45 Nigerian civic organizations, individuals get $453,568 US grant

The United States Consulate General in Lagos has through its grant programme awarded $453,568 to 45 individuals, non-government organizations (NGOs) and academic institutions.

Recipients got grant awards ranging from $ 3,922 up to $80,000.

Yearly, the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos invites NGOs, 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 diverse project submissions, and as a result made awards ranging from $3,922 up to $80,000, depending on the proposed scope of activities.

Presenting the awards to the recipients, the US Consul General, F. John Bray noted that 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.

While he recognized the commitment of the grantee organizations working to improve the lives of community members through sustainable projects that bolster good governance, education, and health, he explained that the Consulate’s grant award programme 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,” he said.

Some of the grant recipients include: Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI); Vision 2020 Youth Empowerment and Restoration Initiative; Sickle Cell Foundation, Nigeria; Code for Nigeria; IITA, Ibadan and Heritage Art Gallery in Osogbo, among others.

In an interview with Daily Trust, the Programme Coordinator of Vision 2020 Youth Empowerment and Restoration Initiative, Ivie Evbuomwan, explained that the initiative focuses on promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education across schools.

The grant, she said, would be used to empower youths and girls with STEM skills through the STEM camp programme.

In his remark, Chief Jimoh Braimoh, founder of Heritage Art Gallery in Osogbo said the grant award will be used to train 24 children between ages 18-35 years on various aspects of arts.