Ambassador Sanders' at Iftaar Dinner in Ilorin 2008

U.S. Ambassador Robin Renee Sanders

Remarks as prepared for delivery

Iftaar Dinner

Governor’s Lodge, Ilorin, Kwara State
Sunday, September 21, 2008

Assalamu Alaikum, Ramadan Mubarak. I am honored to be invited during this holy month of Ramadan by the Executive Governor of Kwara State, the Emir of Ilorin Alhaji Sulu Gambari, Honorable First Lady of Kwara State, Executive Council Members, distinguished ladies and gentlemen of Kwara State, and all other protocols duly observed. As you know, Ramadan is a special time of prayer, fasting, service and commemoration for the revelation of God’s word to the prophet Muhammad.

Muslims in the United States often celebrate Ramadan with the encouragement and support of friends, colleagues and neighbors. So I am here tonight to support and honor the friendship and traditions of a great faith by taking part in this Iftaar dinner hosted by His Excellency, the Governor of Kwara State.

It is also befitting that I have only recently returned to assume my official duties in Nigeria after spending time with my family. It is in this spirit that I share this evening with you during the holy month of Ramadan, as part of the Kwara State family, to celebrate the Muslim faith. We all share a commitment to peace, to love of faith, to love of country, to love of family, and to caring for the people of Kwara State. As we break fast together we note that America treasures friendship with Kwara State and welcomes and honors your faith.

Ramadan Kareem, and thank you, Honorable Governor, for the opportunity to take part in this special occasion.

Ambassador Sanders' Remarks at Iftaar Dinner 2008

Ambassador Robin Reneé Sanders

Remarks as prepared for delivery

Iftaar Dinner featuring Bruce Onobrakpeya and
introducing the Art in Embassies Program

Chief of Mission Residence
Friday, September 12, 2008, at 6:00 p.m.

Assalamu Alaikum, Ramadan Mubarak. I am honored to welcome such distinguished guests during the holy month of Ramadan, a special time of prayer, fasting, service, and commemoration for the revelation of God's word to the prophet Muhammad.

Muslims in the United States often celebrate Ramadan with the encouragement and support of non-Muslim friends, colleagues, and neighbors. So it is fitting for me, and members of the U.S. Mission representing our country, to honor the friendship and traditions of a great faith by hosting this Iftaar dinner- my first- at the official residence of the American people here in Nigeria.

It is also befitting that this is my first official act upon returning to Nigeria and assuming my duties after spending time with my family. It is in this spirit that we come together this evening during Ramadan, as family, to celebrate the Muslim faith and to learn more about each other. We all share a commitment to peace, to love of faith, and to love of country. As we break fast together we note that America treasures friendship with Nigeria, and welcomes and honors your faith.

As you know, an important part of America’s moral fiber is tolerance. Americans believe that no one should be treated differently because of the color of their skin, where they were born, or what they believe. Not only do Americans reject intolerance, but we celebrate diversity. Hence the theme of this Iftaar dinner is “Democracy and Diversity: The Strength of a Nation”. It is also the theme that I have chosen for the official artwork of the U.S. Residence, done in partnership with one of Nigeria’s most premier artists, Mr. Bruce Onobrakpeya. On this unique occasion both Bruce’s and the Residence’s collections are being exhibited for the first time.

Bruce Onobrakpeya is a living memorial to diversity and has challenged and changed the art scene in Nigeria and the world over the past 50 years. Since his first one-man exhibition in Delta State in 1959, Bruce has participated in over 70 exhibitions in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. His works are featured in several important public and private collections in Nigeria and abroad, such as the Vatican Museum in Rome and the National Museum of African Arts in Washington, D.C. In April of this year, one of Bruce’s works was sold for the largest sum ever paid for a piece of art in Nigeria.

Bruce Onobrakpeya has been a bridge builder between the United States and Nigeria. He has said that his residency at an art school in the United States in 1975 changed his life. It helped to instill in him a dream, which has now been fulfilled through his annual Harmattan Workshop Series in Delta State. I hope you enjoy, as I do, the wonderful pieces Bruce has personally selected to display for you this evening.

