.

By Chioma Obinna

To honour, promote the values, principles as well as the idea of a better Nigeria which the 12th American Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Walter Charles Carrington who served as U.S. Ambassador between 1993 and 1997 at the peak of the military regime in Nigeria, the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association in Nigeria, USGEAA , has instituted an award in his name.

The award tagged: “Walter Carrington Award”, according to USGEAA, was instituted to also recognise his outstanding contribution to democratic values, human and civil rights that he promoted and projected at every opportunity even at the risk to his life and comfort.

Addressing journalists in Lagos during the inauguration of the award, USGEAA President, Mr. Mike Okwoche explained that the award will be the highest Award of the USGEAA and will be given to Nigerians and friends of Nigeria with impeccable character who reflect the values they represent and promote.

“They will be those who are contributing to making our humanity, communities and societies better.

“Since Nigeria’s Independence in 1960, the United States of America has built robust and friendly economic, political and cultural relationships with Nigeria. One of the ways this relationship has been expressed is the creation of many exchange programmes which has become a platform where Nigerians in various disciplines and endeavours have the opportunity to interact and share experiences and ideas with their American counterparts, institutions and organisations in similar disciplines. Through this avenue, long-lasting friendship is built between them leading to partnerships and collaborations in various mutual projects and programs of interest.”

Okwoche said over 7,500 Nigerians have benefited from over 20 different Exchange Programmes sponsored by the United States Government under the U.S. Department of State.

He added that some Nigerians who have attended various exchange programmes have returned to become leaders in politics, legal practice, journalism and media, entrepreneurship, sports, medicine, academia, entertainment, Civil Society Organisations, advocacy and many other endeavours.

He explained that these individuals return to Nigeria to create impacts in their areas of operations through volunteerism and selfless services to humanity after they have gained additional skills and capability in the United States.

They embark on projects and programs that transform lives, build human capacities through training; give back to society in anyways.

According to him, these activities by nearly 8,000 members have consistently created social development in Nigeria.

The USGEAA is committed to partnering with exceptional individuals, organisations and institutions that are championing selfless services to humanity and society and therefore, wish to inspire members and non-members towards creating more social impacts that will bring desired change through partnerships and collaborations.

He said it was on that premise, they announced the Walter Carrington Award of the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association in Nigeria.

He explained that the Walter Carrington Award will be constitutionalised to make it permanent.

He said already they have created a 3-man Board for the Award made up of very senior alumni members who will fine-tune the criteria and eligibilities for the award in order to standardise the process and vet the names of nominees for the award in future.