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US Embassy Holds Valedictory Event for Three Key Staff

US Embassy Holds Valedictory Event for Three Key Staff
By: Michael Mike
The United States Embassy in Nigeria has held a valedictory event for three key members of its Public Diplomacy section, underscoring their contributions to strengthening US-Nigeria relations through cultural and educational outreach.
The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., speaking at the ceremony held on Wednesday evening in Abuja used the occasion which had in attendance media representatives, and friends of the embassy to commend the departing officers; Gilbert Morton, Katarina Ramos, and Victoria Cook, and also reflect on the mission’s broader commitment to public engagement in Nigeria.
He said: “The Nigerian press is among the most well-informed, most caring, most committed press, I think, on this continent.
“It is very important that the US engages with the press about our policies, issues, and our goals for both Nigeria and US.”
The envoy acknowledged the role of outgoing Public Diplomacy Information Officer Gilbert Morton in building media relationships and championing education outreach.
“Gil got me into the arena with so many of the folks here,” he said.
Reflecting on his early days in Nigeria, the Ambassador shared a personal memory from one of his first trips outside Abuja, a visit to Ahmadu Bello University with departing officer Victoria to open an AmeriCorps centre.
“It really was one of the highlights of my time here.
“To see the difference that centre would make, and the excitement it brought to students, was unforgettable. That outreach, beyond Abuja and Lagos, showed the power of what the US mission can do,” the amb. stated.
He also highlighted the work of Katrina and her team on EducationUSA, a programme that continues to inspire and support Nigerian students seeking to study in the US.
“Everywhere I went, I was asked about studying in the US.
“That kind of impact is only possible through the kind of diligent public engagement Katrina and her team carried out,” Mills said.
The ambassador concluded his remarks by praising the entire Public Diplomacy team for their tireless efforts in promoting shared values between the two nations.
“We are a team committed to making sure the values Nigerians and Americans share prevail in the world and shape our children’s futures.
“And the biggest part of that is our public outreach, discussing those values, making them understood, and ensuring they endure,” he added.
The Press Attaché Gilbert Morton shared his gratitude for the support he received during his transition to Nigeria, calling it a rewarding professional experience.
Morton acknowledged the robust Nigerian press and the embassy’s educational outreach, particularly in places like Minna, Niger State, which he described as highlights of his time in the country.
“Coming out here, it was a new adventure, and I really could not have asked for a better team to support me in that transition,” he added.
The Pubic Diplomacy Officer Victoria Cook, who coordinated numerous cultural engagements and American Spaces programmes, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to work across northern Nigeria and with alumni of various US government initiatives.
She reflected on her transition from the private sector in Asia to public diplomacy in Nigeria, calling her experience both transformative and deeply rewarding.
Cook said, “It’s been a real privilege for me. I really knew that I was here to empower you, to just make sure that your good ideas, your creative dreams could continue to flourish.”
Another Public Diplomacy Officer, Katarina Ramos, who managed the youth portfolio within the PD section, spoke about the immense potential she witnessed among young Nigerians.
She shared her enthusiasm for Nigerian culture and the warm hospitality she received throughout her posting. Her remarks underscored the learning and mutual exchange that marked her tenure.
She noted, “You have amazingly talented, industrious individuals here in Nigeria, and it has been a privilege to touch just a few of your lives.”
US Embassy Holds Valedictory Event for Three Key Staff
News
Man kills father during domestic dispute in Bauchi community

Man kills father during domestic dispute in Bauchi community
By: Zagazola Makama
A man, identified as Limam Muhammad Baba, has allegedly killed his biological father, Malam Baba Siti, during a domestic altercation.
The tragic incident occurred on Thursday, July 3, at about 10:15 p.m., in Uzum village, Giade Local Government Area of Bauchi State, when an argument between the two escalated, leading Limam to strike his father on the head with a stick.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the victim collapsed immediately and lost consciousness.
Police sources say “The report was received at the Giade Divisional Police Headquarters at about 10:30 p.m. that the suspect used force on his biological father by striking him on the head with a stick, leading to the victim falling unconscious.
He added that a team of police operatives was immediately mobilised to the scene. The suspect was arrested, and the victim was taken to the General Hospital in Giade, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead on arrival.
The police sources said the body of the deceased was deposited at the hospital morgue while an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident has commenced.
He assured that the suspect would be charged to court upon completion of investigation.
Man kills father during domestic dispute in Bauchi community
News
Deputy chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA attacked, four suspects arrested

Deputy chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA attacked, four suspects arrested
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces have apprehended four suspects in connection with an attack on the Deputy Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Mr Christopher Chia.
Sources told Zagazola Makama, that the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, when Chia was reportedly attacked by a group of young men suspected to be cultists.
The sources said the police received a distress call from the victim at about 6:00 a.m.
“Police patrol and tactical teams were immediately deployed to the scene. The victim was rescued and taken to Toro Hospital in Katsina-Ala, where he was treated and later discharged,” said the sources.
According to the sources, preliminary investigation led to the arrest of four suspects, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the prime suspect identified simply as Richard, a member of the Black Axe confraternity, who is currently at large.
The sources added that the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has commenced a full investigation into the matter to unravel the motive behind the attack and bring all those involved to justice.
Deputy chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA attacked, four suspects arrested
News
Joint task force rescues kidnap victim in Abuja after 40km forest operation

Joint task force rescues kidnap victim in Abuja after 40km forest operation
By: Zagazola Makama
A joint task force comprising operatives of the
Department of State Services (DSS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, local hunters, and vigilantes has successfully rescued a kidnap victim, Rasheed Soyinka, after a 40-kilometre forest operation across parts of Abuja.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the victim was abducted at gunpoint from his residence in Sabon Lugbe in the early hours of July 3, prompting a swift multi-agency response.
Shortly after the abduction, which occurred around 1:00 a.m., a joint task force involving the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, DSS operatives, local hunters, and vigilante groups, swung into action.
The coordinated operation, extended through Dafara via Gau Forest in Kuje Area Council and continued into Kabin Mongoro and Kwaita forests in Kwali Area Council, covering an estimated distance of 40 kilometres.
“Following sustained pressure and professional coordination, the victim was rescued at about 12:05 a.m. on July 4 without any casualties,”said the sources.
Soyinka was subsequently reunited with his family through his elder brother, while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing abductors.
Joint task force rescues kidnap victim in Abuja after 40km forest operation
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