December 2018/January 2019 A publication of the U.S. Mission in CROSSROADS

BUILDING DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS

The 2019 Elections

CROSSROADS | December 2018/January 2019 1 Assistant Secretary of State Visit to Nigeria November 7-8, 2018

Assistant Secretary (AS) of State for African Affairs, Tibor Nagy delivers a lecture to AS Tibor Nagy receives a gift presented by the leadership of ECOWAS students and faculty of Baze University, Abuja following acourtesy visit to the ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja

AS Tibor Nagy met with the leadership of the All Progressive Party - Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Ameachi and AS Tibor Nagy addresses members of the press Deputy National Chairman (south), Otunba Niyi Adebayo during a press roundtable at Baze University, Abuja

Ambassador Symington and AS Tibor Nagy hosted AS Tibor Nagy met with the leadership of the People’s Democraic Party - leaders of American business to a dinner meeting Senate president, Bukola Saraki and party chairman, Prince Uche Secondus AMBASSADOR’S NOTES In this issue, we describe some of the that is the electoral process. No ways we’ve partnered with Nigerians individual ambition, no political party’s to achieve that goal. We have engaged aspirations, are worth more than the with the Nigerian government, key right of citizens to freely choose who election stakeholders, political leaders, will represent them. civil society representatives, and members of the voting public. Our There are many stakeholders in this only candidate is the process itself. election. The most important are the Our goal is your goal: a process that voters themselves. Every eligible voter, is transparent, credible, free, fair, and registered with INEC and in possession peaceful. Elections that reflect the true of a Permanent Voters Card, has a will of the Nigerian people. responsibility to peacefully ensure that their vote is cast, counted, and W. Stuart Symington The recent visit to Nigeria of Assistant collated. When you do this, along with U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Secretary of State for African every other citizen in your community Affairs, Tibor Nagy, highlighted our and across the country, no bad actors Welcome to another edition of commitment. During his two-day will hijack the process and steal your Crossroads. visit, he met with the chairman of future. In doing this, you will act as the Independent National Electoral responsible custodians of Nigeria’s As the people of Nigeria approach Commission, the Sultan of Sokoto, future, and that will ensure a more free their general elections next year, all and the leadership of Nigeria’s most and prosperous world, benefitting all of us at the U.S. Mission look forward prominent political parties, among of us. to witnessing an electoral process others. The key message he shared that surpasses the success of the with everyone he met is that, as I Enjoy the read. 2015 elections, which were widely said above, America favors only one considered peaceful, free, and fair. candidate in these elections – and W. Stuart Symington

Vol. 22 No. 4 is publishedCROSSROADS quarterly by the Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy, Nigeria In This Issue... EDITORIAL TEAM Cover story Aruna Amirthanayagam Rooting For (Counselor for Public Affairs) Nigerians Russell Brooks Pg 4 (Public Affairs Officer, ) Pg 10 Glenn Guimond (Press Attaché) Olaoluwa Aworinde Osun Not Too (Editor & photographer) Elections Young Address all correspondence to: To Run The Editor, Crossroads Magazine Pg 7 Pg 13 Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central Business Area, Abuja, Nigeria The YALI Tel: (09) 461-4000. Fax: 09-461-4305 ATS Makoko LAGOS OFFICE: U.S. Consulate General, Public Affairs Pg 8 2, Walter Carington Crescent, Lagos Pg 14 Tel.: +234-703-150-4867/2444 Refreshed & The E-mail: [email protected] Prepared Website: nigeria.usembassy.gov Citizen’s Follow us on: Platform Pg 9 Pg 18

CROSSROADS | December 2018/January 2019 3 COVER STORY

L - R: Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) National Commisioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu, INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Tibor Nagy and Ambassador Symington speak to journalists during a press conference

