In a bid to address social issues bedeviling young people in Africa, and in line with bilateral relationship of the United States government to promote social investment programs to cushion the effects of the economic challenges confronting the Nigerian state, Silec Initiatives being a resourceful and pragmatic Non -Governmental Organization (NGO) is taking a proactive approach in addressing diverse socio-economic issues particularly as it affects the youths in drug prevention, youth development and empowerment. This move has necessitated this strong collaboration with the American Corner Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria.
The United States Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken commissioned the ‘American Corner’ in the Lekki area of Lagos State on the 24th of January, 2024. It serves as regional resource centre for information and programs highlighting American culture, history, current events, and part of it’s government’s foreign policy program centred on people-to-people engagement, strategy to expand access to education, economic opportunity, equality, and societal inclusion.
According to the U.S. Department of State official statement, the United States has launched over 600 American Corners in more than 140 countries in geopolitical regions worldwide.
The facility as commissioned, is the United States of America president, Joe Biden’s policy to propel digital transformation and foster a digital ecosystem in sub-saharan Africa.
To elevate Nigeria’s youth innovation, entrepreneurship, creativity and productivity, the centre is a world-class and cut-edge avenue that serves as a unique platform to sustain conventions that drive national development.
In a visit to the centre by the renowned anti-drug advocate, founder/president Silec Initiatives, Sunny Irakpo, who is also an alumnus of the U.S Department of State International Visitor’s Leadership Exchange Program (IVLP) in Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis, was ably and warmly received by the Executive Director of the American Corner, Ekpo Mfonobong, who expresses satisfaction over the nation building initiative of SILEC, it’s achievements and the need for partnership to invest in sensitization and education of citizens on the imminent dangers of drug overdose and social vices in Nigeria and across the continent. In her words, “I am proud of you and the achievements of Silec Initiatives even at the international level.” We shall work together to instill the right values and sanity of the youths for the progress of the society.”
SILEC Initiatives founder/president, Sunny Irakpo who received the official partnership message and the approval to commence program implementation scheduled for 22nd November, 2024, appreciates the U.S Mission in Nigeria under the current leadership of Ambassador Richard Wills and the management of the American Corner for the Hi-tech solutions and innovative drive to help reposition Nigeria for a greater heights and global competitiveness.
Irakpo calls on well-meaning Nigerians and individuals across the globe including corporate organizations to support the Silec Initiatives efforts and it’s global vision on drug prevention through awareness creation, public sensitization, youth development and empowerment as the instrumentality to cure the social ills using a noble organization like Silec Initiatives as she rolls out the drum comes 22nd November, 2024 at the American Space, Lekki, Lagos to give more meaning to the lives of the youth and the economy.
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