major debt country. That’s in America, and I of gratitude for her service to our what I heard in Mr. always will. And if country. I mean that very sincerely. Trump’s remarks you do, then we last night. That’s must accept this Now it’s time for America to bind what I heard result and then the wounds of division. We have when I spoke to look to the future. to get together. To all Republicans him directly. And Donald Trump is and Democrats and Independents I was heartened going to be our across this nation, I say it is time president. We for us to come together as one owe him an open united people. It’s time. mind and the chance to lead. I pledge to every Our constitutional citizen of our democracy land that I will enshrines the be president for peaceful transfer all Americans. of power. And this is so important to We don’t just me. respect that. We cherish it. It also enshrines President Barack Obama
11 CROSSROADS | October/November 2016 COVER STORY by that. That’s what the country arena. We go at it. We try even And that’s why I’m confident that needs -- a sense of unity; a sense harder the next time. this incredible journey that we’re of inclusion,; a respect for our on as Americans will go on. And institutions, our way of life, rule of The point, though, is, is that we all I am looking forward to doing law; and a respect for each other. I go forward, with a presumption of everything that I can to make hope that he maintains that spirit good faith in our fellow citizens -- sure that the next President is throughout this transition, and because that presumption of good successful in that. I have said I certainly hope that’s how his faith is essential to a vibrant and before, I think of this job as being presidency has a chance to begin. functioning democracy. That’s how a relay runner -- you take the this country has moved forward baton, you run your best race, and That’s the way politics works for 240 years. It’s how we’ve hopefully, by the time you hand sometimes. We try really hard pushed boundaries and promoted it off you’re a little further ahead, to persuade people that we’re freedom around the world. That’s you’ve made a little progress. And right. And then people vote. And how we’ve expanded the rights I can say that we’ve done that, and then if we lose, we learn from our of our founding to reach all of our I want to make sure that handoff is mistakes, we do some reflection, citizens. It’s how we have come well-executed, because ultimately we lick our wounds, we brush this far. we’re all on the same team. ourselves off, we get back in the
U.S. Election Night Watch in Abuja
The U.S. Embassy in Abuja marked featured food and music, a mock Two major Nigerian television Election Night with an event combining debate between alumni portraying networks, Nigerian Television Authority entertainment and enlightenment on the candidates, and a virtual program (NTA) and Africa Independent Televison the U.S. electoral process. with Prof. Thomas Schaller and former (AIT), as well as three radio stations, Collaborating with the U.S. Exchange Meet the Press producer Betsy Fischer Radio Nigeria, WE 106.3 FM and Cool/ Alumni Association and select Martin. There was also comedy, Wazobia FM broadcast the entire event broadcast media the event attracted and a contest that tested Nigerians live. All of them featured interviews more than 400 diverse Nigerian knowledge of American history and with American officers explaining the leaders from government, religious elections. U.S. electoral process. organizations, students, and civil society for the event which began at 8 pm on November 8 and ended at 8 am on November 9. The Deputy Chief of Mission, David Young, delivered remarks at the beginning and end of the program, acknowledging Nigerians’ deep interest in the U.S. elections. Newly-arrived Ambassador W. Stuart Symington also paid a visit to demonstrate his support. The all- night event in Abuja’s Yar’Adua Center
Alumni who portrayed both candidates in a mock Guests are educated on how the debate pose with a cutout of Donald Trump Electoral College system works
Deputy Chief of Mission, David Young, presents remarks at the US Election Watch 2016 A guest poses with a cutout of Hillary Clinton Members of the press provide coverage all night
12 CROSSROADS | October/November 2016 CONSULAR
As Naija OKOYE Dey Do Am For U.S.A. by Patrick Cunningham OLAJUWON
CHIMAMANDA TEJU COLE OMALU NNEDI
