Nigeria National Day Message

WASHINGTON, October 1, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Press Statement

John Kerry

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

September 30, 2014

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Nigeria as you celebrate your Independence Day on October 1.

Our peoples enjoy an enduring partnership founded on shared values of democracy, security, and respect for human rights and the rule of law. The United States and Nigeria must continue working together to thwart destabilizing forces that would use violence to undo gains achieved to date through so much effort.

I was honored to speak with President Goodluck Jonathan at the United Nations General Assembly last week, and to welcome him to Washington, DC, this summer for the U.S.-Africa Leaders' Summit. We discussed how our two countries can deepen our partnership through trade and collaboration.

And weeks before, I shook hands with Beatrice Jedy-Agba—a courageous Nigerian woman who has devoted her life's work to combatting human trafficking and bringing a peaceful, secure future to all Nigerians.

I wish all Nigerians a prosperous future on the 54th anniversary of your independence.