PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

U.S. Ambassador Speaks on Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., at American Corner Jos

Date: January 25, 2008
Venue: Abuja

Ambassador Sanders (right) with the Governor David Jang and Deputy Governor Pauline Tallen | Full size

U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Robin Renee Sanders spoke on the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., at the American Corner Jos.  Ambassador Sanders noted that, “King was among those champions of justice whose influence transcended national boundaries.” She went on to say, “We honor Martin Luther King, Jr., and remember his strength of character and his leadership.  We also remember the work that still remains.  America has come a long way since Dr. King's time, yet our journey to justice is not complete.  There is still a need for all Americans to hear the power and hope of Dr. King's enduring words so that we can hasten the day when his dream is made real.  Our Nation will continue to build on the legal equality championed by Dr. King and all the heroes of the civil rights movement, and we will continue our work to protect the promise of our Declaration and guarantee the rights of every citizen.”

Also speaking at the program was Professor Bethrand Tabugbo Nwufo, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), University of Jos, who represented Professor Gwanle Tyoden, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos.  Additional speakers included Professor Sahmsudeen Amali, former Vice Chancellor, University of Illorin, Professor C. J. Dakas, Faculty of Law, University of Jos.  A dramatic recital of Dr. King’s "I Have A Dream" speech was performed by Degri Emmanuel, student, Theatre Arts Department, University of Jos.
  
Upon in arriving in Jos Ambassador Sanders paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency David Jonah Jang, Executive Governor of Plateau State and Deputy Governor Pauline K. Tallen.  In her remarks to Governor Jang, she said, “This is my first visit to Jos and my first opportunity to meet with your Excellency.  I look forward to our discussions today and the opportunity they afford me to learn about your great state and the people of Plateau State.  I am interested in hearing your thoughts about the issues facing Plateau State and the plans of your administration to address the priorities you have established.”

Governor Jang presented Ambassador Sanders with his 10-Point Agenda and emphasized peace and stability, education, health, and tourism as priorities for his administration. 

Following the program at the American Corner Ambassador Sanders visited the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) to tour their HIV/AIDS Center, which receives support from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, PEPFAR.  The hospital is a comprehensive site that provides HIV treatment, prevention, and care activities. 

JUTH has partnered with Harvard University in a program named, the Harvard AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria project or APIN.  APIN is an integral part of the U.S. Government and Nigeria’s response to HIV/AIDS.  To date, Harvard’s local partners have provided treatment and monitoring to more than 35,237 adult and pediatric patients and cared for more than 73,246 HIV infected individuals.

Ambassador Sanders thanked the staff of JUTH. She told them that, “Through your dedication and commitment, you have helped to make PEPFAR the success that it has become in Nigeria.