s the ties between our two And, speaking of pro football players, to science and sports, however, countries strengthen, Nigeria who can forget Pro Bowler Christian its influence in the arts is also and its most valuable export, Okoye, the “Nigerian Nightmare”? enormous. Nigerian writers, such its people, continue to make True to his name, his speed, size, as Teju Cole, Nnedi Okorafor, and a huge impact in America. Indeed, and pure athletic ability caused Chimamanda Adiche, play an AANaija style has become an essential defenders to tremble with fear important role in telling the African thread in the American fabric, whenever he touched the football. immigrant story to Americans. Their and the epicenters of Nigerian He retired as the all-time leading ruthlessly honest commentary on immigration—Houston, New York, rusher for the Kansas City Chiefs, the beauty and challenges in modern and Atlanta, to name a few—have having amassed an impressive 4,897 America provide unique insights benefitted greatly from their yards in his six years with the Chiefs. to their readers and compel us to influence. Of course, we cannot talk about critically examine American society Nigerian athletes without highlighting through another cultural lens. It’s Perhaps the story most indicative of celebrated basketball player Hakeem also just flat out good writing. Nigeria’s impact is the work of one of Olajuwon. This unbelievably skilled the most famous Nigerian Americans, Knowing the extent Nigerians have Lagosian and NBA Hall-of-Famer Bennet Omalu, the forensic deepened and enriched America, caused me frequent heartburn as pathologist portrayed by Will Smith I was overwhelmed with joy on he scored effortlessly against my in the film Concussion. His research my last trip back to the United beloved Phoenix Suns. He could on chronic traumatic encephalopathy States. In the middle of Arizona at out maneuver any defender with his in the NFL has led to dramatic rule my sister’s college graduation, far signature move the “Dream Shake”. changes designed to protect the away from typical Nigerian diaspora His footwork—something that he players, and has increased public communities, sitting a few rows in attributes to his days playing soccer consciousness about the effects of front of me, I saw the ubiquitous in Lagos—is considered the best ever head trauma. As anyone who has slanted hat of a Yoruba man. His for an NBA center. His accolades seen the movie knows, it was Dr. beautiful agbada confirmed my are legendary and include, among Omalu’s integrity and perseverance suspicion. So I greeted him with many others, an Olympic gold medal, in the face of intense pressure that the kind and welcoming words his two NBA championship rings, and brought about this change. Indeed, countrymen have done to me since multiple MVP awards. his life’s work may end up saving the my arrival: “Ekaaro, sir! You are lives of America’s greatest sports Nigeria’s influence is not limited welcome.” heroes, our NFL football players. 13 CROSSROADS | October/November 2016 EducationUSA The Legacy of an American Education by Malate-Ann Atajiri
EducationUSA is the United States Chinedu Azodoh fondly called Zodo by Chinedu is back in Nigeria official and up to date guide to U.S. his friends always knew that the U.S. transforming the African e-courier Higher Education. EducationUSA is was where he would get the skills space. Chinedu sees so much not just an advising center that offers and expertise he needed to make the potential in Africa and is passionate support to qualified students hoping kind of change and difference he about revolutionizing the sector. to study in the United States; it is a wanted to make in Nigeria. With the His start-up was named a “Top 12 place where students are given the help of the advisers of EducationUSA Global Inclusive Growth Idea” by the right information, tools and resources Abuja Chinedu was able to secure a World Economic Forum (WEF) and to enable them discover their full scholarship to study Engineering at the Harvard Center for International potential. At EducationUSA we the Illinois Institute of Technology. Development among many other encourage students to develop a spirit Upon graduating, he took advantage accolades. of giving back and to never place a of the Optional Practical Training Aniekeme Umoh came to limit on what they can achieve. In (OPT) that gives graduates the EducationUSA as a shy and this article, you will learn about four opportunity to work and gain introverted girl. She knew she EducationUSA alumni who have valuable hands-on experience in wanted to study Engineering but let the values of the Center and that their field. He was able to secure was unaware of just how much of the American system of higher admission to MIT’s Sloan School of EducationUSA and a U.S. education education continue to influence Management. Chinedu is the Co- would change her. At EducationUSA, them. Founder of MAX Delivery Nigeria, we emphasize finding schools that Nigerian e-courier start-up Metro are the right fit. At first glance, Africa Express (MAX) www.max.ng. Aniekeme’s decision to enroll at
Chinedu Aniekeme
14 CROSSROADS | October/November 2016 Columbia University’s School of U.S. higher education institutions Engineering and Applied Sciences for persons wishing to study in the Nmachi started her journey with in New York seemed like an odd United States. For more information EducationUSA after graduating from choice for her personality. However high school in Abuja. Nmachi gained about EducationUSA and study her experiences at Columbia and admission to study Economics at opportunities in the United States, living in New York gave Aniekeme Grinnell College after which she co- please visit the opportunity to discover and founded CPAfrica, Nmachi also holds pursue her love for fashion. She http://www.educationusa.state.gov
