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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, D-Los Angeles, was back in Washington, D.C., Wednesday following a journey to Abuja, Nigeria, as part of a nine-person U.S. presidential delegation to the inauguration of new Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.
"I was honored to represent the United States at the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja, Nigeria and show support for Nigeria's democratic process," Kamlager-Dove said in a statement Wednesday.
"As the largest democracy in Africa and the most populous country in the region, Nigeria is key to the entire continent's long-term growth and stability. Our delegation, which spanned two branches of government and seven federal agencies, showcased the depth and breadth of the U.S. partnership with Nigeria and the importance the United States places on our bilateral relationship and on U.S. engagement with Africa as a whole."
Tinubu -- who was inaugurated Monday -- was elected president of Africa's most populous nation on March 1, succeeding fellow All Progressives Congress member Muhammadu Buhari.
Wednesday's statement from Kamlager-Dove, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, also noted she is "committed to strengthening U.S. engagement in Africa, empowering the continent's growth, and deepening our cooperation to address shared challenges. Investing in Africa's future means investing in our own prosperity."
The delegation was led by Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge. It also included Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, the commander of the U.S. Africa Command.
"This diplomatic mission is also a recognition of Nigeria's rich cultural vibrancy, which will only continue to accelerate Nigeria's economic growth and diplomatic weight," Kamlager-Dove said.
"The United States stands ready to help the new administration confront the many challenges it will have to tackle -- including human rights abuses, obstacles to women's safety and empowerment, terrorism, and poverty -- as well as to collaborate on the many opportunities for Nigerians and Americans that can be gained from a deepened partnership."
Tinubu was governor of Lagos State from 1999-2007. He received a bachelor's degree in accounting from Chicago State University in 1979. He has worked for Arthur Andersen, Deloitte, GTE Corp. and Mobil Oil.
"My administration has worked to strengthen ties between the United States and Nigeria, and I look forward to continuing this work with President Tinubu to support economic growth, advance security and promote respect for human rights," President Joe Biden said in a statement earlier this week.
"As we further deepen our partnership with Nigeria, I look forward to drawing even more on the ideas and energy of this dynamic connection between our countries."