US Consulate General honors 2018 Carrington Fellows at graduation ceremony

The United States Consulate General Lagos hosted a graduation ceremony on Thursday for nineteen young Nigerians who formed the 2018 cohort of the Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative. Speaking at the event, which celebrated the fellows’ work in underserved communities, U.S. Consul F. John Bray highlighted the positive impact the initiative has had on local communities since its inception in 2011. He also commended the graduating fellows for their selfless service and commitment to stimulating positive social change.

“Our fellows made us very proud again this program year, as they executed group projects on improving civil liberty, promoting economic empowerment, education and health in different communities. Their smart planning, hard work, and passion have led to positive change and inspired others, as they in turn, developed strong leadership skills in the process.” Bray said.

“The CYFI program is near and dear to us at the U.S. Consulate General Lagos. Through it, we are connected to Nigerian youth. CYFI gives us a front-row seat to witness and learn from their dynamism. The future of Nigeria is in the hands of young people such as these and we know that you will lead your country forward,” he added.

The graduation ceremony saw the emergence of the health team, ‘Project Alafia’ as the Team of the Year, while Hammed Alabi, a leading member of the Education group, won the Fellow of the Year Award. In a goodwill message delivered at the event, former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Walter Carrington and his wife, Dr. Arese Carrington congratulated the 2018 cohort and urged them to remain exemplars of honesty and concern for the welfare of the less privileged.

Named after former Ambassador Carrington, who championed civil liberties and democracy in Nigeria, the Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative (CYFI) brings together Nigerian youth of exceptional vision, skills and experience to design and implement projects that have a positive impact on Nigerian society.