Nmachi Philip currently combines her passion for a Masters in Applied Economics from Locations: Engineering while working as an Cornell University. Abuja Associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers Embassy of the United Sates of with running a fashion blog, TFLA: Philip Abel Adama first made news America This Fashion Love Affair. Aniekeme in 2011 when he took part in the Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central recently represented Cross River in Opportunity Funds Program and District Area, Abuja the Miss Nigeria USA competition. was awarded a scholarship worth Telephone: 234-09- Aniekeme says she is grateful over $228,472 to study at the 4614251/4241/4335/4298 to EducationUSA and the US prestigious Massachusetts Institute Email: AbujaEducationUSA@state. educational system which enabled of Technology. In the spirit of giving gov her to discover her true self and to back, Philip returned to Nigeria after Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ pursue her passion for engineering graduation to help young Nigerians EducationUSA.Abuja and fashion. develop their capacity for computer Lagos programming and technology. Philip Nmachi Jidenma manages Payments U.S. Consulate General started CodifyNaija a computer and Commerce Partnerships for 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, programming camp aimed at teaching Facebook Global. With previous Victoria Island, Lagos coding and computer programming experience working at PayPal, Google Telephone: 234-01-460-3801/302 skills to young Nigerian students. and JP Morgan, she also happens to Email: [email protected] be the founder of CPAfrica, one of The EducationUSA Advising Centers Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ Africa’s most popular technology and in Abuja and Lagos provide quality, EducationUSALagos business websites and was listed by timely, accurate, and unbiased CNN as one of Africa’s 10 leading tech voices. information about all accredited
15 CROSSROADS | October/November 2016 AMERICAN SPACES
merican Spaces are multifunctional capable of transforming lives. platforms for U.S. public oriented programs geared towards promoting American Spaces programming areas are categorized open dialogue, counteract negative into 5 broad areas: English Language Learning, preconceptions, and build bridges of Educational Advising, Alumni Activities, Cultural understanding between the United States Programs, and Information about the U.S. Topics and foreign audiences. They serve as covered in programs range from learning American primary places for the ongoing people-to- English to starting a business to holding free and fair people connections that are essential to elections. warm bilateral relations between the U.S. and the people of partner countries. Information Resource Centers (IRCs) and American Corners (ACs) are two types of American Spaces. With over 700 Spaces in 169 countries worldwide, In Nigeria, there are presently two IRCs and eleven American Spaces provide welcoming environments ACs. IRCs are located in our Embassy and Consulate where visitors can connect and learn about the United compounds. While six ACs are located in the northern American Spaces CHANGING THE NARRATIVES in Nigeria AMONG YOUTH
States. In 2015, American Spaces worldwide received part of Nigeria - Abuja, Bauchi, Jos, Kano, Maiduguri more than 36.7 million visits with more than 4 million and Sokoto; and the other five Corners are situated programs attended by about 31 million. at in southern Nigeria - Lagos, Calabar, Ibadan, Enugu and Port Harcourt. American Spaces in Nigeria in the last four years have organized 1,483 programs with over 72,000 persons Our American Spaces have played host to resource in attendance and played host to about 140,000 persons from within and outside Nigeria. In particular, visitors. American Corners in Nigeria have organized programs with many NGOs and other bodies, Hosted in embassies, schools, libraries, and other partnering to contribute to youth development. partner institutions worldwide, American Spaces are open to the public and are equipped with resources As an example, American Corner Abuja hosted the prefects of eight high schools (private and public) at a Leadership workshop facilitated by Linus Okorie, a leadership development expert and an alumnus of the International Visitor Leadership Program. He encouraged the young boys and girls to be exemplary in all their dealings and stressed the great value placed upon integrity, showing them how making a positive difference in their immediate and larger communities starts with stepping up as an individual. In his feedback, Godfrey Chukwu Ebuka of Model Secondary Secondary) stated that “it was indeed a life impacting program which taught me how to make great choices.”