4 CROSSROADS | December 2018/January 2019 BUILDING DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS The 2019 Elections by Mirna Torres

igeria’s 2015 general supports that goal. As an impartial elections were the most free, observer, and a strong supporter of fair and peaceful elections an unbiased electoral process, the since the transition to U.S. seeks enhanced voter confidence democracyN in 1999, and resulted in in the credibility of their elections. the first democratic transfer of power Minimizing electoral violence is from the incumbent to an opposition another shared concern, and is critical political party in the country’s history. to evolving a robust, stable, and The United States is eager to support prosperous Nigerian democracy. Nigeria in consolidating and extending these democratic gains as it holds Nigeria deserves a free, fair, its next elections for president, vice transparent, credible, and peaceful president, National Assembly members, electoral process, one that serves governors, deputy governors, and State national cohesion and stability, and Houses of Assembly in 2019. leads to even stronger democratic institutions. To that end, U.S. Mission The people of Nigeria are working Nigeria is working with other members to build ever stronger democratic of the diplomatic community, members institutions. The United States of civil society, the Independent Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria National Electoral Commission (INEC), CROSSROADS | December 2018/January 2019 5 In addition to high-level engagement with INEC officials to discuss INEC’s preparation and implementations plans for the 2019 elections, U.S. officials have also met with political leaders, civil society representatives and traditional leaders to discuss concerns about political violence and encourage politicians to make public peace pledges. U.S. representatives have advocated for interventions that enfranchise as many legitimate voters as possible, including women, youth, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and people with disabilities. A Vote Not Fight volunteer supports the Recognizing the need for an election U.S position for free, season in which violence does not call fair, transparent and into question electoral credibility, does inclusive elections in not impede the ability of citizens to 2019 peacefully participate in the electoral process, or threaten the stability of the country, Mission Nigeria has engaged and members of political parties key political actors to refrain from with like-minded ambassadors to stress to promote credible and peaceful violence and to offer voters a clear the need for peaceful elections. elections. vision coupled with detailed policies to move the state forward. Senior Since the media plays a crucial role in U.S. Engagement with Key Election U.S. officials have also met with providing accurate information to help Stakeholders election stakeholders to emphasize citizens make their decisions, the U.S. the importance of proficiently run Mission has given support to Nigerian Given Nigeria’s political and economic elections. To that end the Mission journalists. It has provided elections importance within Africa and the has supported INEC in its efforts related information and workshops to world, it is critically important that in modernizing and increasing the members of the press - from television, its upcoming elections serve as a capabilities of its personnel. radio, newspapers, and online democratic example. During the platforms – from all across Nigeria. past year, the U.S. Mission has urged The workshops have stressed the importance of fact-based, balanced and unbiased reporting. The Mission has also consistently advocated against any attempts to silence journalists, online activists, and bloggers and/or suppress peaceful assembly and protest. .

Looking Forward to the 2019 Elections

President (APC), will face former vice president Atiku Abubakar (PDP) in a hotly contested election. Will the polling show that the democratic process of 2015 was the new normal, or only an aberration in Nigeria’s historically-troubled political evolution? For this bellwether country, the continent’s largest and richest democracy, the 2019 elections will Deputy Chief of Mission, David test the government’s commitment Young led the U.S. observation team to transparency and democratic during the elections institutions.

6 CROSSROADS | December 2018/January 2019 U.S.-NIGERIA RELATIONS The 2018 Osun Elections and Nigeria’s Greatest Resource by Benjamin Williams

mbassador Symington Society Situation Room, the CLEEN observers from many different CSOs, has said many times that Foundation, among many others. Nigerian domestic observers covered Nigeria’s greatest resource is far more ground than our international not its vast oil reserves, nor For our part, the United States sent observer missions ever could. Nigerian itsA large mineral deposits, but its people 52 Mission personnel to Osun for the domestic observers not only did their – Nigeria’s amazing human resources. September 22 election. Forming eight part by watching polling units, thus To me, this was nowhere more evident teams, our international observer warding off foul play on Election Day. than in the September 22 off-cycle mission crisscrossed the state on They also observed vote counting gubernatorial election in Osun State, Election Day and visited all 30 Local and reported those numbers back to where thousands of domestic election Government Areas (LGAs), stopping YIAGA’s Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) observers did their part to foster a free, at roughly 300 of the state’s 3,010 team, which uses data analytics based fair, credible, and non-violent electoral polling units to observe the casting and on citizen observer reports to project process. counting of votes. Our observer teams the likely outcome of a given election. coordinated with other international As you can imagine, the PVT guards While on the ground in Osun on missions, like the European Union against manipulation of election results, Election Day, I personally witnessed and the United Kingdom, to increase because YIAGA and its observers hundreds of Nigerian citizen observers the reach of the international provide an independently-verified doing their part to move Nigerian observer mission. But even with likely outcome, against which we can democracy forward, hailing from our international partners, we likely compare the official election results. various civil society organizations reached just 10 percent of the total Domestic observers and the PVT (CSOs) like the Youth Initiative for number of polling units in Osun State. provide vital safeguards for Nigeria’s Advocacy, Growth and Advancement young democracy. (YIAGA Africa), the Policy and Legal This explains the immense value of Advocacy Center (PLAC), the Civil Nigeria’s own citizen observers on Even among the world’s oldest Election Day. With thousands of democracies, there is no such thing as a perfect election. The important thing, as time goes on, is that the quality of Nigeria’s elections continues to improve with each election cycle. One key way to improve the quality of is to increase voter turnout and boost the participation of Nigerian citizens in their own vibrant democracy. The more voters there are, the harder it is for bad actors to sully the democratic process with violence, suppression, vote-buying, or ballot box snatching.

