By Chidubem Anthony
The United States Consulate General in Lagos has awarded support grant totaling $453,568 for a variety of worthwhile projects in human rights, transparency in government, media freedom, women and youth empowerment, health, education, entrepreneurship, and the promotion of mutual understanding.
The grant, from January 2018 till date, was awarded to 45 recipients, including individuals, non-government organisations (NGOs) and academic institutions.
Speaking at the award ceremony in Lagos Monday, U.S. Consul General, John Bray, commended the grantee organisations that are working to improve the lives of community members through sustainable projects that bolster good governance, education and health.
Bray explained that the consulate’s grant award programme was part of the U.S. Government’s efforts to support Nigeria’s economic development, improve livelihoods and strengthen communities.
According to him, “the U.S. Mission has several objectives here in Nigeria, one of the foremost is to support a healthier, more educated population. One way in which we work to accomplish these goals is through grants.
“We are so proud to work with such an immensely energetic and creative community of organisations and individuals committed to strengthening communities and empowering fellow Nigerians.”
Every year, the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos invites non-governmental organisations, academic institutions and individuals working in 17 states in southern Nigeria to submit proposals that seek innovative solutions to challenges facing local communities.
In response to the 2018 call for proposals, the U.S. Consulate received approximately 2,000 strong and diverse project submissions, and as a result made awards ranging from $3,922 to $80,000, depending on the proposed scope of activities.
