Nigeria is the largest recipient of the US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief in the world, US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle, has said.
Entwistle made this known at a reception to celebrate the 238th anniversary of US Independence in Abuja on Friday night.
According to him, Nigeria is receiving 458 million dollars support each year to help prevent diseases such as malaria.
He said a large portion of the money was also used to treat and help prevent diseases such as Tuberculosis and HIV and AIDS.
The ambassador used the occasion of the July 4 celebrations at the US embassy compound in Abuja to highlight US priorities and commitment to peace, security and rapid development in Nigeria.
On development, he said, the “strong presence” of the US Agency for International Development in Nigeria had yielded positive results, particularly in the area of infrastructure and agriculture.
Entwistle highlighted President Barack Obama’s Power Africa programme, which he said, had already attracted private sector investment that would result in improved power generation for Nigeria’s electricity grid.
“A great example of this is the Azura Energy Project with USAID-backing and support, 130 million dollars in venture capital was raised.
“Construction is slated to start this month and it will add 450 megawatts of power to Nigeria’s electricity grid when it is complete.
“This project underlines that development is no longer just a government-to-government activity and that the role of the private sector is key,” he said.
He also reiterated the U.S deep commitment to free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria ahead of the 2015 general elections.
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