Symington, who made the call for Nigeria’s unity to be sustained on Thursday evening in Abuja, at an event held to commemorate the 241st anniversary of the independence of the United States said Nigeria “is blessed with visionary and dedicated leaders” and expressed confidence that the country was capable of facing and overcoming her challenges.
While stating that both the United States and Nigeria share incredible diversity as nations, he admonished Nigerians to see their differences and diversity as sources of strength and a reason for pride.
Reflecting on how the U. S was able to use her diversity in preserving her unity, Symington gave credit to foremost American leaders, whom he described as resilient, visionary and committed to ensuring justice for all, adding that with such leaders and equal commitment from the citizenry, Nigeria was capable of achieving the same feat.
“Today, Nigeria is fortunate to have such leaders and citizens. Together, they are dedicated to keeping Nigeria united and to ensuring every Nigerian is heard and taken into account and treated fairly,” he said. The ambassador said that the anniversary was an opportunity to underscore how much Americans shared with Nigerians.
“We share families, friends, interests, and principles. All across this land, from Birnin Kebbi to Calabar, from Maiduguri to Badagry, Nigerians have welcomed me warmly and showed me the wonders of this country and its people.
“In almost every place, I have also met Americans whose lives are dedicated to their work with and for Nigerians. Private sector employees and public servants alike, they work here in business and IT, agriculture and energy, health and education and civil society and justice, and they work to conserve Nigeria’s iconic natural beauty and stunning biodiversity,” he said.
In his response, Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama commended the smooth relations between the two countries, noting that the United States had been supportive in implementing policies and programmes that had impacted positively on the lives of Nigerians.
While stating that both the United States and Nigeria share incredible diversity as nations, he admonished Nigerians to see their differences and diversity as sources of strength and a reason for pride.
Reflecting on how the U. S was able to use her diversity in preserving her unity, Symington gave credit to foremost American leaders, whom he described as resilient, visionary and committed to ensuring justice for all, adding that with such leaders and equal commitment from the citizenry, Nigeria was capable of achieving the same feat.
“Today, Nigeria is fortunate to have such leaders and citizens. Together, they are dedicated to keeping Nigeria united and to ensuring every Nigerian is heard and taken into account and treated fairly,” he said. The ambassador said that the anniversary was an opportunity to underscore how much Americans shared with Nigerians.
“We share families, friends, interests, and principles. All across this land, from Birnin Kebbi to Calabar, from Maiduguri to Badagry, Nigerians have welcomed me warmly and showed me the wonders of this country and its people.
“In almost every place, I have also met Americans whose lives are dedicated to their work with and for Nigerians. Private sector employees and public servants alike, they work here in business and IT, agriculture and energy, health and education and civil society and justice, and they work to conserve Nigeria’s iconic natural beauty and stunning biodiversity,” he said.
In his response, Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama commended the smooth relations between the two countries, noting that the United States had been supportive in implementing policies and programmes that had impacted positively on the lives of Nigerians.
Onyeama, who was represented by Ambassador Vivian Okeke, Director, American and Caribbean Division in the ministry, said: “We are encouraged by the U.S. and wished to also reaffirm our strong commitment to the promotion of strong democratic values such as good governance, rule of law, freedom of expression and promotion of justice, to which U.S. remained a strong advocate.”
He expressed confidence that the long existing relationship between Nigeria and U.S. would be sustained, adding that the strong bonds of relationship between the two countries was evident in the broad-based cooperation as well as enduring private partnership founded on the shared values of democracy, respect for human rights and rule of law.
“It is therefore heartwarming that our bilateral relations have transcended political relations into strong economic and social partners. Today, Nigeria is a major trading partner of America in Sub Saharan Africa and America has continued to play its role as a trusted and reliable friend of Nigeria,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the long existing relationship between Nigeria and U.S. would be sustained, adding that the strong bonds of relationship between the two countries was evident in the broad-based cooperation as well as enduring private partnership founded on the shared values of democracy, respect for human rights and rule of law.
“It is therefore heartwarming that our bilateral relations have transcended political relations into strong economic and social partners. Today, Nigeria is a major trading partner of America in Sub Saharan Africa and America has continued to play its role as a trusted and reliable friend of Nigeria,” he said.
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