Amanze Chinonye
The President of the Ford Foundation, Heather Gerken, has concluded her first official visit to Nigeria, reaffirming the foundation’s 65-year partnership with the country and its commitment to advancing democracy, human rights and social justice across West Africa.
During her visit, Gerken held high-level engagements with traditional rulers, civil society organisations and development partners, underscoring the foundation’s long-standing role in supporting inclusive governance and sustainable development initiatives in the region.
She participated in a conference that convened more than 180 traditional and community leaders from across Africa working to advance solutions to gender-based violence and strengthen community engagement frameworks.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelGerken also met with several Nigerian grantees focused on climate justice and accountable governance, 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, transparency in governance and strengthening civil society institutions to deliver sustainable development outcomes.
A dinner was hosted in her honour by Ford Foundation Board member, Gbenga Oyebode, bringing together prominent Nigerians from traditional institutions, business and civic leadership.
Among those in attendance were the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe; the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi; former First Lady of Ekiti State, Bisi Fayemi; and Chairman of Access Holdings, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, alongside civil society leaders and heads of foundations.
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Speaking at the dinner, Gerken described the gathering as a reflection of Nigeria’s civic strength and intellectual depth.
“When I saw the list of people here tonight, I was struck by the depth of wisdom and experience in this room,” she said. “These are voices shaping how Nigeria and the world think about justice, democracy, and development.”
She noted that the visit was especially meaningful given the foundation’s uninterrupted partnership with Nigeria spanning over six decades.
“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 said.
She also commended the foundation’s Office of West Africa team, led by Regional Director Dr. ChiChi Aniagolu, for strengthening the organisation’s impact in the region.
“At critical moments in history, the Ford Foundation has stood up for justice and democratic values, even under pressure,” she added, while praising the foundation’s board for sustaining its global work in defence of democracy, the rule of law and human rights amid growing international challenges.
In his remarks, Sanusi commended the Ford Foundation for its sustained support to Nigerian communities, noting that its interventions were helping to ease social and economic hardships.
“Nigeria is proud of Ford and grateful for what the Foundation is doing,” he said, adding that interventions in local communities were beginning to reflect in improved social indicators.
While acknowledging the country’s challenges, the Emir maintained that Nigeria’s population strength, natural resources and long-term potential make it a land of opportunity.
He warned that global funding cuts carry direct human consequences, affecting access to nutrition, healthcare, maternal and child services, education and security.
“Every time a dollar is cut, it is a human being that is affected,” he said, urging continued international engagement.
Similarly, Achebe praised the foundation’s long-standing collaboration with Nigerian institutions, noting that grants had supported research, education and development initiatives in Onitsha and beyond.
“Every gesture the Ford Foundation makes has a multiplier effect in Nigeria,” the monarch said, adding that such interventions inspire broader participation in national development efforts.
Gerken expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended to her and described her engagements in Nigeria as energising, stating that she looked forward to returning in the near future.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
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