PRESS RELEASES
United States Celebrates Democracy and Diversity
February 20, 2008
The United States Mission to Nigeria announces it's first ever "America and Nigeria: Partners in the Celebration of Democracy and Diversity," a two-week program of cultural and civic events to mark the 232nd anniversary of American independence. Taking place in Abuja, Lagos and Ibadan from February 21 through March 8, the program will feature public performances and master classes by American jazz musicians The Fabulous Four and American soloist Ursuline Kairson. The artists will perform at the U.S. National Day receptions in Abuja and Lagos. U.S. Ambassador Robin Reneé Sanders will also highlight the breadth and depth of our partnership with Nigeria at events throughout the country.
"Our two nations are each enriched and strengthened by the diversity of our peoples and cultures. Democracy is the unifying force that binds our diversity into national unity. Through our partnership with one another, we celebrate our shared values of democracy and diversity," explains Ambassador Sanders in describing the theme of this year's celebrations.
Investing in people is a key focus of the U.S. framework for partnership with Nigeria and our people-to-people relationship. Ambassador Sanders will start the two weeks of activities with programs in Abuja:
Inaugurating the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development's newly renovated research laboratory, made possible with funding and support from the U.S. National Institutes for Health.
Launching a partnership with Microsoft Nigeria and LEAP Africa to provide a youth skills development program to empower the next generation of Nigerians.
Dedicating the "Rosa Parks Education and Information Center" at the U.S. Embassy. Rosa Parks stood for equal treatment of all people and was a catalyst for the American Civil Rights movement.
Opening the premier of "Tsintsiya" (The Broom), a U.S. sponsored Nigerian produced musical adapted from "West Side Story." Filmed in Kano, the movie explores themes of unity and tolerance amidst the religious and ethnic diversity of northern Nigeria.
Various cultural activities will take place during the week such as radio and television appearances by the American visiting jazz group The Fabulous Four, who will conduct a master class at The Dome and a public performance at NTA Arena. In addition visiting American soloist Ursuline Kairson will perform and conduct master classes at the Transcorp Hilton, and will appear in other programs with the Abuja Metropolitan Music Society.
Lagos-Ibadan:
An equally ambitious program with a focus on education and economic development is planned for Lagos and Ibadan. Ambassador Sanders will showcase an "Adopt-A-School" activity, a friendship program that will begin with the Pacelli School for the Blind in Lagos, where she will present Braille books to the students. Other activities to raise the U.S.-Nigerian cultural ties include:
- Speaking with students at the University of Ibadan and renewing a Memorandum of Understanding with the American Corner in Ibadan, where she will donate books and computers.
- Donating computers to the University of Lagos to improve the technology skills of university students. The donation is made possible through a public-private partnership among the United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development, Microsoft Nigeria, and other international and Nigerian companies.
- Hosting a private roundtable discussion in Lagos on "Women, Development and Leadership in Nigeria" with prominent Nigerian women leaders.
- Engaging with the leadership of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and a meeting with the American Business Council in Nigeria.
Visiting American cultural performers Ursuline Kairson and The Fabulous Four will also conduct workshops in Lagos with students at the Pacelli School for the Blind and will perform with them during the formal program. The artists will also perform for an invited audience at the MUSON Center's Agip Hall.
Visit our home page http://nigeria.usembassy.gov for stories and features on these exciting events marking our framework for partnership with Nigeria.