With this in mind, and as the 2019 national elections approach, I urge you to use your PVC and exercise your right to vote. And if you see domestic election observers at your polling unit, thank them for doing their part to safeguard your democracy. Remember that you are Nigeria’s most precious A disabled voter poses with U.S. Mission election monitor, Ben Williams after proudly casting his vote resource. Voting is your right – when February comes, go out and vote!

CROSSROADS | December 2018/January 2019 7 ALUMNI The YALI Accountability and Transparency Summit by Diran Adegoke

L -R: Moderator, Dayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Guest Speaker, Sentell Barnes, U.S. Embassy Cultural Affairs Officer, Sterling Tilley, YALI Network Coordinator (U.S. Consulate Lagos) Austin Emeanua during the summit in Abuja

n Tuesday September 4, more transparent and accountable in the national discourse”. Mr. Tilley 2018, delegates of the Young leadership at State and Federal levels also used the occasion to announce the African Leaders Initiative in Nigeria. The summit featured panel launch of YALI Network NaijaVotes (YALI) Network gathered in sessions, trainings, and a UN-style campaign, a series of online and in- OAbuja for the YALI Accountability and assembly that focused on coming up person activities aimed at educating Transparency Summit. The summit with ideas and projects of how the Network members and propel them was the first national gathering of the youth can support the government in to take action to address voter apathy, network since its inception in 2014. delivering the dividends of democracy vote buying, spread of false information The YALI Network in Nigeria consists to her citizens. and hate speech, and election violence, of over 120,000 members organized as Nigeria prepares for her forthcoming into state hubs in 23 states, with seven Speaking at the summit, Sterling Tilley, general elections. more hubs scheduled to launch in the Cultural Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy coming weeks. Abuja stated “The YALI Network is a The summit ended on Thursday group of young Nigerians who are not September 6, 2018 with the drafting The YALI Accountability and just talking but are already turning of a 47-point communique addressing Transparency summit was convened that talk into action. That is why the issues of health care delivery, with the goal of enhancing the abilities U.S. Embassy is proud to support this education, security, trade and of young Nigerians to constructively summit in order to amplify your voices investment; which will be presented to raise advocacies that will achieve a and make your work equally visible government and media.

