By Gift Habib
Ahead of the United States Independence celebration, the Charge D’ Affaires, David Greene said US and Nigeria have been working together across every sector to improve the lives of both citizens.
Greene stated this in his remarks at the celebration of the 247th birthday of the U.S. on Thursday at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja.
Speaking on the shared commitment to the practical work of any democracy – helping citizens live prosperous, secure, and healthy lives, Greene stated that the U.S. is Nigeria’s partner in making it possible to deliver.
He explained, “Prosperity demands a stable economy in which businesses can succeed and in which citizens can aspire to leave their children better off. So the United States partners with Nigerian entrepreneurs in agriculture, health, information technology, and renewable energy to help expand small and medium-sized businesses.
“But economic opportunity by itself is not enough; citizens need security. Through robust military-to-military ties, police training, and judicial cooperation, by way of example, the U.S. is partnering with Nigeria to bolster its security capabilities, to combat terrorism, violent crime, and corruption.
“Of course, physical security itself isn’t enough, either, for the pursuit of happiness; citizens need good health, too. The United States and Nigeria understand this and have one of the world’s most productive health sector collaborations.”
He noted that the U.S. looks forward to partnering with President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the vision for Nigeria is realised.
Greene said, “In short, across every sector you can think of, the great federal republics of the United States and Nigeria have long been working together to improve the lives of both of our peoples.
“And we look forward to partnering with President Tinubu’s Administration to ensure that the Nigerian people’s vision for their country is realized – by strengthening Nigerian institutions and helping, in the words of the Nigerian National anthem, “build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.”
“President Biden said, on the occasion of President Tinubu’s inauguration, “As Africa’s largest democracy and economy, Nigeria’s success is the world’s success.” I, and my whole team here and in Lagos, look forward to working with all of you towards that success.”
