Dec 23, 2021An Unforgettable 2021Op-ed by Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard — As we prepare to transition to 2022, we are grateful for the friendships, strengthened partnerships, and progress accomplished toward U.S. and Nigerian goals this past year. On behalf of the entire U.S. Mission, I extend our warmest wishes for a healthy, peaceful, and joyous holiday season. At the outset of…Usinnigeria5 min read
Apr 25, 2021Eliminating Malaria in Nigeria:Five ways the USAID’s ‘President’s Malaria Initiative for States’ is Making a Difference An estimated 76 percent of Nigeria’s population are at risk of malaria by living in high transmission areas. Nigeria accounts for 27 percent of malaria cases worldwide and the highest number of deaths (24 percent) due to malaria in 2019 (World Malaria Report, 2020). The U.S. President's Malaria Initiative for…Malaria5 min read
Dec 23, 2020Looking Back on 2020 with a Sense of Optimism Toward 2021By Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard I was proud to arrive in Nigeria and begin my third ambassadorial posting last November. 2020 will long be remembered as the year of the pandemic COVID-19, and we will look back and honor the lives of the more than 1.5 million people worldwide who…Usnigeria4 min read
Dec 1, 2020Strong Partnerships help in the fight against COVID-19 and HIV/AIDSEvery year on December 1 we commemorate World AIDS Day. This year, the U.S. Mission recognizes and honors those we have lost to HIV/AIDS and the resiliency of those who fight for epidemic control in Nigeria. The PEPFAR Nigeria World AIDS Day 2020 theme is ‘Resiliency in HIV Programming in…World Aids Day2 min read
Oct 16, 2020Binta Yahaya Benefits from Improved Maize Seed Varieties and other Farm InputsBinta Yahaya, a mother of four, is a maize smallholder farmer from Kaduna State. She has been growing maize for over 25 years using traditional farming methods. For several years, Binta and her neighbors complained that farming was not profitable. …Cultivating Hope2 min read
Oct 9, 2020USG Exchange Alumnus Awarded Best Teacher in Ogun StateOgun State by Governor Dapo Abiodun awarded Mandela Washington Fellowship alumnus, Ayodele Odeogbola overall Best Teacher as part of events to celebrate this year’s World Teachers Day. Along with the prestigious award, the governor awarded Ayodele a two- bedroom house. Reflecting back on the importance of the fellowship, Ayodele noted…World Teachers Day2 min read
Oct 5, 2020Reflections on 60 years of U.S. — Nigerian EngagementBy Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard Sixty years ago this week, Ambassador Joseph Palmer II presented his credentials as the first United States Ambassador to the Government of Nigeria. The occasion presents the opportunity to reflect on the breadth and depth of the partnership between our two great nations, each evolving…United States4 min read
Aug 13, 2020USAID Collaboration with Nigeria’s Bayero University in Kano Strengthens Early Grade Reading in NigeriaOver the past three years, a unique collaboration between the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Nigeria’s Bayero University in Kano (BUK), and Florida State University (FSU) in the United States has helped Africa’s most populous country strengthen its ability to teach early grade reading, the foundation of lifelong learning. …Education3 min read
May 18, 2020Supporting Nigerian Women through Every Step of MotherhoodThe United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) supports women across their lifespan, through every step of motherhood — in pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding — and in access to sustainable livelihoods so mothers can help support their families and strengthen their communities. In fiscal year 2019 alone, the PEPFAR…Health4 min read
Apr 23, 2020Civic Leadership in Post- Pandemic EraSocial distancing, travel restrictions, lockdown, stay safe, these are now everyday phrases as the invisible enemy, COVID 19 has changed how people live their lives. The future of work is being redefined, particularly civic work which relies on support from donor communities to thrive. …Leadership3 min read
