By Adedapo Adesanya
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has partnered with the Nigerian government on how to advance the country towards a self-reliant future.
A press statement released by the spokesperson of USAID, Tom Babington confirmed this on Tuesday, August 27.
This followed the recent two-day visit of USAID Administrator, Mark Green to Nigeria on August 24-25, 2019 where he emphasized the agency’s commitment to partnering with the country on how it can develop effectively.
On the first day of the two-legged visit, Administrator Green met with the Vice of the President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo and religious leaders to better understand interfaith peace building efforts and to validate the critical role interfaith leaders play in mitigating violence in their communities.
Following the briefing from embassy staff on the ongoing insecurity and humanitarian needs in northeast Nigeria, the Administrator together with Vice President, Osinbajo discussed steps to tackle the ongoing humanitarian and development issues.
According to the press statement released by the agency, Green called on the need to settle these conflicts, which he pointed out was often caused by disputes over access and distribution of resources are exacerbated by rapid population growth, urbanization, and climate change, among other factors.
On August 25 which culminated the visit, Administrator Green visited Igu township, north of Abuja, where he commended local leaders for building upon USAID assistance to help maintain peace, stability, and religious tolerance in their communities.
Administrator Green met with regional stakeholders and discussed on USAID’s support for conflict resolution and other peaceful mitigation strategies, as it relates to farmer-pastoralist conflict in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
The USAID officer also used the opportunity to exchange ideas with women micro-entrepreneurs, youth leaders, and smallholder farmers, who benefited from the Feed the Future Nigeria Livelihoods Project.
The five-year program has helped vulnerable families diversify their income sources and produce foodstuffs that improved nutrition in the region.