8 CROSSROADS | December 2018/January 2019 PRESS Refreshed and Ambassador Symington said the world looks up to Nigeria for free, fair, credible and peaceful election in 2019, by Sani Mohammed and tasked the journalists to be the Preparedcandidate, but does support the process, sacred link between citizens and their a point reiterated by U.S. Ambassador leaders. Two-Day Embassy W. Stuart Symington during the workshop. “In a democracy where there are Practical and Virtual freedoms and a nation where there Award-winning journalist and Editor- are citizens, there has to be a two-way Training Workshop in-Chief of Premium Times Musikilu communication connection, and the Hones Journalists Skills Mojeed led the practical workshop, media is the sacred conduit connecting while U.S. Speakers Professor Gary people and their leaders,” Ambassador on Election Reporting Kebbel, a professor of journalism at the Symington stated. University of Nebraska-Lincoln, VOA’s Managing Editor Aliyu Mustapha, The two-day training included brain- he U.S. Embassy in Abuja and his colleague Peter, Clottey, host storming sessions, which gave the organized a two-day practical of “One-on-One” TV program and participants the opportunity to review and virtual training workshop “Nightline Africa” radio program past election reporting challenges and T conducted the virtual workshop for the to learn best practices from the trainers for political reporters representing multiple media platforms in Abuja, and two days. both in Washington and in Abuja. viewing parties at American Spaces in , Calabar, Kano and Bauchi from Professor Idachaba, Director, All the trainers and guest speakers November 13 to 14, 2018. The training Broadcast Monitoring at the National emphasized the need for journalists to was part of the U.S. Mission’s support Broadcasting Commission (NBC) help educate citizens on the election to Nigeria on the processes leading up and Barrister Festus Okoye, national processes and focus politicians on the to the 2019 elections. commissioner and chairman, issues. They also advised the journalists information and voter education at to involve the voters in their reporting, Nigeria’s general elections have the Independent National Electoral avoid bias, partisan conduct or opinions been scheduled for February 16, and Commission (INEC) made presentations, that could jeopardize their safety March 2, 2019. The United States has refreshing the journalists’ knowledge of during elections and to fact-check their repeatedly said it is not supporting any the rules guiding elections reporting. information and sources for accuracy.

Musikilu Mojeed, Editor in chief, Premium Times leading the practical workshop A cross section of participants during the workshop

CROSSROADS | December 2018/January 2019 9 USAID ROOTING FOR THE NIGERIAN

PEOPLEby Zack Taylor

sked who the United States invests in assistance to the Independent In the upcoming wants to emerge victorious National Electoral Commission (INEC), in the upcoming presidential civil society organizations (CSOs), elections, the election, Ambassador W. and political parties to enhance StuartA Symington always gives the voter education, strengthen party United States same answer – the Nigerian people. development, and support international election observation for a robust, and USAID As in 2015 and in 2011 before it, the inclusive process free of violence. U.S. Mission supports a process and support not a candidate in the upcoming races Since 2014, $58.2 million portfolio of for the Nigerian presidency, state USAID activities – with $18.6 million free fair, governorships, and state legislature co-funded by the British Department seats in 2019. Like those previous for International Development – is elections, the U.S. mission is rooting helping INEC institutionalize reforms transparent, only for a free, fair, transparent, and to ensure credibility and accountability, above all peaceful electoral process. assist CSOs in their critical function and peaceful of oversight and mobilization of the In support of this goal, the U.S. Agency electorate, and boost participation polls. for International Development (USAID) among marginalized groups such as

10 CROSSROADS | December 2018/January 2019 women and persons with disabilities, centers to monitor deployment of statistical samples of polling units in and mitigate drivers of political materials and collection of ballots; every local government area around violence. designing of ballots and voter education the country. materials; preparing the judicial USAID supports INEC’s administration system for election petition tribunals; It also codifies comprehensive of the elections process, political party training in alternative electoral dispute monitoring of everything from the formulation of issues-based campaigns, resolution mechanisms; and, campaign set-up to the voting to the counting and building awareness among the finance awareness. afterward, reporting “parallel” electorate about their rights and roles results within a margin of error and in the democratic process as both Civil Society Strengthening irregularities such as intimidation participants and candidates. and vote buying, which was a serious USAID strengthens CSO capacity to issue in September’s Osun State “Peaceful and credible elections are monitor elections, training more than gubernatorial election. Critical pre- critical to development in Nigeria,” 3,000 domestic monitors to conduct election observation for early warning Mission Director Stephen M. Haykin a Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT), or signs of violence provides reports to said. “Our elections support activities “quick count,” which independently other civil society and security agencies help provide a channel for Nigerians measures the quality of Election Day to mitigate violence before it worsens. to choose leaders who will govern processes and results. The activity also democratically and improve basic sets up a conflict early warning system Energizing Youth services for citizens. In that sense, our that identifies emerging trends that support to free and fair elections is as may trigger conflict. Likewise, USAID has played a important as any of the work we do.” significant role in fostering political “All our work is about building the leaders by strengthening youth Electoral Reform and INEC skills of local groups so they can be organizations to shape the national active participants in the governance political atmosphere, according to For the election results to be fully of their own country,” said Aubrey Obinna Udenwa, 30, who helped shape embraced and accepted by the Nigerian McCutcheon, senior resident director a USAID-supported Youth Manifesto people, INEC’s processes and outcomes of the National Democratic Institute, through the Youngstars Foundation, must be seen as beyond reproach. To a longtime USAID elections partner. and now a candidate for office in this end, USAID trains INEC electoral “While the funding is foreign, the . officers in election administration training strengthens the indigenous and operations, builds its capacity CSOs who are doing all the work in Through that manifesto came the idea to coordinate security planning, mobilizing Nigerians to ensure free and of the Not Too Young to Run bill (see develop effective dispute resolution fair polls through their oversight.” sidebar) which proposed reducing the mechanisms, and develop more age limit to stand for political office inclusive voting access policies. McCutcheon said the PVT framework and was signed into law by President allows citizens and organizations Muhammadu Buhari in May of 2018. USAID assists INEC in enhancing not affiliated with the government coordination, effectiveness, and to independently validate the results “But that is not enough,” Udenwa efficiency of election management announced by INEC, to verify the said of the new law. “The older processes, which includes: support results as legitimate or not by taking generation of Nigerian leaders has no

