The bustling commercial center of Lagos, Nigeria, specifically the Lekki area, has become the designated location for an ‘American Corner’ established by the United States. Functioning as regional resource centers, these corners offer information and programs that highlight American culture, history, current events, and government initiatives. The official inauguration of American Corner Lekki was overseen by the United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, as documented on the official U.S. government website.
As outlined in the statement, “This new addition to the United States’ global American Spaces network, comprising over 600 cultural and information centers in more than 140 countries, signifies the commencement of the 20th-anniversary celebrations of American Corners.”
“American Corner Lekki symbolizes the future of the American Spaces network, extending accessibility to U.S. culture, English-language learning opportunities, internet services, along with advisory services for studying in the United States, skills, professional development programs, and training.
“In Africa alone, the network, inclusive of American Centers, American Corners, and Binational Centers, encompasses 172 American Spaces across 52 countries. In the past year, the American Spaces network in Africa hosted approximately 20,000 in-person and virtual programs, reaching over 1.6 million participants.
In conclusion, the statement reiterates that: “Nigeria’s network of American Spaces comprises two American Centers in Abuja and Lagos, and 10 American Corners situated in universities, libraries, and community centers across the country. In 2023, Nigeria’s American Spaces and Affiliates engaged nearly 100,000 participants in 21 cities through approximately 4,400 programs focusing on civic engagement, media literacy, women’s participation in politics, STEM education, creative industries, entrepreneurship, and youth development.”
