John Kerry To Visit Nigeria August 23

The U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, will on Tuesday next week, August 23, visit Nigeria to discuss “counter-terrorism efforts, the Nigerian economy, the fight against corruption, and human rights issues.”

A statement issued by the Information Office of the Embassy of the U.S. on Friday in Abuja, said Kerry would discuss U.S. cooperation with Nigeria over Boko Haram, economy and human rights with President Muhammadu Buhari and Northern Governors.

According to it, the Secretary will travel to Sokoto and Abuja on Aug. 23 to 24.

“Kerry will meet with President Muhammadu Buhari to discuss counter terrorism efforts, the Nigerian economy, the fight against corruption and human rights issues.

“In Sokoto, he will deliver a speech on the importance of resilient communities and religious tolerance in countering violent extremism.

“In Abuja, the Secretary will meet with a group of adolescent girls working to change community perceptions that devalue the role of girls in society.

“He will also meet with northern governors and religious leaders,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the top US diplomat, before arriving Nigeria, will visit Nairobi on Monday for talks with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on “regional security issues and counter-terrorism cooperation, as well as bilateral issues.

He is also scheduled to speak with several of his East African counterparts on the conflicts in South Sudan and Somalia, notably the fight against the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Shabaab militants.