Volunteers record the parallel vote tabulation during the recent Osun state PVT project director, Cynthia Mbamalu eplains the parallel vote tabulation gubernatorial elections in September 2018 process to INEC National Commisioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu

CROSSROADS | December 2018/January 2019 11 Innocent ‘2baba’ Idibia and volunteers of Youngstars Foundation met with governor, Willie Obiano ahead of the 2017 governorship elections mentorship program that would enable youth of Nigeria more involved in active participants in the political young protégés get into positions of the politics of their country as well process,” said Sentell Barnes, chief of leadership. Youth must rise to this as other social issues, USAID actively party of the International Republican challenge and get involved.” supports overarching media work Institute in Nigeria, another longtime under hashtags #VoteNotFight USAID partner in elections support. Historically, said McCutcheon, youth and #ElectionNoBeWar from state “By making sure that political parties have served as pawns in Nigerian television to local media, advocating engage with their membership and elections – recruited by politicians as for peace and participation anchored also reach out to citizens to identify the hired agents for violence, who for small by the profile 2Baba and his charitable issues so that once in power, we help sums of money they would recruit to Foundation brings to the campaign ensure those issues are addressed in a disrupt polling places, snatch ballot prescribing issues-based discourse as meaningful way.” boxes, or worse. the antidote to election-day violence. At the end of the day, the U.S. Promoting Peace “2Baba’s work cuts a path for other government, through its USAID CSOs,” says McCutcheon. activities, wants to help Nigeria operate To counter this trend, USAID supports on the basic tenets of what democracy a campaign to raise awareness and Political Party Engagement is, said Barnes. That consists of change attitudes and instill in youth ensuring free and fair elections, that the importance of being active --and USAID supports development of parties run their affairs without peaceful-- participants in the process. strong, inclusive political parties to interference from government officials, Since 2014, the Vote Not Fight: Election strengthen their engagement with and that INEC has the necessary No Be War campaign has utilized constituents and develop platform- resources to conduct, free fair and popular culture to promote peace, based involvement with government transparent elections. including peace concerts staged by processes, and helping major parties media star Innocent Idibia popularly to become more representative of “I believe in the power of the people to known as “2Baba.” As a longtime and responsive to citizens. Not only elect their leaders,” said 2Baba. “I also volunteer peace Campaign Ambassador, do USAID activities help improve believe the process of elections should 2Baba has led voter registration drives frequency and intensity of interactions be peaceful and civilized. Otherwise, and sponsors forums where candidates with their constituents, but also foster we stand to lose a lot.” sign peace pledges and commit to action better communication among party on campaign promises if elected. officials, officeholders, candidates and More on USAID elections support in rank and file members at all levels. Nigeria: The explosion of social media has played a great role in getting the “We’re trying to connect citizens to https://www.usaid.gov/elections-0 governance to ensure citizens are 12 CROSSROADS | December 2018/January 2019 YIAGA initially reached out to NDI back in 2016 to seek partnership to Nigerian Youth review the national youth policy, but this soon blossomed into full- on advocacy for a constitutional ‘Not Too Young amendment that would attract more youth to the political fold.

