Will Stevens, the U.S. Consul General in Lagos, reiterated on Monday his country’s commitment to a shared partnership and strengthening bilateral relations with Nigeria.

Mr Stevens said this in his address during the celebration of America’s 248th Independence Day, organised by the U.S. Consulate in Lagos.

He said Nigeria and the U.S., as the two largest presidential democracies in the world, shared deep values and histories that are robust examples to the rest of the world.

He said, “This is a day when friends and family gather to celebrate the founding of America to reflect on who we were, who we are, and who we can become, and to reaffirm the principles that got us to where we are today.”

According to him, Nigeria and the U.S. share a commitment to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

Mr Stevens stated, “We recognise democracy is not a destination, but a continuous journey where elected officials and citizens work together to address the needs of all and make compromises, sacrifices, and struggle together to make the place better than it was.

“This makes Nigeria and the U.S. natural partners, friends and allies on so many important issues across the continent and the world.”

Mr Stevens noted that since the beginning of 2024, the depth and importance of both countries’ partnership have been reflected by the U.S. government’s incredible attention to Nigeria.

He praised the Nigerian diaspora, noting that the more than 700,000 Nigerian Americans represented the single most successful diaspora group in the U.S.

The envoy also lauded Nigerians’ entrepreneurial spirit, noting that it describes their willingness to improve themselves, their communities, and the world.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu lauded the relationship between Nigeria and the U.S. According to him, both countries have much more to fuse in culture, art, technology, politics, innovation, creativity, and many other aspects.

He commended Mr Stevens for his work in Lagos, adding that he had helped the tech industry in Nigeria flourish and that his support for the creative industry was unimaginable.

Mr Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians to believe in the country and recognise challenges everywhere.

“America has gone through its own for 248 years. It has tumbled, fallen, and gotten up but here they are still moving and getting stronger daily. As Nigerians, let us raise our heads up and say indeed we will play our parts with every strength in our body, ensuring we are the best in every part of the world,” he said. 

(NAN)