In Nigeria’s commercial hub, Lagos, the United States has recently established an ‘American Corner’ in the Lekki area. These corners function as regional resource centers, offering information and programs that showcase American culture, history, current events, and government.

Antony Blinken, the Secretary of State for the United States, actively took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally inaugurate the American Corner Lekki. The Press Office of the Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos released a statement providing details about the event.

The statement “This new addition to the United States’ global American Spaces network, consisting of over 600 cultural and information centres in more than 140 countries, marks the commencement of the 20th-anniversary celebrations of American Corners”

Integral to the United States’ people-to-people engagement strategy, American Corners, as part of the American Spaces network, are supported by local partners. These corners play a vital role in expanding access to education, economic opportunities, equity, and societal inclusion.

Representing the future of the American Spaces network, American Corner Lekki offers local communities convenient access to U.S. culture, English-language learning opportunities, internet services, as well as guidance on studying in the United States, skills development, professional programs, and training.

In 2023, the global American Spaces network reached over 41 million people through nearly 1.5 million engagement programs and opportunities. In Africa alone, the network, comprising American Centers, American Corners, and Binational Centers, spans 172 American Spaces across 52 countries. Last year, the American Spaces network in Africa hosted around 20,000 in-person and virtual programs, reaching over 1.6 million participants.

Nigeria’s American Spaces network includes two American Centers in Abuja and Lagos, along with 10 American Corners situated in universities, libraries, and community centers nationwide. In 2023, Nigeria’s American Spaces and Affiliates engaged nearly 100,000 participants in 21 cities through approximately 4,400 programs, focusing on civic engagement, media literacy, women’s participation in politics, STEM education, creative industries, entrepreneurship, and youth development.”

Source: Techeconomy