The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr James Entwistle, on Thursday said that the U.S. government would continue to support Nigeria in its efforts to win the war against terrorism.
Entwistle said this in Lagos at the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria Annual lecture held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA).
The envoy spoke through his representative, Ms Maria Brewer, the Deputy Chief of Mission of the US. Embassy.
He said that the U.S. government had provided equipment, training as well as shared her lessons on how to combat terrorism with Nigeria as part of its support to the Nigerian government.
Entwistle reiterated his home government’s continued support to the Nigerian government and security agencies in fighting insurgency in the North-east.
“The United States wants Nigeria to win its war on terrorism, and we fully support the Nigerian people in their struggles.
“Over the last decade, the United States has learned that defeating terrorism requires more than just military power.
“Fighting terrorism requires civilians and military leaders to work together and defeat the enemy on the battlefield,’’ he said.
The envoy urged the country to regard the challenges it was currently facing as catalysts for its growth, development and success.
“The challenges faced by Nigerians are significant, but so are the opportunities for growth, development and success.
“Indeed, I stand before you as an Afro-optimist, albeit one with a clear-eyed sense of realism about challenges that must be met on the path toward that bright future.
“These challenges are global in nature and affect many nations, including the United States and Nigeria.
“It is only natural for our countries to work together to meet these challenges,’’ he said.
Entwistle said that 120 Nigerians were among the 5,000 fellows from 56 countries that had so far benefited from the Humphrey Fellowship programme.
Chief Olabintan Famutimi, president of the alumni association of Nigeria said that insecurity in the country was already negatively affecting the country’s image abroad.
