PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

American Corner Jos hosts U.S. Embassy Lecture on “The Power of Citizen-Driven Development”

Date: June 27, 2007
Venue: Jos

Country Public Affairs Officer Ms. Atim Eneida George (center), stressing a point at the Fulbright Alumni-organized American Corner lecture on “The Power of Citizen-Driven Development.  | Full size

On Wednesday, June 27, US Embassy Abuja Country Public Affairs Officer, Atim Eneida George lectured 70 guests including students on “The Power of Citizen-Driven Development.”   The program was sponsored by the Jos branch of the Fulbright Alumni Association (FAAN).  The initial topic of the lecture was “Volunteerism,” but the CPAO changed the topic to “The Power of Citizen-Driven Development,” to underscore the point that “a group of committed people can change the world.”  She urged participants to take their destinies in their own hands, to articulate and advance their issues by bonding together as stake holders and work to make their communities better.  She said when citizens question authority they make public officers accountable - and when people show compassion and deliver services to those in need - their conditions will improve.  She invited members of the audience to develop their own problem solving strategies to deal with issues in their community without waiting for government intervention.

The lecture was followed by a lively interactive debate on obstacles that inhibit citizens’ participation in voluntary activities in Nigeria. By the end of the debate over 60% of the participants wanted to be involved in humanitarian activities.  They felt their contributions could make a difference while ten (10%) of the guests believe the obstacles are insurmountable.   The positive stories recounted during the debate included the testimony of a successful voluntary organization “Faith Alive,” that is changing lives and nurturing a new generation of compassionate, creative and forward looking youth leaders in Jos, where sectarian violence occurred in the last five years.