The United States (U.S.) Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has lauded the media in the country, noting that they are well-informed, robust, caring, committed, and among the best in Africa.
Mills made the commendation during a farewell dinner for the embassy’s departing Press Attaché, Gilbert Morton, and two other members of the Public Diplomacy section on Wednesday night in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the other two departing embassy officials were pubic diplomacy officers Victoria Cook and Katarina Ramos.
The envoy underscored the critical contributions of the trio to strengthening media relations, as well as U.S.-Nigeria relations through the media, cultural and educational outreach.
Amb. Mills pledged to deepen the U.S. Mission’s broader commitment to public engagement in Nigeria about his country’s policies, issues, goals and deepen diplomatic relations between Nigeria and U.S.
“The Nigerian press is among the most well-informed, most caring, most committed press, I think, on this continent.
“It is very important that the U.S. engages with the press about our policies, issues, and our goals for both Nigeria and U.S.”
Mills particularly acknowledged the role of Morton in building media relationships, as well as championing education outreach.
“Gil got me into the arena with so many of the folks here,” he said.
The ambassador also applauded the embassy’s entire Public Diplomacy team for their tireless efforts in promoting shared values between the two countries.
“We are a team committed to making sure the values Nigerians and Americans share prevail in the world and shape our children’s futures.
“The biggest part of that is our public outreach, discussing those values, making them understood, and ensuring they endure,” he added.
Also speaking, Morton shared his gratitude for the media support he received during his transition to Nigeria, which he described as “a rewarding professional experience.”
According to the outgoing embassy spokesman, the robust Nigerian press and the embassy’s educational outreach, are the highlights of his time in the country.
“Coming out here, it was a new adventure, and I really could not have asked for a better team to support me in that transition,” he said.
Cook, who coordinated numerous cultural engagements and “American Spaces” programmes, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to work across Nigeria and alongside the alumni of various U.S. government initiatives.
“It’s been a real privilege for me. I really knew that I was here to empower you, to just make sure that your good ideas, your creative dreams could continue to flourish,” she said.
Ramos, who managed the youth portfolio schedule, spoke about the immense potential she witnessed among young Nigerians.
The diplomat expressed her deep love and admiration for Nigerian culture, the warm hospitality she received throughout her posting, adding that this was the highpoint of her time and experience in the country.
“You have amazingly talented, industrious individuals here in Nigeria, and it has been a privilege to touch just a few of your lives,” she said.