Together with Bruce’s pieces, we are introducing these two art collections at the residence. The two pillars, democracy and diversity, go hand-in-hand with the progress and development of any country. The United States and Nigeria have these two pillars in common. And these are the themes you will see reflected in the art and sculptures shown here this evening, which highlight the array of diversity- ethnicity, religion, gender and age- that make any nation not only strong, but better.

All of these pieces are connected, just like all of us who live in diverse, democratic societies. We must always remember this, and I hope that as you view these pieces and reflect on their beauty you will keep these themes in mind. Each piece renews our faith in all of us moving forward together, but also underscores the work that we still must do together in today’s global village.

As we celebrate this Ramadan season let us enjoy the food and friendship as family, and use the art on display as an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of Ramadan in our own lives, on our shared values of family and community. “Ramadan Kareem”, and thank you all for coming.

Ambassador Sanders' Remarks at AFRICA ENDEAVOR 2008

Remarks of U.S. Ambassador Robin Renée Sanders

Delivered at the Closing Ceremony of Exercise AFRICA ENDEAVOR 2008

(As prepared for delivery)
Nigerian Air Force Base, Abuja
July 23, 2008

Minister of State for Defense Njeze, Chief of Defense Staff GEN Azazi, representatives of the Service Chiefs, representatives of the Service Directors, Heads of Delegations of the 26 nations participating in the African Endeavor exercise, As the U.S. Ambassador I would also like to recognize the Head of the U.S. Delegation, General Ward, All Delegation senior officers, Member nation participants, members of the press, ladies and gentlemen, all other protocols duly observed:

I want to begin by thanking the host country – Nigeria – for its leadership role and dedication in continuing the African Endeavor exercise. This is the second time that this exercise has been held on the African continent, (in South Africa in 2006), and all of us appreciate the support that the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly the Minster of Defense and Chief of Defense Staff General Azazi, have provided over the last few days to make this exercise truly a resounding success. In the global environment in which we all live today, partners and friends like Nigeria are key to moving international military-to-military cooperation forward. I personally recognize the importance of mil-to-mil cooperation on several fronts, not only because I am a product of a U.S. military family, but also because I have recently served as the Deputy Commandant at the U.S. National Defense University just prior to my arrival here as the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria.

I also would like to recognize and congratulate every participant who took part in Africa Endeavor 2008. Without your professionalism and commitment to the interactions and activities over the last several days, the goals of this exercise would have not come to fruition. Together, you made significant progress in integrating shared military communication systems and improving not only the hardware capability, but also the importance of military networks on an international level.

As you all know, good communication is the backbone of any successful undertaking, whether it is a United Nations Peacekeeping operation or a humanitarian relief mission in response to a natural disaster. Good communications, during joint operations, begins with interoperable equipment, systems and procedures that permit military units not only to speak to, but also to share information with units from other nations and organizations, such as the 21 African nations and two key regional organizations – ECOWAS and the African Union -- represented here today.

One of the great deliverables – which I like to call the intangibles -- from exercises such is this – is another important element -- building mutual understanding among militaries -- as communication among the people behind the systems you used in the exercises this week is also so very, very critical. I know that the relationships you have developed during this exercise will remain part of your professional experiences throughout your careers, and the knowledge you have gained over the past six days of intense testing and collaboration will pay dividends many times over as you, your countries and organizations continue to work together to ensure continued peace and security – on this great continent of Africa in general, and the sub region in particular.

The United States Government and the people of America – through the Department of Defense - are honored to be a sponsor of this event along with our host, the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Africa Endeavor is a groundbreaking venture, which you all should be proud of. It embodies the growing military and civilian cooperation among the nations of Africa—both at the bilateral as well as multilateral levels. The standards and procedures you have established during this exercise will serve as a touchstone for improved, coordinated responses to the myriad security challenges facing Africa. As the lessons learned from these exercises take hold throughout your respective organizations, I hope increased communication will serve as the catalyst for developing strategies to prevent conflicts before they escalate, as well as the catalyst to continue to build mutual understanding, and respect between the militaries of our nations.

Economic and social progress cannot occur without physical security, just as operations to improve physical security cannot occur without cohesive communication. Through your participation in these exercises, you have demonstrated the collective commitment of the countries and organizations you represent to improve the lives of the people of Africa by cooperating to ensure their peace and security and exercises like this one do just that.

