PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Investing in people key pillar of US/Nigeria partnership, Says U.S. Ambassador

Date: February 7, 2008
Venue: Abuja

(l-r) Ambassador Sanders, Mrs. Bungudu and Ms. Oputu discussing at the program | Full size

Ambassador Robin Renee Sanders says the US Government will continue to partner with Nigeria to empower and educate women as well as help narrow the gender gap in the country’s emerging market.

“Investing in people is one of the pillars of our partnership framework with Nigeria,” Ambassador Sanders affirmed in her remarks at a Women and Access to Business Capital Forum in Abuja.

Sharing examples of American investments and support to Nigerian women and young girls through a wide variety of activities, Ambassador Sanders said that she looks forward to building upon the already firm foundation of partnership between the United States and Nigeria to provide more equity for women to participate fully in Nigeria’s political business and social sectors.

The forum is discussing opportunities and impediments to micro credit access in support of small businesses and women entrepreneurial initiatives.

Many of Nigeria’s outstanding women leaders at all levels of government, business and the social sector attended the forum.  Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Saudatu Bungudu represented Nigeria’s First lady at the forum.   A large number of women legislators also attended, including the Chair of the House of Assembly Committee on Women Affairs, Representative Beni Lar, the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Ms. Evelyn Oputu and Nigeria’s first ever female presidential candidate, Mrs. Sarah Jibril.