By Gloria Ikibah
About 300 Nigerian alumni of United States Government–funded exchange programmes gathered in Abuja on Thursday evening for a vibrant alumni Meet & Greet that underlined the growing influence of exchange alumni across the country’s political, civic and professional landscape.
The semi-formal, cocktail-style event, organised by the Abuja Chapter of the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria (USGEAAN), held at the National Assembly Library, brought together former participants from a wide range of U.S. exchange programmes for an evening of networking, reflection and renewed commitment to public service. 
Beyond the convivial atmosphere, the gathering served a larger purpose: to showcase the lasting impact of U.S. Government exchange programmes, whose alumni continue to promote values of constitutionalism, democracy, civic responsibility and service within Nigeria’s public, private and civil society sectors.
The event attracted senior representatives of the United States Embassy, led by the Public Diplomacy Officer, Ms Raisa Dukas, members of the USGEAAN national executive committee and prominent alumni, including Rep. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi, member representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency in Nasarawa State and a 2016 International Visitors Leadership Programme (IVLP) alumnus, as well as Rep. Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, member representing Oshodi/Isolo II Federal Constituency, Lagos State, and Chairman of the Nigeria–United States Parliamentary Friendship Group.
Addressing the audience, Ms Dukas underscored the critical role exchange alumni play in strengthening democratic institutions and deepening people-to-people ties between Nigeria and the United States. She also announced the launch of *Freedom 250*, a year-long initiative marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.
“Exchange alumni are living bridges between our two countries.
“Through your leadership and service, you continue to strengthen democratic institutions and reinforce the people-to-people connections that define the U.S.–Nigeria relationship. With *Freedom 250*, we are calling on partners and allies to showcase the enduring American values of courage, generosity and innovation over the coming year”, she said.
Speaking on behalf of the USGEAAN President, Dr Nosayaba Tukura, the Association’s General Secretary, Mr Olalekan Adeeko, emphasised the importance of coordinated alumni action in translating exchange experiences into tangible national outcomes.
“Our strength as an association lies not in the size of our network, but in how we harness its collective expertise for national development.
“Across Nigeria, USGEAAN alumni are applying the skills gained through U.S. exchange programmes to strengthen institutions, expand civic participation, and drive community-level impact. We aim to align this energy, provide clear direction, and ensure chapters function as effective platforms for leadership and service,” Dr Tukura said.
A key highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Abuja Chapter’s 2026 Work Plan by the Chapter Coordinator, Rep. Akin Rotimi, himself an IVLP alumnus. The plan outlined strategic priorities ranging from administrative strengthening and enhanced alumni collaboration to scaling community impact within the Federal Capital Territory and supporting national-level initiatives of the Association.
“Being in Abuja, at the heart of Nigeria’s political and civic life, gives our Chapter a unique responsibility and opportunity.
“Our goal is to build a connected, dynamic community of alumni who turn their experience into meaningful action, mentoring, leading, and innovating across society. We call on all alumni to join us in cultivating this network of change-makers, advancing democratic governance, civic responsibility, and public service throughout the country,” Rep. Rotimi said.
The programme also featured structured networking and engagement sessions designed to foster collaboration, mentorship and strategic partnerships among alumni drawn from programmes such as the Fulbright suite, IVLP, Mandela Washington Fellowship, TechWomen, TechGirls, YALI Regional Leadership Center, and several others.
USGEAAN is a non-partisan network of Nigerian alumni of U.S. Government-funded exchange programmes, committed to leadership development, community service and the promotion of shared values between Nigeria and the United States.
