PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

U.S. Ambassador Robin Sanders Highlights America's Shared Values with Nigeria on National Day

Date: February 19, 2009
Venue: Abuja

Ambassador Sanders welcomes Guest of honor and Minister of External Affairs Ojo Maduekwe. | High Resolution Photos

The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Robin Reneè  Sanders on February 19 hosted more than 800 guests including Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs Chief Ojo Maduekwe and members of the diplomatic corps to a U.S. National Day reception that highlighted America's shared democratic values with Nigeria.  The reception marked the end of the first phase of activities designed to celebrate America's National Week in Nigeria.

Two musical icons - Grammy Award winning blues musician Chris Thomas King and Nigeria's "Elegant Stallion" Onyeka Onwenu - performed at the event and guests were treated to a selection of America's best cuisines.

Ambassador Sanders reminded the audience that greatness is not a given and that America must continue to reaffirm its greatness by sticking to the core values that define the people as a nation; values of freedom, liberty, and democratic principles.  She encouraged Nigerians to reaffirm their enduring spirit for democracy by choosing a history free of corruption and adhering to the noble ideals that visitors see when they travel throughout Nigeria. 

“We want, as Americans, to be partners with you on this voyage.  Together, we can reach all Nigerians yearning to be free of hunger and of want and helping those who desire education, jobs and a better future for their children, peace and dignity for their families,” Ambassador Sanders said.

Nigeria's iVote participant to the last 2008 November 4 U.S. Presidential elections, Rekiya Mommoh-Abaji, who was also a guest of honor, shared her election experiences with the audience.  Mrs. Mommoh-Abaji affirmed the ballot box as a peaceful means for popular representation and suggested institutional electoral reforms for Nigeria and a new orientation for politicians. 

During the National Week, several activities including community development and security assistance projects, HIV/AIDS support programs, music master classes for upcoming Nigerian musicians and other projects were commissioned in different parts of the country.  The final lap of activities for the American National Week begins on February 22 in Lagos and other states in the South.