When GCJ Executive Director Susan Partnow and Nigeria Project Director Mary Ella Keblusek departed for Nigeria on a two-week planning trip at the end of August, they were excited to meet the Nigerian organizing team, preview the fall trip itinerary and join Oporoza villagers to break ground for the library. Little did they know that before the full delegation even hits the ground in November, the GCJ- NIDPRODEV partnership would make some powerful grassroots connections and build an amazing bridge of peace.

The GCJ team was welcomed to Oporoza with open arms. The pier was overflowing with women singing, and there was much hugging as well as a formal reception committee of local dignitaries. A banner announced the upcoming library foundation-laying event. And National Association of Gbaramantu Students members (who made a significant contribution for library materials out of their own slim pockets) sported t-shirts they had made to welcome GCJ to the Gbaramantu kingdom.

The foundation-laying ceremony was attended by community members and government officials, some of whom had never been to the Delta. This in itself was historic, but paled somewhat in comparison to the real breakthrough of the day: participation by Itsekiri tribe members from a neighboring village.

Oporoza is an Ijaw village and just two years ago, the Itsekiris and Ijaws were locked in violent conflict. Under the auspices of NIDPRODEV, our Host Country Director Joel Bisina, who is Ijaw, had mediated this conflict. Recently, he and GCJ Nigeria organizing team member Deborah 'Laju Edah, who is Itsekiri, had been making inroads and garnering Itsekiri support for the GCJ journey. On this day, the two tribes embraced, and the next day the GCJ team accompanied several Ijaws to the Itsekiri village. GCJ has been invited to do a second project in this village.

The Oporoza library foundation-laying drew many Nigerian journalists, and the Ijaw-Itsekiri exchange in particular was considered big news on the national front. Here's just one example, from national news daily The Vanguard: Americans break Wall of Jericho between Ijaw, Itsekiri

Read Susan's speech at the ceremony.

In addition to their time in Oporoza, the team held a whirlwind series of meetings to introduce GCJ's work in the Delta. The response was overwhelmingly positive and included support from:

• U.S. embassy, including exclusive time at their weekly press briefing in November and possible attendance at the library commissioning by the American ambassador
• Chief of Staff for Delta State, who arranged for the GCJ planning team to stay in Asaba, the state capital, as guests of the government
• Delta State government, with a pledge of transportation and logistical support
• Gbaramantu Community Development Council, with an enthusiastic commitment for logistical support and coordination with the village
• Niger Delta Development Commission, including funding to help support the Nigerian delegation and begin work on a second project in the Madangho community
• Chevron, including a major financial contribution

Pictured above: Meeting with the Deputy Governor of Delta State.

Pictured l to r: Susan Partnow, GCJ Executive Director; Joel Bisina, NIDPRODEV Founder/Regional Director & GCJ Host Country Director; Mary Ella Keblusek, GCJ Nigeria Project Director

These guys deserve hearty congratulations and a big shout out of appreciation for their tireless, passionate work to accomplish GCJ's mission.

The U.S. delegation is almost full, with just two spots left. Delegates have been meeting to get to know each other, learn more about Nigeria and plan for the trip. Delegate fundraising is in full swing. One very successful idea two delegates collaborated on was an auction: beautiful venue, donated items ranging from a whale watching trip to dream interpretation, a real auctioneer and live African music! (pictured above, photo courtesy Phil Rose)

Applications are now being accepted for delegates from Nigeria. Application materials can be downloaded from our web site home page, under "Invitation to delegates and sponsors from Nigeria."

Many times during their trip, the GCJ team was welcomed with a beautiful custom called wedging. Nigerians traditionally offer Kola nuts as tokens of hospitality. When wishing to particularly acknowledge and embrace visitors, they "wedge" the nuts with money, a tangible symbol of support.

Trivia answer:

b. 250 -- Although English is the Nigerian "lingua franca," there are approximately 250 tribes in Nigeria, each with its own language.