In a shift in policy, the U.S. Consulate General has continued with its launch of new Windows on America spaces in Southern Nigeria, with two new Windows opening in Enugu and Benin.
This is part of efforts to increase Nigeria-America relations, a major shift from the Obama-era concentration on the North.
In a statement released by U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Stephen Ibelli on Monday, he said “We’re delighted that these two new Windows on America will offer even more opportunities to the youth in Enugu, Benin City, and beyond to discover the U.S. as they prepare for their futures”
The new Windows are located at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus and Glass House, Airport Road, Benin City, and are set to offer a full calendar of programs.
Mr Ibelli said that the Enugu and Benin City Windows on America represent partnerships between the U.S. Mission, the University of Nigeria and the Igbinedion University, adding that the new Windows will see young people develop their ideas, as well as their leadership and entrepreneurship skills through programs and workshops designed especially for them.
“We hope that this will be a fun and energetic programming space where our two cultures and countries can blend together, and where we will welcome youth and people from underserved communities to learn more about the United States,” the statement said.
The press statement said that the staff at the new centres will host specific programs to promote U.S. higher education and highlight aspects of American culture, through movie screenings, book discussion clubs, digital video conferences, speaker events, and themed exhibitions.
The statement said that Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Professor Charles Igwe, thanked the U.S. Mission for the partnership with the university, adding that the centre will provide an opportunity for young Nigerians to engage in meaningful discussions aimed at developing solutions.
The new Windows launch comes a week after a Window was launched this June in the city of Akwa and in March, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The Consulate has launched 13 American Spaces in southern Nigeria. They have four locations in Lagos; U.S. Consulate Office Building; Yaba, Victoria Island and Lekki, Abeokuta, Awka, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Ibadan, Osogbo, Port Harcourt and Uyo.