In the same vein, American Corner Bauchi has been very active among youth. A Students’ Youth Integrity Seminar was organized for high school students by A YALI Learns session on Management Strategies for people AC Bauchi in collaboration with the Future Leaders and resources at the Barack Obama American Corner, Lagos Forum. The topics covered were Developing Personal
16 CROSSROADS | October/November 2016 Integrity and Guidance to Improving Academic Performance, after which there was an interactive American Corners provide access to general, substantive session. Having heard the presentations from and accurate information about the United States to the resource persons and presenters, Hajara interested parties. Materials in the American Corners Haruna Aliyu, a student at International Secondary cover a wide range of subjects pertaining to the United School ATBU Bauchi confessed that she had been motivated by the experiences shared by States, such as its policies, society, education and culture. participants from other schools, while another Free, open access is provided to all materials. student Musa Mamuda from Government Day Secondary School B/Dukku said he had been inspired by the principles and spirit of integrity Presently, there are 11 American Corners in Nigeria: and would work towards promoting integrity in his school. ABUJA JOS Chief Bola Ige Information At the American Corner Ibadan, the 2016 University of Jos International Youth Day event fulfilled its purpose Technology Center 11, Murtala Mohammed of sensitizing youths on Sustainable Development C/o National Center for Way, Jos Goals. The presentations, for one, struck a chord Women Development with Ifeaanu Ajekiigbe and a host of others, who CBD, Abuja KANO remarked, “I feel a new sense of purpose towards Kano State Library Board the attainability of Sustainable Development BAUCHI Murtala Mohammad Library Goals; my horizons pertaining to SDGs have been Professor Iya Abubakar Complex broadened and I’m motivated to do more.” Community Resource Center Nasarawa, Kano C/o Bauchi State Library Beyond holding seminars and hosting events, Complex LAGOS American Corners, and indeed all American Abdulkadir Ahmed Road Spaces offer access to eLibraryUSA for serious 29, Gafar Animashaun Street academic and business researchers. Information GRA, Bauchi (off Ajose Adeogun St.) on eLibraryUSA can be found at http://elibraryusa. Victoria Island, Lagos state.gov/ and you can sign-up for access to these CALABAR resources at http://tinyurl.com/ircregistration Cross River State IT Village MAIDUGURI 37 Ekpo Archibong Road University of Maiduguri To get all the facts about American Spaces, visit Calabar Library, PMB 1069 https://nigeria.usembassy.gov/am-corners.html Maiduguri ENUGU No. 53 Udoji Street PORT HARCOURT For all enquiries: Ogui New Layout Donald E. U. Ekong Library Enugu University of Port Harcourt Rosa Parks Center Port Harcourt Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy IBADAN Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive Central District Area Nigerian Society for SOKOTO Abuja, Nigeria Information, Usmanu Danfodiyo Telephone: 09-461-4000 Fax: 0-9-461-4011 Arts and Culture, Leventis University City Campus E-Mail: [email protected] Building Sultan Abubarka Road Open 54, Magazine Road Sokoto Monday - Thursday 9am – 4pm Jericho, Ibadan Friday 9am – 12 noon Telephone: 02 753-5838
Whitney M. Young Information Resource Center For more information, visit Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria http://nigeria.usembassy.gov/am-corners.html Telephone: 01-460-3400 Fax: 01-1-261-2218 E-mail: [email protected] Open Monday - Thursday 9am – 3pm Friday 9am – 12 noon For more info, visit http://nigeria.usembassy.gov/irc.html TRIBUTE children, the school is a place where reading and writing are taught The Adventures of sometimes at the same time as a chicken loudly lays an egg, the compound dog gives birth to a small litter, or classes take a break to assist with the birth of a child. She is usually the first to arrive and the last to leave, and I am pretty sure that if the RSO gave her the thumbs up she would pitch a tent and stay indefinitely. Pam, your spirit and energy will be sorely missed!
