The residence of the Consul General of the United States of America in Ikoyi, Lagos, was recently filled to capacity with men and women of high profile who came to celebrate the 241 independence anniversary of the US.
The event which was organised by the US Consulate in Lagos had in attendance former heads of state and heads of government, members of the diplomatic corps and businessmen.
Also present were political and traditional leaders, serving and former state governors and other friends of America
Speaking at the event, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington, charged Nigerians to stand up and think of how to contribute and make Nigeria a better country which together with the United States of America could lift up the world.
Symington also noted that it was time Nigerian citizens capitalised on their unique qualities – the diversity, energy, optimism, creativity and resilience of Nigerians.
He added that when Nigeria got better, everyone would enjoy and it would make a positive impact globally.
His words, “In my life time, the number of Nigerian-Americans who have lifted the United States by their actions in my country has grown to be enormous and from my perspective there is no greatest thing as the bonds between our countries’ friendship and common focus.
“I look forward to marking the next century of our relationship in this way and the Nigeria dream and the American dream that would together lift up the world.
“Here is the point of my stay in Nigeria, I haven’t been everywhere in Nigeria, but I have been in some places and I know how fortunate I am to be in Nigeria. I usually ask a simple question What do you like about Nigeria? And each time I get the answer ‘me’. It is a truly wonderful thing that the diversity also brings about the resilience that makes the people say I like Nigerians. In our country, it caused us some big problems.”
Speaking also at the event, former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, said that since Nigeria was endowed with human and natural resources, if its people got their acts together especially economically, the country would by 2050 be ahead of France and the UK in terms of economy.
While acknowledging the US government’s struggle to attain her level of development today, Soludo pointed out that Nigeria in same spirit could do better.
He added that “no country comes fully made, every country is a product of continuous struggle by the citizens to make a more perfect union. Institution don’t just emerge from heaven, institutions are products of struggle.”
