The President of the Ford Foundation, Heather Gerken, made her first official visit to Nigeria, highlighting the foundation’s long-standing commitment to advancing democracy, human rights, and social justice in West Africa.
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During the visit, Gerken engaged with Nigerian traditional leaders, civil society organisations, and development partners, according to a statement on Monday. She took part in a conference convening more than 180 traditional and community leaders from across Africa, focusing on solutions to gender-based violence and strategies to improve community engagement.
Gerken also met with several grantees working on climate justice, including Spaces for Change, Health of Mother Earth Foundation, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, Africa Climate Foundation, Africa Centre for Energy Policy, BudGIT Foundation, Centre for Research and Action on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, and Sustainable Energy for All. Discussions centred on equitable energy access, accountable governance, and strengthening civil society to deliver sustainable development outcomes.
The visit included a dinner hosted by Ford Foundation board member Gbenga Oyebode, attended by prominent Nigerians such as His Royal Majesty Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr Muhammadu Sanusi II, former Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi, former First Lady of Ekiti State Erelu Bisi Fayemi, and Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, chairman of Access Holdings, alongside civil society leaders and heads of foundations.
Speaking at the dinner, Gerken expressed gratitude for the warm reception and described the gathering as a reflection of Nigeria’s leadership and civic strength.
“When I saw the list of people here tonight, I was struck by the depth of wisdom and experience in this room. These are voices shaping how Nigeria and the world think about justice, democracy, and development,” she said.
Gerken highlighted the significance of the foundation’s 65-year partnership with Nigeria. “Coming to Nigeria matters enormously. Our relationship with this country has been one of the most important in the history of the Ford Foundation,” Gerken stated.
Gerken concluded her visit by thanking her hosts for their insights and hospitality, calling her conversations in Nigeria deeply energising. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I will be coming back very soon,” she noted.
She also commended the Ford Foundation’s West Africa team, led by the Regional Director, Dr ChiChi Aniagolu‑Okoye, for strengthening the foundation’s impact in the region.
“At critical moments in history, the Ford Foundation has stood up for justice and democratic values, even under pressure,” Gerken said. She praised the foundation’s board for continuing to support work defending democracy, the rule of law, and human rights worldwide, despite increasing global challenges.
Traditional leaders welcomed her visit. The 16th Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, commended the foundation for its sustained support to Nigeria, noting that its interventions have helped ease social and economic hardships in local communities.
“Nigeria is proud of Ford and grateful for what the foundation is doing,” he said. “In the past, social challenges in many local areas were reflected in troubling data. Today, because of these interventions, those numbers are beginning to fall.”
Sanusi emphasised that global funding cuts have real human consequences, affecting nutrition, healthcare, education, and security, and appealed for continued engagement.
The Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, also praised the foundation’s long-standing partnership with Nigerian institutions and communities.
“Every gesture the Ford Foundation makes has a multiplier effect in Nigeria. Beyond the immediate projects, it inspires further action and wider participation in national development,” he said.
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