ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- In a ceremony at 21st Century Technologies in Lagos on 24 January, 2024, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken officially launched the ‘American Corner’ in the Lekki area of Lagos State.
These corners are designated as regional resource centers focusing on American culture, history, current events, and government.
The inauguration aligns with President Joe Biden’s policy to drive digital transformation and cultivate a digital ecosystem in Sub-Saharan Africa. The facility aims to empower Nigeria’s youth in innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity.
During a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Blinken expressed the US government’s willingness to support Nigeria in its social investment programs, particularly addressing the challenges posed by the removal of the petrol subsidy.
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Acknowledging the short-term impact of economic reforms, Blinken emphasized exploring ways to mitigate hardships in vulnerable communities.
He stated, “We welcome the President’s bold reforms to unify the currency and end fuel subsidy. We also recognize that in the short term, these reforms created pain for vulnerable communities.
“I spoke about some ways that the United States can support Nigerians while the government carries out these essential reforms and works to protect those who may, again in the short term, be negatively affected.”
Blinken reiterated the Biden administration’s commitment to invest in Nigeria’s health sector, highlighting a track record of over $8.5 billion invested in the last five years for HIV and tuberculosis prevention, care, treatment, and system strengthening.