PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Investing in People is U.S. Diplomatic Mission's Core Program in Nigeria - U.S. Embassy Counselor for Public Affairs Reiterates in Yola

Date: April 29-30, 2008
Venue: Yola, Adamawa State

(l) Alhaji Mohammed Bello, Dr. Alkasum Abba, Alhaji Mohammed Aminu, Arc. Bello Ahmad and CPAO-Atim George | Full size

The U. S. Embassy's Counselor for Public Affairs Atim Eneida George visited American University of Nigeria(AUN) and the Fombina Palace Museum in Yola April 29 - 30, on her first familiarization tour of Adamawa State. Ms. George explored collaborative opportunities and shared information on the U.S. Diplomatic Mission's concept of investing in people for development through education and community participation.

At the American University of Nigeria Ms. George met AUN’s President, Dr. Michael Smith, senior administrators, faculty, students and staff. AUN’s staff conducted a comprehensive tour of the university's two campuses.  Ms. George read excerpts from her presentations on leadership, civic engagement and human capital development to students. She listened to AUN students discuss their hopes and aspirations for Nigeria, and urged them to "walk the talk" as leaders of their generational cohort.

Ms. George also witnessed the ground breaking ceremony of AUN's new library building on April 30, 2008.  AUN's President, Dr. Michael Smith emphasized that "Libraries are the heart and soul of great universities. Indeed, in the American tradition, libraries are the heart of public life and service."  He said the university's new library building will have space for more than 400 individuals; it will welcome students, scholars, teachers, business leaders, community members, researchers and readers.

Members of the Fombina Palace Museum Executive Board gave Ms. George a tour of Adamawa’s prized collection of artifacts, Arabic and scholarly Islamic manuscripts.  They are in the process of finalizing their strategic plan to reposition, catalog, exhibit and preserve the collection.