On his trip to Nigeria, Secretary of State Antony Blinken marked the opening of American Corner Lekki, the newest addition to the United States’ global American Spaces, a network of more than 600 cultural and information centers in over 140 countries.
Last year, Nigeria’s American Spaces and Affiliates reached nearly 100,000 participants in 21 cities through programs focused on civic engagement, media literacy, women’s participation in politics, STEM education, creative industries, entrepreneurship, and youth development.
It is evident that the future lies with Africa, said Secretary Blinken.
“It’s no secret to anyone that in the coming years one in four inhabitants of the planet will be from this continent, and so we would ignore Africa at our peril. But we also see the incredible power of these partnerships in actually solving problems together,” he said.
It is also clear that Nigeria plays a leading role on the continent, declared Secretary Blinken:
“The largest country; the largest economy; the largest democracy. It is a natural partner for the United States. And as we’re looking at what we’re doing together – trying to address the climate crisis that’s affecting all of us in different ways, developing artificial intelligence for good, accelerating inclusive economic growth – all of that is strengthened powerfully by one thing, and that is the tens of thousands of Americans who are here in Nigeria working, studying, coming together with Nigerians around joint ventures, and the more than 500,000 Nigerian Americans who are such a powerful part of our own community.”
Not surprisingly, there is a growing and significant American interest in investing in Nigeria, said Secretary Blinken.
“And we see many American companies ... who are already working to help meet President Tinubu’s goal of one million digital jobs. The world’s largest subsea cable is on its way. It will reach Lagos next month. And as I’ve looked at the numbers, more than a quarter of American venture capital coming to Africa is coming to Nigeria.”
“American Corner in Lekki,” said Secretary Blinken, “will reinforce that incredibly vibrant relationship between our countries and between our peoples.”
