PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebrated at National Center for Women Development
Date: Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Venue: National Center for Women Development
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| Ambassador Campbell and Dr A'isha Mahmood review new children ref books donated by US Government |
The U.S. Embassy and the National Center for Women Development (NCWD) partnered to celebrate the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. whose birthday is celebrated in the United States as a federal holiday.
U.S. Ambassador John Campbell gave the welcoming remarks and said, “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is one of our most distinguished Americans – a man who gave voice to the message of peace, freedom and justice for all citizens; and he helped bring about the end of racial segregation in America and the beginning of a new path to the American dream for those who had been excluded because of their race or gender.”
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| Members on the high table sing WE SHALL OVERCOME |
Following Ambassador Campbell’s remarks the audience viewed a film about Dr. King’s life and were treated to a panel discussion on King’s legacy and lessons for Nigeria. Dr. Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan, Department of Public Law, Faculty of Law, Ahmadu Bello University, chaired the panel. Other panelists included Ms. Julie Sanda, National War College, Dr. Kabir Mato, Head of the Department of Political Science, University of Abuja, Dr. Jibo Ibrahim, Executive Director, Center for Democracy and Development, Abuja, Rev. Father Peter Schineller, President of the Loyola Jesuits College, and Latanya Mapp Frett, J.D., A/Deputy Director, U.S. Agency for International Development.
Panelists talked about the importance of King’s nonviolent political activities as an example for Nigeria, and the impact of King’s life on the lives of all Americans.
Prior to the panel discussion Ambassador Campbell visited the American Corner library, Chief Bole Ige Information Technology Center, and the Nigerian Women’s Hall of Fame at the National Center for Women Development. Ambassador Campbell was warmly received by Dr. A’isha Mahmood, Director General, NCWD, Jummai Idonije, Administrative Officer, NCWD, and Manny Emecheta, Director, Chief Bole Ige Information Technology Center.
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