The U.S. Consul General Will Stevens paid a two-day visit to Edo State, highlighting the robust and enduring U.S.-Nigeria bilateral relationship that fosters inclusive economic growth and shared prosperity for both of our two countries. 

Consul General Stevens met with Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and his key cabinet members; the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II; civil society representatives; and alumni of U.S. government exchange programmes with whom he discussed progress made on key mutual priorities such as health, technology, education, human capital development, and trade and investment. 

The Consul General Stevens received a guided tour of the Edo Innovation and Edo Creative Hubs and observed the key role played by U.S. tech companies, such as Amazon Web Services, in training young people, including women, on high-demand digital skills, thereby supporting the development of emerging tech talents in Edo State. 

Governor Obaseki and Consul General Stevens jointly launched the U.S. Agency for International Development-supported Edo State Integrated Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC). 

Consul General Stevens toured the facility and saw firsthand how U.S. government health assistance programs are helping to build resilient health systems that prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks in the state and across the region. 

The newly upgraded PHEOC — the first of its kind in Nigeria — will play a crucial role in analyzing data on HIV/ AIDS, COVID-19, immunizations, lassa fever, and other public health concerns, enhancing Edo State’s response to emerging health threats.