NIGERIA IS A LEADER, KEY ALLY

                                       -US

                      Michael Pompeo, US Secretary of State

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pparently showing its unreserved support for Nigeria, the U.S. has described Nigeria as an indisputable leader in Africa, a friend and a key ally of the country.

US Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, on the occasion of Nigeria’s National Independence which was celebrated on Monday throughout the country, the government congratulated Nigeria and its people on the nation’s independence anniversary.

Pompeo said: “I would like to convey warm wishes to the government and people of Nigeria on the 58th anniversary of your independence. Nigeria remains a key partner and friend of the United States. Through its strengthening democracy, its dynamic economy and the great entrepreneurial spirit of its people, Nigeria is a leader in the region and beyond. We count on Nigeria to continue its leadership through free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections in 2019. The United States offers our continuous support to Nigeria in its efforts to expand trade and investment, counter-terrorism, ensure regional stability and tackle corruption. As you celebrate the anniversary of your independence, please know that the people of the United States celebrate with you.”

The former British Colony, gained Independence on Oct. 1, 1960 and since then had been celebrating the day of its birth.

Although, most Nigerians believed that the country would have advanced to a reasonable level in terms of technology, human capital development, economy and infrastructural development, there is room for improvement. When compared with its contemporaries, the country still needs to put all distractions aside such as ethnicity, religion and tolerance which have bedevilled the West African country for more than five decades of its existence.