US expresses hope in 24 freed Chibok girls
(Nigeria) The visiting United States Permanent Representative to the United
Nations, Amb. Samantha Power, has expressed hope in the future of the 24 freed
abducted Chibok girls.
Power, who made the observation in a transcript of her
remarks at the American University of Nigeria, Adamawa, expressed optimism that
the freed girls would contribute to Nigeria’s development in future.
The U.S. Envoy particularly commended the management of the
American University of Nigeria for welcoming the girls and mentoring them in their
studies.
``Let me say that these girls have so much to offer Nigeria.
Having met with some of them, I cannot even imagine what these girls are going
to do and the difference they are going to make. They are going to be doctors
and engineers and accountants. They are going to help change this country,’’
she said.
Power said that the situation would have been worst for the
girls, if after their escape, were again being treated with suspicion, distrust
or discriminated against in their communities.
She also commended the ‘’Adamawa Peace Initiative’’ of
bringing together Christians and Muslim leaders in Yola, as a way of promoting peaceful
co-existence in their communities.
According to her, such interfaith cooperation will diffuse
tension in the communities.
Power said that she and her delegation were in Nigeria to
see for the U.S. Government, progress so far made by Nigeria’s ongoing
campaigns at combating Boko Haram.
``We started in Cameroon and we met even with Nigerian
refugees in Cameroon, who are pained to come home. They desperately want to
return to their communities. We met not only with government officials, but
with religious leaders and civil society leaders and of course, students,’’ she
added.
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