US alumni association hosts networking event in Abuja

The United States Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria, Abuja Chapter, on Thursday hosted a “meet and greet” networking event that brought together about 300 alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programmes resident in the Federal Capital Territory.

The gathering, held at the National Assembly Library Complex, provided a platform for alumni to reconnect, network and exchange views on a wide range of social and developmental issues.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Public Relations Officer of the Abuja Chapter, Daniel Iwuchukwu, the association said the event offered an opportunity to “showcase the enduring impact of US Government sponsored exchange programmes, whose alumni continue to advance and project core American values of constitutionalism, democracy, civic responsibility, and public service across Nigeria’s public, private, and civic sectors.”

The event was attended by representatives of the United States Embassy, led by the Public Diplomacy Officer, Raisa Dukas; members of the USGEAAN National Executive Committee; and other distinguished guests, including federal lawmakers Gaza Gbefwi (SDP, Nasarawa) and Okey-Joe Onuakalusi (LP, Lagos), Chairman of the Nigeria–United States Parliamentary Friendship Group.

In her opening remarks, Dukas highlighted the role of exchange alumni in strengthening democratic institutions and deepening people-to-people ties between Nigeria and the United States.

She also announced the launch of Freedom 250, a year-long initiative calling on partners and allies to showcase enduring American values of courage, generosity and innovation, as part of activities marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.

“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 US 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.

The President of the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria, Dr Nosayaba Tukura, in her remarks, stressed the need for coordinated alumni action to translate exchange experiences into measurable national impact.

Represented at the event by the General Secretary of the association, Mr Olalekan Adeeko, she outlined the strategic direction of the national body in harnessing the collective strength of the alumni network.

Also speaking, the Spokesman of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the USGEAAN Abuja Chapter, Akin Rotimi, commended members for their strong turnout.

Rotimi, an alumnus of the flagship International Visitors Leadership Programme, presented the Chapter’s 2026 Work Plan, outlining key priorities such as administrative strengthening, enhanced collaboration and networking, scaling community impact within Abuja, and supporting the implementation of national-level initiatives of the association.

He said, “Being in Abuja, at the heart of Nigeria’s political and civic life, gives our chapter a unique responsibility and opportunity. Our goal is to build a connected, dynamic community of alumni who turn their experience into meaningful action, mentoring, leading, and innovating across society.

“We call on all alumni to join us in cultivating this network of change-makers, advancing democratic governance, civic responsibility, and public service throughout the country.”

USGEAAN is a non-partisan network of Nigerian alumni of U.S. government-funded exchange programmes, dedicated to leadership development, community service, and the promotion of shared values between Nigeria and the United States.

Culled from punch