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• Hosts 111th Mayor of New York, Adams
Dr. Betta Edu on Sunday hosted the 111th Mayor of New York City, USA, Eric Adams, in Abuja, with discussions centred on strengthening Nigeria-United States collaboration in security, humanitarian response, health and economic development.
The visit came amid rising concerns within the US over insecurity in Nigeria, emerging gaps in the country’s health and humanitarian sectors following recent reductions in US aids to some countries, including Nigeria.
The meeting also discussed efforts by the administration of President Bola Tinubu to deepen international cooperation in security and the protection of vulnerable communities. Edu said the discussions provided an opportunity to present Nigeria’s security realities from a citizen-centred perspective, highlighting the efforts of the Federal Government to curb insecurity while also drawing attention to humanitarian challenges and funding gaps created by dwindling external support.
Edu noted that high out-of-pocket healthcare spending remains a significant contributor to poverty levels in the country and requires sustained international partnership and investment. She insisted that “Nigeria’s economy is stabilising and open to mutually beneficial investments.”
She urged Adams to leverage his global influence and networks to attract investors, grants and development funding into critical sectors of the Nigerian economy. She appealed to him to serve as an advocate for peace, unity and development in Nigeria: Nigeria-US collaboration must be holistic.
“Beyond security, the United States should find ways to support health, humanitarian services, education and other critical sectors to achieve a more durable and holistic solution to insecurity.” She encouraged him to mobilise the Nigerian diaspora in New York to positively project Nigeria’s image, “tell the country’s story from a Nigerian perspective and contribute meaningfully to national development.
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“We strongly believe he will use his global platform and network in the US and beyond to advocate for Nigeria and mobilise support for the Nigerian people.”
Adams urged Nigerians living in US to remain connected to their roots and actively support Nigeria’s development: “You are Nigerian-Americans, not American-Nigerians.”
He pledged to deploy his global profile and networks to attract investment opportunities, grants and development funding to Nigeria, while mobilising Nigerians in New York to support initiatives that will help reduce insecurity and poverty, improve healthcare delivery and increase school enrolment.
Edu presented the former mayor with locally made souvenirs, including beautifully crafted Adire fabric materials.
Adams, a former police officer and two-term President, New York City Council, served as the 111th Mayor of New York City from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2025. The Abuja meeting was his first international engagement since leaving office.
