A young Nigerian, John Paul Usman has died during a hiking trip on Saturday, June 25, 2016 in Virginia, United States of America.
Usman was one of 100 Nigerians selected in the 2016 Mandela Washington Fellowship in US.
According to US Embassy in Nigeria, he died after being involved in a hiking accident near Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The US government expressed sadness over the tragedy, extending its condolences to the family of John Paul Usman.
“The US Mission to Nigeria and our colleagues in the United States were deeply saddened to learn of the death of John Paul Ojaojogwu Usman,” the US Embassy said in a statement issued on Monday, June 27, 2016.
“On June 25, John Paul died in an accident while hiking near Virginia Polytechnic Institute and the State University, where he was studying civic leadership as a 2016 Mandela Washington Fellow.
“We extend our deepest condolences to John Paul’s family and friends over this tragic loss.”
The statement described John Paul as a “rising star” who was devoted to the causes of sustainable development, children’s rights, and peace building in Nigeria.
It said that his selection to the Mandela Washington Fellowship programme was because of his drive, talent, and dedication to making his country’s civil society even stronger.
One of John Paul’s professional mentors at Virginia Tech wrote, “While his time with us was short, he was well-loved.
“This young man will be remembered fondly as a great citizen ambassador of his country. We mourn his passing.”
