Cablegate: Exploring the Afro-Hispanic Connection In

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS LAGOS 002149

SIPDIS

STATE FOR AF/PD, AF/W, ECA/A/E/AF
POSTS FOR ABUJA, CPAO, CAO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO OEXC SCUL NI
SUBJECT: EXPLORING THE AFRO-HISPANIC CONNECTION IN
NIGERIA

1. SUMMARY: In a fitting tribute to National Hispanic
Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15), the US
Consulate, Lagos, hosted its first ever function to
mark the occasion on October 14. END SUMMARY.

2. The theme of the program, dubbed "Exploring the Afro-
Hispanic Connection: A Celebration of National Hispanic
Heritage Month, 2003," was hosted by CG Hinson-Jones,
and included a program of music, art appreciation, food
appreciation as well as the screening of an educational
movie at the Consul General's residence. Program goals
included addressing issues of diversity inclusion, an
important theme as Nigeria struggles to establish a
pluralist Democracy.

3. Guests of honor, numbering over 200 in total, were
represented by the international diplomatic community,
the local and national Nigerian political
establishment, Lagos-area business leaders,
academicians, local artists, US citizens and mission
employees.

4. The keynote speaker for the event, the Honorable
Michael Olayemi Cardoso, Commissioner for Economic
Planning and Budget, Lagos State, highlighted the Lagos-
Hispanic connection by citing the historical nexus
between both in the Lagos-area. Mr. Cardoso also
announced the partnership between Lagos and the city of
Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, an initiative that will
provide an important building block for Nigerian
outreach and business development in South America.

5. Key U.S.-Nigerian Mission Performance Plan
objectives were addressed as part of the program, most
notably focusing on ideas to improve economic ties
between Nigeria and other countries.

6. Recommendation: The US Consulate, Lagos, encourages
the promotion and adoption of more National Hispanic
Heritage Month programming for 2004 in Sub-Saharan
Africa. Additionally, post will expand programming
next year to include Mission Performance Plan
objectives HIV/AIDS, corruption and democratization.

JGREGOIRE, ACTING

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