25th April, 2016
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.