Once again, thank you to the Government, Military, and people of Nigeria, and to all of the participants, facilitators and Exercise Directors Brigadier General Kwabe and LTC Dollesin.


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Ambassador Sanders' Remarks at AGOA Product Launch

Opening Remarks – Ambassador Robin Sanders

AGOA Product Launch

F&D Garment Manufacturing Co. premises – Lagos, Nigeria

10:00-11:00, July 17, 2008

Good Morning and Bon Voyage!

Today is another step forward in Nigerian SME's taking advantage of duty free exports under the African Growth and Opportunity Act or AGOA. The F&D Garment Manufacturing Co’s newest shipment of clothing and apparel to the United States is being exported under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

AGOA as many of you already know provides trade preferences for quota and duty-free entry of 6,500 different goods into the United States. Non-oil exports constitute only a very small fraction of Nigeria’s AGOA exports and I would like to see that changed, particularly as I have worked on AGOA for many years, including being at the White House when AGOA was signed into law in 2000.

This event is a direct follow-on from the June 12-13 workshop in Lagos held with our public-private partners Bank of Industry and First Bank.

Recognizing the talents of the Nigerian business community it is very important to me particularly seeing you take increased advantage of AGOA trade opportunities. Also I want to underscore the importance my government places not only on the existing business linkages between our two nations but also on creating new ones like this one under our framework for partnership with Nigeria.

As part of that commitment right now senior members of the Nigerian government and private sector are participating in a high-level AGOA Forum in Washington DC

The theme for this year’s AGOA forum is “Mobilizing Investment for Trade and Growth” in order to strengthen the linkages between private investment and economic growth and accelerate the exchange of ideas and information that is critical for AGOA’s success and indeed Africa’s continued economic success.

During last month’s export credit and finance event in Lagos with co-sponsors Bank of Industry and First Bank I asked participants to think creatively to nurture and expand existing partnerships work to build new productive partnerships and take positive steps to improve the paradigm between U.S. business-related programs and Nigerian businesses.

As I stated then our work to further build U.S. – Nigeria business relationships and enhance Nigerian SMEs’ export readiness to the U.S. would not be a quick fix, but rather one of many steps. Today is another step in that direction to change the paradigm of business linkages that now exist.

I am pleased to be here with F&D’s Managing Director Prahbu Dorai as this non-oil AGOA export embarks on its way across the Atlantic to expectant U.S. buyers. I also want to use this opportunity to mention the work that F&D is doing with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council at the AGOA Center to help train and build the capacity of a new cadre of emerging SME garment manufacturers in an effort to expand and most importantly to diversify Nigeria’s exports more into the non-oil sector. This is an important step on the Nigerian side.

I also want to recognize the presence of Frijay Consults’ Managing Director Mrs. A. S. Uwheraka who is also exporting seafood products (on display here) under AGOA to the United States.

All areas of AGOA duty-free exports are important and what Mrs. Uwheraka is doing with aquaculture and seafood products is just another example of the diversity of export potential for SMEs under AGOA.

In addition as part of the follow-up emanating from the June 12-13 workshop recommendations the U.S. Mission Bank of Industry and our other private sector partners here in Nigeria will soon be conducting a series of detailed state-level and zonal AGOA training programs focusing on developing the capacity of Nigerian businesses at the State level. These workshops will cover the provisions and procedures for exporting under AGOA and how to get export ready. I am pleased that the first zonal workshop will take place at the end of this month.

We are also moving ahead to expand and improve access to AGOA information and services here in Nigeria. The U.S. Mission is in discussions with Federal Government and State-level stakeholders to improve access to AGOA information and we are looking into the possibility of making the AGOA-proprietary software available here in Nigeria through our partnerships and will announce the details of that when the proposals are finalized.

In closing let me assure you that my goal and that of my team at the U.S. Mission to Nigeria is to work in partnership with you to move into a new era in U.S.- Nigerian business relations which includes AGOA but also involves a new bilateral investment treaty currently under discussion between our two countries.

In addition, we will continue to work with both government and private sector entities on this new potential for a new era that improves trade and investment but one that also has a synergy with improved transparency and the adoption of best business practices which will help both the U.S. and Nigeria change the business paradigm between our nations.

