Africa-Press – Ghana. Ms Heather Gerken, President of the Ford Foundation, has applauded the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to advancing democracy, human rights, and social justice in West Africa.
During a high-level engagement with traditional leaders, civil society organisations, and development partners in Nigeria, she commended the Board and team for strengthening the Foundation’s impact in the region.
The engagements formed part of Ms Gerken’s official first visit to Nigeria, during which she participated in a conference of 180 traditional and community leaders from across Africa, working to advance solutions to gender-based violence and community engagement.
Ms Gerken said her visit was “meaningful” as the Foundation had maintained an unbroken partnership with Nigeria for 65 years.
“Coming to Nigeria matters enormously. Our relationship with this country has been one of the most important in the history of the Ford Foundation…At critical moments in history, the Ford Foundation has stood up for justice and democratic values, even under pressure,” she stated.
The President also met organisations working on climate justice issues. They included Spaces for Change, Health of Mother Earth Foundation, Socio- Economic Rights and Accountability Project, Africa Climate Foundation.
The rest are Africa Centre for Energy Policy, BudGIT Foundation, Centre for Research and Action on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights and Sustainable Energy for All.
Conversations with the companies focused on equitable energy access, accountable governance, and strengthening civil society to deliver sustainable development outcomes.
Speaking at a dinner, the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, commended the Ford Foundation for its sustained support to Nigeria, noting that the company’s interventions were helping to ease social and economic hardships in local communities.
“Nigeria is proud of Ford and grateful for what the Foundation is doing…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,” the Emir said.
The traditional ruler expressed concern over global funding cuts for developmental projects which, he said, could lead to “real human consequences.’
“Every time a dollar is cut, it is a human being that is affected – through lost nutrition, health care, maternal and child services, education, and security,” he noted.
He commended the Foundation for maintaining its support despite shrinking global resources.
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, praised the Ford Foundation for its long-standing partnership with Nigerian institutions and communities.
He said Ford Foundation grants had strengthened local capacity through research, education, and development initiatives.
“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.”
Ms Gerken thanked hosts and guests for the warm reception, describing 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.
The officials who graced the occasion included Ford Foundation Board member, Mr Gbenga Oyebode, former Governor of Ekiti State Dr Kayode Fayemi, former First Lady of Ekiti State Erelu Bisi Fayemi, and Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings.
