US Government Showcases Impact Of Its Exchange Programmes.

By Ferdinand Olise

The President of the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria, Dr. Nosayaba Tukura, has emphasised the importance of coordinated alumni action in translating exchange experiences into measurable national impact between Nigeria and the United States of America.

Speaking at a major Alumni “Meet and Greet”, occasion convened by the Abuja Chapter of the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria, held at the the National Assembly, Dr Tukura, who was represented by the General Secretary of the Association, Mr. Olalekan Adeeko, underscored the strategic direction of the national body in harnessing the strength of the alumni network.

He said their strength as an Association lies not in how they harness its collective expertise for national development, noting that across Nigeria, the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria is applying the skills gained through U.S. exchange programmes to strengthen institutions, expand civic participation, and drive community-level impact.

“Our strength as an association lies not in the size of our network, but in how we harness its collective expertise for national development. Across Nigeria, USGEAAN alumni are applying the skills gained through U.S. exchange programmes to strengthen institutions, expand civic participation, and drive community-level impact. We aim to align this energy, provide clear direction, and ensure chapters function as effective platforms for leadership and service,” she said.

Also, a representative of the U.S. Embassy, Raisa Dukas, highlighted the role of exchange alumni in strengthening democratic institutions and deepening people-to-people ties between Nigeria and the United States. She announced the launch of Freedom two hundred and fifty, a year-long initiative that calls on partners and allies to showcase the enduring U.S. values of courage, generosity and innovation marking the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the United States.

Presenting the Chapter’s 2026 Work Plan, the Cordinator , United States Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria, Abuja Chapter, and alumnus of the flagship International Visitors Leadership Programme, Representative Akin Rotimi, highlighted strategic priorities including administrative strengthening, enhanced collaboration and networking, scaling community impact within Abuja, and supporting the implementation of national-level initiatives of the Association.

He therefore called on all alumni to join them in cultivating this network of change-makers, advancing democratic governance, civic responsibility, and public service throughout the country.

The meeting brought together about 300 U.S. Government sponsored exchange alumni, resident in the Federal Capital Territory.

It also served as a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and renewed engagement among alumni from diverse professional backgrounds. The meeting also provided an opportunity to showcase the enduring impact of U.S. Government sponsored exchange programmes, whose alumni continues to advance and project core American values of constitutionalism, democracy, civic responsibility, and public service across Nigeria’s public, private, and civic sectors.

The gathering was attended by representatives of the United States Embassy led by the Public Diplomacy Officer Raisa Dukas, leaders of the USGEAAN national executive committee and other guests from within the Network.