As delivered by Bridgette Huerkamp at the farewell ceremony for A very dear friend to Nigeria, to the Ambassador Entwistle and his wife, Pamela Schmoll Mission, and to everyone you meet, PAMAbraham Lincoln once said “The I am honored to present you with a small token that we hope will remind s many of you know, the best way to predict the future is you of your life in Abuja. Ambassador is only one half of to create it.” Pam is a walking testament of this declaration. As a dynamic partnership. Often, We wish you and the Ambassador all a vital part of the community, she it is the spouses and partners the best as you venture off on your thatA have the greatest impact in the is working side by side with us to next adventure. diplomatic community. Their support save the environment. Here at the makes them the unrecognized Embassy, Pam led the Mission’s heroes of the Foreign Service. While recycling initiative and instituted Ambassador Entwistle has worked to ECO Week, but her efforts have gone strengthen our ties with Nigeria on a lot further than that. She co- security and democracy, Dr. Pamela founded Naijabrics, a collaborative Schmoll, who previously served in that makes environment-friendly the Peace Corps, has honored her cooking fuel and also generates life’s ambition to serve others. All employment opportunities for of us in Mission Abuja are extremely families. In addition, Pam was an grateful for her genuine kindness. integral force in the development As the Ambassador himself often of the Green Coalition where, says, “Please meet my amiable she’s been able to bring together spouse. She’s much nicer (and community and thought leaders, smarter) than I am!” artists, former ministers, and many others to discuss and plan I arrived in Abuja in early December environmentally-friendly initiatives and a few days after my arrival for Abuja and beyond. Her work received an invitation to an event at in this area will be a lasting the Ambassador’s house. I had no legacy when she leaves. As part idea what a Hail and Farewell was of Pam’s efforts to generate and was worried that the pending growth in the local economy, initiation ceremony would scar me she continuously connects for life. Pam, who may have sensed partners and customers with my uncertainty, slyly introduced local entrepreneurs who herself to me as Pam, not as “the strive to maintain sustainable Ambassador’s spouse Dr. Pamela businesses to employ future Schmoll.” She was simply Pam, as generations. she is to everyone. One of Pam’s greatest A woman of inspiring character, passions is a respect for she is the unsung hero who avoids the power of words and applause, who works tirelessly in an the opportunity to effect effort to ensure that those whose meaningful change voices are soft are heard; for those through literacy. As who do not have food are fed; for co-founder of an those who are sick to receive care; English program and for those from near and far have that meets every a place they are welcome. I, for weekend with one, am extremely grateful for your area adults friendship and hospitality. and 18 CROSSROADS | October/November 2016 THE ENTWISTLE YEARS Ambassador James F. Entwistle was sworn in as the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria on October 28, 2013. He served as the Chief of Mission until July 2016, when he retired from the Foreign Service following a 35 year career. His Nigerian tour was characterized by many achievements, most notable of which was his contribution to the 2015 general elections, which are regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history.
We remember the time he and his wife, Pamela Schmoll, spent with us at the U.S. Mission in Nigeria with fondness Ambassador Entwistle with the Emir of and wish them great success in all of their future Kano, HRH Sanusi Mohammed II in 2014 endeavors.
Ambassador Entwistle meeting President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015
Ambassador Entwistle meeting President Buhari before the elections which brought him to power in 2015
Ambassador Entwistle on election monitoring duty in 2015
Ambassador Entwistle learning how to pound yam in 2016 Ambassador Entwistle with Innocent ‘2Baba’ Idibia in 2014 19 CROSSROADS | October/November 2016 EXPERIENCE AMERICA Through Cultural Exchanges
Exchange programs offer an opportunity for Nigerians to connect, interact and exchange ideas with their counterparts in the United States. The U.S. Government supports a variety of exchange programs that offer Nigerians an opportunity to travel to the United States to participate in research, study and cultural exchange. Below are brief descriptions of some of our exchange programs.
Fulbright African Research Hubert Humphrey Tech Women Scholars Program (ARSP) Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program Tech Women empowers, connects The Fulbright ARSP is a 3-9 month offers mid-level career professionals a and supports the next generation of research grant opportunity for ten month, non-degree, graduate study women leaders in science, technology, university faculty members to conduct and related practicum experience. engineering and mathematics (STEM) research in the United States. Mandela Washington Fellowship Kennedy Lugar Youth Exchange Fulbright Junior Staff The Mandela Washington fellowship and Study (KL-YES) Development Program (JSD) offers an opportunity for Nigerians The KL-YES program provides merit- The Fulbright JSD is a 3-9 month between the ages of 25-35 to based scholarships for eligible high research grant opportunity for doctoral participate in a six-week leadership school students to spend one academic students to conduct research, relevant and professional training program in year attending a high school in the to the completion of their doctoral the United States. United States while living with a host program, in the United States. family.
For more info on the exchange programs, visit ng.usembassy.gov/education-culture/exchange-programs/