"U.S. to Strengthen Cultural and Educational Partnerships with Osun State".

The United States has reiterated its dedication to enhancing cultural and educational collaboration with Osun State through a series of high-level engagements facilitated by the U.S. Consulate in Nigeria.

Julie McKay, Public Affairs Officer and head of the Consulate’s Public Diplomacy section, led a visit to Osogbo, where she held strategic meetings with traditional rulers, academic institutions, and cultural stakeholders to strengthen ties in heritage preservation and educational exchange.

During a courtesy visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Laaroye II, McKay applauded the monarch for his role in fostering cultural pride and religious harmony. She also visited the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, where she reviewed U.S.-funded conservation efforts supported by the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation.

Describing the grove as “a spiritual treasure and a cultural bridge,” McKay emphasized its global significance and the importance of safeguarding such heritage sites.

In addition, she met with notable alumni of U.S. exchange programmes, including renowned artists Chief Jimoh Buraimoh and Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, who are actively mentoring young creatives through community-focused art initiatives.

At the Osogbo Window on America centre, McKay highlighted available U.S. cultural and educational exchange opportunities. She also appeared on Rave FM 91.7 to discuss the U.S. government's ongoing efforts to collaborate with Nigerian youth in areas such as the arts and education.

The visit concluded with a meeting at Obafemi Awolowo University, where McKay and Vice-Chancellor Professor Adebayo Bamire discussed ways to deepen academic collaboration and expand digital learning access through U.S.-Nigeria partnerships.

According to the U.S. Consulate, the visit underscores America’s sustained commitment to grassroots engagement, cultural diplomacy, and academic cooperation in Nigeria.