Business a.m.

U.S commits to strengthen­ing cultural ties with Nigeria

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UNITED STATES GOVERN MENT, in recognitio­n of the burgeoning relationsh­ip with Nigeria in the creative industry, has targeted fostering cultural ties between both countries through the promotion of music, arts, film, cultural heritage, profession­al and educationa­l exchanges.

Mary Beth Leonard, the United States ambassador to Nigeria, made the disclosure during a recent reception hosted by the U.S Mission Nigeria to honour the 15th Annual Headies Music Awards, which will be held for the first time in Atlanta, U.S, later this year.

Delivering remarks at the event, Leonard explained that the choice of Atlanta to host the Headies symbolises the growing relationsh­ip between the music industries in the United States and Nigeria and the growing popularity of Nigerian music in the North American country.

“This year’s Headies awards will highlight the growing U.S.-Nigeria ties and the vast potential of Nigerian musicians as cultural exporters to the African continent and beyond,” she said.

The ambassador also noted that cultural exchange advances U.S.-Nigeria strategic partnershi­p by forging lasting ties between American and Nigerian artists and shining a spotlight on the vibrant creative community in Nigeria and the U.S.

According to her, the U.S. government has long recognized the role of music in diplomacy, with its emphasis on free expression, improvisat­ion, and democratic and collaborat­ive teamwork.

Leonard emphasised that sharing music is one of the best ways to find common ground with people on an exchange programme, add

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