Cablegate: Nigeria: Ambassador Awards Special Self-Help

VZCZCXRO1258
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHOS #0480 3330549
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 280549Z NOV 08
FM AMCONSUL LAGOS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0339
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
RUEHUJA/AMEMBASSY ABUJA 9980
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC
RHEBAAA/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHDC
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC
RUEWMFD/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE
RUFOADA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK

UNCLAS LAGOS 000480

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID PGOV PREL NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: AMBASSADOR AWARDS SPECIAL SELF-HELP
PROJECTS

1. (U) Summary: On November 21, Ambassador Sanders signed
agreements with seven non-governmental organizations to
implement Mission's Special Self-Help grants for 2008.
Grantees received a ceremonial check and participated in a
training on administration of grant funds. The event was
featured in at least three daily newspapers, including The
Guardian, Vanguard, and Daily Independent, and on television
and radio stations. End summary.

2. (U) On November 21, Ambassador Sanders hosted the
Mission's 2008 Special Self-Help grantees at the American
Guest Quarters in Lagos for a signing ceremony and training
on grant administration. The Ambassador called the Special
Self-Help program an exercise in democracy, and urged
grantees to continue to work for improved quality of life in
Nigeria. Investing in communities through the Special
Self-Help program is just one of the ways the people of the
United States, through the U.S. Mission, are working in
partnership with Nigerians, the Ambassador said. She also
gave grantees an overview of other USG partnership efforts to
promote economic growth, just and democratic governance,
investing in people, and peace and security.

3. (U) Representatives of each of the recipient organizations
received a ceremonial check. The 2008 grantees include: the
Daniel Igali Foundation in Bayelsa, Garram Children,s School
in Plateau, Grace Hospital Eziama in Imo, Health Awareness
and Gender Advocacy Initiative in Lagos, Npang-Niyes
community in Plateau, Ovim Community Initiative in Abia, and
Women,s Board in Ogun. These grants will fund school books,
classroom furniture, boreholes, and surgical equipment.

4. (U) The event was featured in at least three major
newspapers, including The Guardian, Vanguard, and Daily
Independent, and on television and radio stations.

5. (U) This cable has been coordinated with Embassy Abuja.
BLAIR

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