As the campaign blossomed into an To Run’ For all-out movement, YIAGA sought out President Signs USAID- legislative champions like Senator Supported Bill Into Law Jonathan Zwingina, who shared Office important strategies and tactics on how best to sell the ‘Not Too Young To Run’ by Zack Taylor agenda to legislators. Other critical he two-year journey of a and extensive public advocacy. steps included training in strategic bill supported by Nigeria’s communications to develop messaging, Tcivil society to reduce age “As the realization of the final step in and training for media interviews. requirements for running for legislative the . . . campaign draws nearer, young and executive offices through Nigeria’s Nigerians who propelled this bill to the Through NDI, USAID advised YIAGA to National Assembly ended earlier this desk of the president are eager for their write and personally reach every state year with President Muhammadu opportunity to lead,” one activist for the house of assembly member through Buhari signing the “Not Too Young to new law wrote shortly before the bill state coordinators, pitch the idea for the Run” Bill into law. passed through the National Assembly. amendment, and track the responses of the various legislators. The new statute reduces the minimum Through implementing partner age from 30 to 25 years to run for National Democratic Institute (NDI) In the final stage of the campaign, legislative seats, and from 40 to 35 with co-funding from DfID, USAID YIAGA appealed heavily to President to run for presidency, representing played a critical role in training and Buhari on different fronts including the first time the 1999 Nigerian mobilizing Not Too Young to Run a march on the presidential villa Constitution will be amended to coordinators in each of Nigeria’s 36 and direct advocacy with contacts broaden youth participation in states, sponsoring “National Days of within the administration to lobby the elections into public offices. Action” on the issue and reaching out president to give his assent. to press across the country. The United States Agency for With the bill now signed into law, the International Development (USAID), The movement was initially hatched campaign has shifted into a “Ready to in partnership with the British by the Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Run” program to help build capacity of Department for International Growth and Advancement (YIAGA), youth candidates to run for office in Development (DfID), contributed to a Nigerian civil society nonprofit the 2019 elections, giving the young the success of the campaign through dedicated to youth empowerment and Nigerians who propelled this bill to the advocacy capacity building for mobilization for political participation, desk of the president the opportunity to campaign coordinators in all 36 states transparency, and accountability. lead they had worked so hard for.

President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Not Too Young To Run bill into law in May 2018 as youth advocates looked on

CROSSROADS | December 2018/January 2019 13 EducationUSA Makoko

2018By Fatima Musa Lawan College and Anjolaoluwa Akinmade - EducationUSA Fair Lagos Interns

A cross section of the participants of the Fair at the MUSON Center Some of the EducationUSA Volunteers who helped make the fair a success

t was the culmination of Queen’s College, Louisville Girls High education. A panel of notable U.S. considerable dialogue and produced School, Corona Secondary School, Kings college alumni and admissions officers a wealth of information. It was the College, Loyola Jesuit College and many delivered insightful speeches on the much-awaited 19th EducationUSA others. This year, for the first time, importance of a tertiary education and IAnnual College Fair, and it was Lagos also held a graduate fair due to the prestige and generosity generally the most successful so far. The fair the demand from this demographic for associated with American universities. was held from the 24th – 27th of credible information about studying in The plenary session then broke into September, 2018 at the MUSON Centre the U.S. smaller sessions on The Five Steps and the Supreme Education Foundation to U.S. Study and U.S. student visa in Lagos for two days, then moved to The four day College Fair presented a applications. After these breakout Abuja for two days at the Sheraton wonderful opportunity for students, sessions, admissions officers had an Hotel and two high schools: Loyola teachers, and counselors to learn more opportunity to continue to interact Jesuit College and International High about the application process and with the over 4,000 prospective School. criteria for admission into U.S. higher undergraduate and graduate students education institutions. Admissions who attended in both locations. Forty three U.S. college admissions officers shared information on the representatives from a wide range financial aid offered by their respective The amount of effort that goes into of two and four year colleges were universities and the uniqueness of planning an event as grand as the present, including many first timers each of their campuses. Students also EducationUSA Nigeria College Fair is such as Monroe College, the University learnt about the career benefits a U.S. tremendous but very worthwhile. All of South Alabama, Drew University education could offer. of the individuals who attended left and Bucks County Community the Fair grateful for EducationUSA’s College. Students and teachers came Each day’s fair began with a general efforts to promote greater access to representing public and private session where the attendees were information about the opportunities Nigerian secondary schools such as introduced to the benefits of a U.S. that abound in U.S. higher education.