Thank you for joining me on this next step toward that goal.

Ambassador Sanders' Remarks at Youth Environmental Leadership Program Workshop

U.S. Ambassador Robin Reneé Sanders

Opening Remarks

Youth Environmental Leadership Program (YELP) Workshop
Nigerian Salzburg Seminar Alumni

THEME: Environmental Leadership for Youth
VENUE: Valencia Hotel, Abuja
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
9:40 - 10:30AM

It is a pleasure for me to be with all of you this morning. As future leaders, you have an important role to play in shaping the direction of your country.

The U.S. Mission is pleased to partner with the Nigerian Salzburg Seminar Alumni in staging this workshop focused on developing your capacity to understand important environmental issues confronting Nigeria and skills that you will use to be effective leaders and advocates.

I am aware that your group has four objectives in Nigeria: 1) to improve cultural awareness and societal understanding; 2) to use dialogue as a means to promote justice and reconciliation; 3) to foster education and leadership that is responsive to local, national, and global needs; and, 4) to build inclusive decision-making institutions that are informed by citizens’ viewpoints, scientific research, as well as public and private sector inputs.

There is a Nigerian proverb that says: ”A man can not sit alone to plan for prosperity”. The proverb acknowledges that progress and prosperity require collective action, and a country's people are its most important resource. We support this position which is why a substantial portion of U.S. development assistance in Nigeria is focused on INVESTING IN PEOPLE.

Today's workshop is one of many activities we support specifically focused on developing youth like you. Good governance, sustainable economic growth, environmental protection and poverty alleviation all go hand in hand.

Like many other nations, Nigeria is pursuing a strategy of economic growth and development that aims to reduce poverty and improve the lives of its citizens. You know that certain actions can have negative environmental impacts such as increased greenhouse gas emissions, and stresses on water supply which can contribute to desertification.

Sadly, sand dunes from the Sahara are being swept southward pushing nomadic herdsmen into adjacent grass and woodlands. The tension between farmers and herdsmen over limited resources has prompted repeated conflicts and violent confrontations.

Woodlands have been decimated and soil once held together by dense vegetation has been rapidly eroded leaving vast, gaping, gullies across the country. Over the past 20 years, Nigeria has lost 3.7 Million Hectares of forest and farmland to erosion and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture estimates that 35 million metric tones of soil are washed away annually (source: IRIN).

To mitigate further negative environmental impacts, economic growth needs to take place in a sustainable manner- one that preserves, protects, and honors the environment for future generations.

Progress in the long run will only be assured by adopting policies that improve energy security, alleviate poverty, protect and preserve biodiversity, reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases, and provide for the sustainable utilization of scare natural resources.

The United States has long been at the forefront of environmental protection and our environmental legislation continues to serve as a model for other countries. We were among the first countries to establish a dedicated government office (the Environmental Protection Agency) specifically to address environmental issues and regulate industrial activities that were having negative environmental impacts.

The United States continues to play a leadership role on environmental issues at home and internationally. Since 2001, we haves provided substantial funding ($37 billion) for climate-related science and technology including international assistance and incentive programs. And, since 2002, we have launched 15 bilateral and regional climate change partnerships including playing a key role in the September 2007 United Nations inaugural conference of 17 Major Economies on Energy Security and Climate Change.

I am pleased to report that our efforts have had a very positive impact upon environmental issues while supporting economic prosperity. From 2000-2005, the population of the United States grew by 5%. and GDP grew by 12%. while our greenhouse gas emissions increased by only 1.6%. Moreover, the latest estimates show that from 2005-2006 our economy grew 2.9%,but our energy-related carbon dioxide emissions decreased by 1.3%.

Environmental problems are global in nature but their impact, and their solution, begins locally with each of you. Environmentalists regularly tell us to: “Think globally…act locally”. You MUST do that! It is the charge you have as Nigerian environmentalists.

I am confident that this workshop will provide you with a greater understanding of the environmental issues facing you, your communities, and Nigeria. I am equally confident that you will also leave here with the skills you need to address and resolve these issues in ways that promote human dignity, support economic development, while respecting the environment in which you live.

We must work together on this, and as future leaders of this country, you ARE agents of change and we are your partner in these efforts.

Thank you.