When I returned from my US government exchange program, I thought that was the end of it. For several years, it was in my case until efforts were made to reach me and integrate me into the alumni association.
That was when my eyes opened to just how much effort and money the US Mission in Nigeria invests in their alumni and their work.
With about 20 exchange programs across varied specialties, the alumni base continues to bulge.
In the just-concluded US Government Exchange Alumni National Conference in Abuja, positive progress was achieved in organising alumni and forming a synergy with a winning recipe that is sure to work.
This recipe drawn from the theme of the conference, Leading Together Bridging Boundaries For Change, has its foundation rooted in the DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Integration and Adaptation) principle.
Only a person buried in a deep cocoon of denial would carry on as though our diversity has not been exploited negatively for divisive purposes.
This is just a sad shame as our diversity, if positively harnessed, is sure to bring us great yields as a country.
The US Mission demonstrated a genuine plan to support their alumni harness this diversity through true integrative and collaborative work to strengthen US/Nigeria ties for better development.
As the acting Ambassador of the Mission, David Greene noted, Nigeria is a great nation just like the United States and together they can achieve great things for all.
The two-day conference, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel on Tuesday and Wednesday, featured exciting panel discussions and presentations – all centering around regional diversity and intersectoral collaboration.
Alumni were also trained in grant-writing and handed easy go-to tips to help them access funding from the Mission for their work.
It was a good refresher course for me as I also attended the Lagos conference where the topic was taught in detail.
One of the noteworthy things about this conference is that it was organised by one of the exchange programs: TechWomen. It’s a program that collects smart techy women and enhance their professional capacity to inspire other female tech enthusiasts.
To describe as brilliant the topnotch seamless and professional way these ladies delivered a very successful conference is nothing short of an understatement.
In much the same way as the Lagos conference, alumni worked in groups to pitch projects and compete to be selected for funding.
Also, as in Lagos, yours truly coordinated her group, presented our pitch, helping it win the competition.
Our project is called AI For Educators. It’s fascinating. I’ll keep you posted with the juicy details.
The conference came to a close with a colorful cultural night-themed dinner party that dazzled the eyes and tickled the heart.
I smiled and laughed until my facial muscles threatened a protest.
Usually, I enjoy posing for pictures and I got to pose for tons of them as the young lady photographer was everywhere.
I was gifted a beautifully crafted kimono dress by one of the most alluring and stunning singers I’ve ever met: Jessica Bongos from another exchange program, American Music Abroad, focused on the musical arts.
She has such a huge stage presence and a rich, deep velvety voice.
For someone who loves meeting people, smiling at and talking to people, this conference was a kids candy heaven for me.
What a collection of truly amazing over-achievers it was and so many experiences to learn from.
I’m going home more resolute than ever to work even harder to make society better. I have also been imbued with a deeper understanding of the words ‘diversity’ and ‘integration.’ They are now very active, living, breathing words in need of nurturing and growth.
In addition, something I didn’t know was hiding deep within me was resolutely birthed at this conference.
It will manifest soonest.
This year has kick-started with good quality work. I am excited about the potential of AI For Educators. It will open up entirely new vistas for me.
Big kudos to the US Embassy. Your money is very well spent.
To the staff who delivered such high-quality presentations, keep doing life-changing work.
To the alumni, you are a bottomless pit of endless quality resource: Human goldmine.
I must specially take note of Hannatu Sadiq. What a woman! Her patience and energy is unrivaled. Tending to a thousand things and people all at once with consistent smile and good energy must require super human abilities.
There really must be something in the water these people drink at the US Embassy and it’s Consulate. They are truly a special breed.
Finally, like the proverbial Oliver Twist, dare I ask for more?
More candidates to benefit from Nigeria in these programs? More programs? More conferences? More project funding?
I hope I don’t get the sort of reaction poor Oliver Twist got.