14 CROSSROADS | December 2018/January 2019 Makokon November 4, 2018, United live in peace,” he remarked during his Ambassador States Ambassador W. interactive session with the school kids. Stuart Symington visited Symington the Makoko community in He also met with Makoko’s community OLagos. During his visit, he met with leaders, followed by a guided canoe the Director of ‘Slum2School Africa’, tour of the neighborhood. Makoko Meets Makoko Mr. Otto Orondaam, a 2016 Mandela is an impoverished area along the Washington Fellow. ‘Slum2School Lagos lagoon where houses, shops, Schoolkids, Africa’ is a volunteer-driven NGO that and churches sit atop stilts above the provides instructional materials, health water of the lagoon. Traditionally, the Community and psycho-social support for dozens of principal source of work is fishing or Makoko schoolkids. connected to fishing. Slum2School Africa is helping to offer a different Leaders, Stresses Ambassador Symington engaged the future for the community’s children. children involved in Slum2School and Importance of inquired about their career aspirations. Explaining his purpose of visiting the He further emphasized the benefits of Makoko community, Ambassador Education education, acquiring vocational skills Symington said, “This is a pretty good time; when people are talking about by Ibrahim Aliyu and volunteerism. politics, to think about people and the “You are not just learning for yourself; future of youths in Nigeria. I wanted to you are learning for all of us. One of underscore not just the importance of you will discover a cure for a disease. education but I wanted to underscore Another person will find a way to the importance of the kinds of skills encourage farmers and herders to people are learning.”

Ambassador Symington speaks to the Makoko schoolkids as Otto Orondaam of Slum2School looks on

CROSSROADS | December 2018/January 2019 15 LAGOS 2018 Ake Arts and

Booksby Temitayo Famutimi Festival in Lagos

he US Mission in Nigeria supported the 2018 Ake Arts and Books Festival in Lagos. In its 6th year, this year’s Festival, with the theme “Fantastical Futures”, was held October 25-28. The annual event Tshowcases the best of contemporary African literature, poetry, music, art, film, and theatre. Thirteen American writers took part including Elizabeth Bird, Professor of Anthropology at the University of South Florida; Mona Eltahawy, New York-based columnist and international public speaker; Nnedi Okorafor, award-winning novelist and professor at the University of Buffalo; and Tochi Onyebuchi, author of the widely-acclaimed fantasy “Beasts Made of Night.” Additionally, visiting U.S. Arts Envoy Wanjiru Kamuyu performed a dance, “Portrait in Red,” at the Festival.

Delivering remarks at the opening, U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Russell Brooks expressed admiration for the creative abilities of Nigerians across various forms of human endeavor. The opening ceremony was attended by Nigeria’s Vice-President along with several diplomats and a broad range of the creative community. The visiting artistes also joined local colleagues on visits to local schools to inspire young people to achieve their dreams.

Festival convener, Lola Shoneyin is an alumna of the Public Affairs Officer, Russell Brooks delivering remarks during the opening ceremony of the festival prestigious U. S. government funded Iowa Writers Program.

Visiting U.S. Arts Envoy, Wanjiru Kamuyu delivering a dance performance Cross-section of VIP guests including Vice-president, Yemi Osinbajo and Ake Festival convener, Lola Shoneyin (far left)

16 CROSSROADS | December 2018/January 2019 NaijaGEMs Comesby Russell Brooks to Lagos

his year’s 9th edition of the The Festival, which ran from October photography in Africa through its Lagos Photo Festival drew 27 through November 15, was mentorships and cross-cultural 22 artists from 18 countries organized by the African Artists collaborations with indigenous and under the theme, “Time Has Foundation and sponsored by the Mike international artists. Lagos Photo takes TGone.” In addition, for the first time, Adenuga Centre, National Geographic, pride in being the first international the festival was female-dominated U.S. Consulate in Lagos, British Council, arts festival of photography in Nigeria. featuring four female curators: Eva and the Ford Foundation. Barois De Caevel, Wunika Mukan, The U.S. Consulate was pleased to be Charlotte Langhorst, and Valentine The Lagos Photo Festival is known able to include its NaijaGEMs exhibition Umansky whose intent was to as a purveyor of the development in the Festival. The collection of 50 investigate the diversity that time and education of contemporary photographs representing some of encompasses. Nigeria’s most beautiful scenery was the product of an online contest sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja.

