The United States Consulate General in Lagos says from January 2018 till date, it has awarded the sum of $453,568 to 45 individuals, non-government organizations (NGOs), and academic institutions in Nigeria.
According to a statement signed on Monday by the Information Specialist, Public Affairs Section (PAS), U.S. Consulate General, Temitayo Famutimi, the grants support a variety of worthwhile projects by the civic organisations in the country.
“The grants support a variety of worthwhile projects in the areas of human rights, transparency in government, freedom of the media, empowerment of women and youth, health, education, entrepreneurship, and the promotion of mutual understanding,” he said.
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U.S. Consul General F. John Bray during the grant award ceremony in Lagos on Monday recognised the commitment of the grantee organisations working to improve the lives of community members through sustainable projects that bolster good governance, education, and health.
He said the Consulate’s grant award program is part of the U.S. government’s efforts to support Nigeria’s economic development, improve livelihoods, and strengthen communities.
“The U.S. Mission has several objectives here in Nigeria, one of the foremost is to support a healthier, more educated population in Nigeria. 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 organizations and individuals committed to strengthening communities and empowering fellow Nigerians!” Bray said.
Every year, the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos invites non-governmental organizations, 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 2000 diverse project submissions, and as a result made awards ranging from $ 3,922 up to $80,000, depending on the proposed scope of activities.
Some of the civic organisations which received the grants include:
- Circuit Pointe: Raise 100 Female Techpreneurs in Nigeria
- Technology Motivation Empowerment Organization: Women ICTpreneur
- A Mandela Washington Fellow: Equipping Coding Clubs in Ogun State Public and Private Secondary Schools
- A Mandela Washington Fellow: Design Thinking Hackathon for PLWDs
- RoboRave: Robotics education for teachers and students
- Uchenna Charity: Raise STEM Ambassadors
- Code for Nigeria: Building digital female Journalists
