Consul General Will Stevens, representing the United States, embarked on a two-day visit to Edo State, emphasising the strong and enduring bilateral relationship between the United States and Nigeria, which promotes inclusive economic growth and shared prosperity for both nations.
During his visit, Consul General Stevens met with Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and his key cabinet members, as well as the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, civil society representatives, and alumni of U.S. government exchange programs. They discussed the progress made in key mutual priorities such as health, technology, education, human capital development, trade, and investment.
In addition, Consul General Stevens was given a guided tour of the Edo Innovation and Edo Creative Hubs, where he witnessed the important role played by U.S. tech companies, including Amazon Web Services, in training young people, particularly women, in high-demand digital skills. This supports the development of emerging tech talents in Edo State.
Governor Obaseki and Consul General Stevens jointly inaugurated the Edo State Integrated Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), which is supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development. Consul General Stevens had the opportunity to tour the facility and witness firsthand how U.S. government health assistance programs are strengthening health systems to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks in the state and the region. The upgraded PHEOC, the first of its kind in Nigeria, will play a crucial role in analyzing data on HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, immunizations, lassa fever, and other public health concerns, thereby enhancing Edo State’s response to emerging health threats.
At the Benin Window on America, Consul General Stevens inaugurated the third cohort of the GirlLEAD STEM Talent Accelerator Program, which supports 25 girls from public secondary schools in Edo State. This program, funded through a public diplomacy grant from the U.S. Consulate General Lagos, provides mentorship and skills training to empower girls and encourage them to explore careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). In his remarks, Consul General Stevens emphasized the importance of empowering and inspiring girls and young women to pursue careers in science and technology. He stated, “When obstacles preventing the participation of women and girls in STEM fields are removed, we all benefit. Promoting women in STEM fields is a priority for the U.S. government, both domestically and internationally.”
Furthermore, the Consul General visited the National Museum in Benin City, the forthcoming Museum of West African Arts, and took a tour of Igun Street, which is renowned for its rich history in bronze casting and its significance in Benin art and culture. He reaffirmed the commitment of the U.S. government to support Nigeria’s cultural preservation through initiatives such as the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation and the Cultural Property Agreement Implementation Grant.
During his interactions with alumni of U.S. government-funded exchange programs in Edo State, Consul General Stevens learned about the positive impact these exchanges have had on their careers and community service. Representing various exchange programs, including the International Visitors Leadership Program and the Mandela Washington Fellowship, the alumni shared their experiences and emphasized the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties between Nigeria and the United States.
