The outgoing United States (U.S.) Ambassador to
Nigeria, James Entwistle, on Thursday night, said that it was
important for Nigerians to know that the future of their country belonged to them all.
Entwistle, who made the observation at the celebration of the
240th Independence Anniversary of the U.S. in Lagos, said that the future of Nigeria depended on brave men and women to change the world.
“The United States has maintained a robust engagement with Nigeria
for many years, and our partnership with Nigeria runs deep.
“We have worked with Nigeria on issues of elections, security,
fighting infectious diseases, spurring broad-based, inclusive economic
growth and others.
‘’The future of Nigeria belongs to the people of Nigeria. More
specifically, it belongs to Nigerian heroes, who are brave enough to
believe they can change the world,’’ he said.
The Envoy added that his government would continue to stand with every
Nigerian that strongly believed that Nigeria could be healthier, safer
and become more prosperous in the years ahead.
Enwistle said that he could not personally wait to see what Nigerians
would be doing on their own or be ready to do with the U.S., for the
freedom of every Nigeria from fear, want, sickness and corruption.
The Ambassador restated his government’s commitment to supporting
Nigeria in her fight against Boko Haram, corruption, improving her
business climate and privatization of the power grid.
He also expressed the readiness of the U.S. to support Nigeria in the
rebuilding process of the North East, as well as in promoting peace in the
Niger-Delta.
Entwistle, who is retiring at the end of month, after 35 and a-half years of
service, also disclosed his government’s commitment to supporting
developments in healthcare and education.
‘’This evening also holds a special resonance for me and my wife, Pam,
since I will shortly end my assignment in Nigeria
.
‘’I will retire from the U.S. Foreign Service at the end of this
month after 35 and a-half years.
‘’Pam and I have been uniformly well-received in our time in Nigeria
and we have always enjoyed every minute of our stay,’’ he added.