The contest itself was born out of a notion advanced by Ambassador Stuart Symington, after he visited all 36 states in Nigeria. He said more Nigerians should have the same opportunity as he to view the natural beauty of Nigeria, its waterfalls, rock formations, fauna, and flora. He said anyone who does is certain to say “Wow.” NaijaGEMs gave Nigerian photographers the chance to offer their impressions of Nigeria and share them with their countrymen. Festival convener, Azu Nwagbogu, and Lagos Public Affairs Officer Russell Charlotte Langhorst look Brooks highlighted the U.S. Mission’s on while PAO, Russell support for creative artistic expression Brooks delivers remarks and key cultural institutions in Nigeria during the Festival’s soft opening. He also suggested NaijaGEMs would help change the narrative about Nigeria by exposing the wonders of the country and its people.

NaijaGEMs was first exhibited in Abuja in July at Thought Pyramid. The winners were presented their prizes and the top 50 photos remained on display in the gallery for a week.

It was always the intention of the U.S. Mission to share the photos as widely Assistant Director as possible and sought avenues to of African Artists’ exhibit the collection in other parts of Foundation, Charlotte the country. The Lagos Photo Festival Langhorst addresses offered such an opportunity. the audience

CROSSROADS | December 2018/January 2019 17 The Created by Jcomp - Freepik.com Citizen’s

Platformby Aisha Shehu the integrity of the electoral process interest among youth in democracy and that it is conducted in a peaceful, igeria is typically led by the and governance as evidenced by the free and fair manner. The project older generation despite numbers who sought party tickets will also engage stakeholders such as a youth bulge and an during the September 2018 primary security agencies, the National Youth increasingly young population elections. It is thus apparent that it is Service Corps, Association of Local demographic.N This is believed to have essential to leverage young people’s Government Chairmen, traditional led to a lack of interest and under- ever increasing online presence to and faith-based institutions, as well participation of young people in disseminate knowledge and resources as influential organizational bodies governance issues. However, as social that further promote active citizenship such as the National Union of Road media and online forums exert growing and civic participation. Transport Workers and Market influence, many young people are Women Associations. using such platforms to express their It is against this backdrop that the views on governance and as a medium Aspilos Foundation, with support from Beyond the important role of to challenge the status quo. The the U.S. Embassy, seeks to engage contributing to democratic electoral power unleashed by these platforms young people aged 18-35 years for its processes, the online platform will has recently prompted reactions Citizen’s Platform project. The project also serve as a real-time accountability by top government officials due to supports the Embassy’s goal to promote check on the activities of elected public pressure; served to promote stronger democratic institutions officials. The Citizen’s Platform transparency among elected officials; through active participation of citizens targets young people aged 18-35 and brought cutting-edge news and and civil society. Piloting in years from all 36 states of Nigeria to information to a wide range of young with about 1000 young people, the spread knowledge about democratic audiences thereby sparking debate that Foundation’s team will provide training governance and their active lead to action. targeting youth on active citizenship, engagement in civic life. Peers will democracy and good governance, with continuously share information A prominent movement driven largely practical approaches to promote a to reinforce their collective skills via online platforms is the ‘Not Too credible democratic process during the on how to promote accountability Young To Run’ campaign that resulted 2019 general elections. and transparency from elected in a constitutional change on the age representatives, along with learning of eligibility to contest for elected The project as a whole is designed to organizational skills to engage office. The movement spurred national empower young people to help ensure communities in their home locales.

18 CROSSROADS | December 2018/January 2019 WHAT TO DO ON ELECTION DAY 1) Know your rights 2) Hold unto your

PVCDon’t allow anyone take it or buy it from you 3) Report

immediately...if you have any trouble voting or see anything suspicious at your polling unit

- Ambassador W. Stuart Symington while speaking at the Vote Not Fight rally in Abuja on December 12, 2018

CROSSROADS | December 2018/January 2019 19 Read & SUBSCRIBE to CROSSROADSOnline!

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