U.S. consul general Will Stevens says the American government will continue to partner Nigerian universities to enhance the nation’s economy. Mr Stevens stated this during the graduation of 10 participants of the ‘Learn to Earn Project’ at the American Corner, University of Port Harcourt, Choba.
The 10 young women graduated from the programme funded by the United States African Development Foundation and implemented by MOBA Designs.
They were trained for six months on how to make sustainable and affordable furniture for African households and industries from reusable materials such as tyres and plastic waste.
Mr Stevens explained that the training aimed to empower young women, reduce pollution, create a healthy environment, provide leadership and business management skills, and earn a living.
According to him, the U.S. has 11 corners in Nigeria where training hold and participants receive sustaining grants of between $10,000 and $100,000 from the support of the consulate after training.
The consul general revealed that Nigeria “is the largest participant” of the U.S. programmes in Africa.’’
“Last decade, we talked about how we need to help find African solutions to African problems. We need to be working together to help find African solutions to global problems. We are here to work together to enable and empower incredible young African entrepreneurs to find solutions to problems facing the entire world,” said the American diplomat.
He added, “We are here in American Corner focusing on bringing American opportunities and ideas to the people of Port Harcourt through the University of Port Harcourt and to Nigeria also.” (NAN)