PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

U.S. Mission Conducts Partnership Conference for Military Officers

Date: April 16, 2008
Venue: Abuja

Participants at the Military-to-Military Partnership Conference in Abuja | Full size

The Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria hosted an in-country planning conference with representatives of the Nigerian Army, Air force, Navy and the Ministry of Defense on April 16, 2008.  The Military-to Military (M2M)/State Partnership conference is a tripartite program involving the United States, Nigeria and the State of California. Lieutenant Colonel Al Gordon, Chief - Training Branch, and Captain Clayton Smith represented the California National Guard, while Major Jeffrey Price, Bilateral Affairs Officer, ODC, facilitated the program.

The focus of the M2M program is to improve military professionalism, enhance military interoperability, and promote regional stability.  The State Partnership Program (SPP) links California and Nigeria in support of common interests, both military and civilian.

In opening remarks at the conference, Office of Defense Cooperation Chief Lieutenant Colonel Luis Perozo said the conference provides ample opportunity for Nigeria and the United States to enhance their bilateral relationships in the areas of security assistance, military to military partnerships, humanitarian assistance programs and international peace keeping.

Last year the M2M program in Nigeria completed eight events including international border operations.  According to Colonel Perozo, projections for 2009 are estimated at 20 events and will include a C-130 maintenance program. He said the ODC in Nigeria is the largest of its kind in Africa, reflecting both the strong ties between Nigeria and the United States and also Nigeria's regional influence.

Under its Humanitarian Assistance Program, the Office of Defense Cooperation has completed several high-priority community projects in Northern Nigeria including a book donation program to 60 secondary schools, renovation of schools and a clinic, installation of boreholes and donations of excess property to needy communities.

U.S. Mission Defense Attaché Colonel Peter Aubrey also addressed participants at the conference.