Ford Foundation President visits Nigeria, holds meeting with stakeholders on gender-based violence

The President of Ford Foundation, Heather Gerken, has visited Nigeria and engaged traditional rulers and civil society organisations across the country to intensify efforts against gender-based violence in the country.

Penpushing reports that Gerken, who had her first official visit to the country, also participated in a conference convening more than 180 traditional and community leaders from across Africa, known to be working to advance solutions to gender-based violence and community engagement.

The president at the event equally met with several grantees working on climate justice issues, 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.

Penpushing further reports that at the meeting the grantees discussed the need for equitable energy access, accountable governance, and the strengthening of civil society to deliver sustainable development outcomes.

The Ford Foundation boss commended the foundation’s long-standing commitment to advancing democracy, human rights and social justice in West Africa, while her visit also featured a dinner hosted by Ford Foundation Board member, Gbenga Oyebode.

Penpushing also reports that Gerken speaking at the dinner thanked the 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

Penpushing reports that Gerken pointed out that her visit was especially meaningful, as the foundation has maintained an unbroken partnership with Nigeria for 65 years, stressing that visiting Nigeria matters enormously.

The President equally praised the Ford Foundation’s Office of West Africa team led by its Regional Director, ChiChi Aniagolu‑Okoye, for strengthening the foundation’s impact in the region.

Penpushing further reports that she emphasized that at critical moments in history, the Ford Foundation has stood up for justice and democratic values, even under pressure, and praised the foundation’s board for continuing to support work that defends democracy, the rule of law, and human rights worldwide, despite increasing global challenges.

The President thanked the guests for their insights and hospitality, describing her conversations in Nigeria as deeply energizing, stressing that the foundation relationship with Nigeria has been most important to the organisation

‘Coming to Nigeria matters enormously. Our relationship with this country has been one of the most important in the history of the Ford Foundation. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I will be coming back very soon’, she said.

Penpushing also reports that Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Achebe, the Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, and former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, were among top Nigerian leaders who attended the event.

The others include former First Lady of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, and the Chairperson of Access Holdings, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, as well as leaders from civil society and heads of foundations.

Penpushing reports that the 16th Emir of Kano, speaking at the ceremony, praised the Ford Foundation for its sustained support to Nigeria, noting that its interventions are 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.”

Penpushing further reports that while acknowledging Nigeria’s challenges, the Emir of Kano said the country remains a land of opportunity due to its population, natural resources, and long-term potential.

The first-class monarch, who drew from his experience as a traditional ruler, said living closely with communities had given him a first-hand understanding of their struggles, affirming that that was why he value the Ford Foundation’s efforts to reach people at the grassroots and improve their lives,.

Penpushing also reports that he pointed out that global funding cuts have real human consequences, adding that 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,”

The Emir commended the foundation for maintaining its support despite shrinking global resources and appealed for continued engagement, stressing that this is a period of darkness but expressed optimism of better future.

Penpushing reports that Obi of Onitsha, on his part, equally praised the Ford Foundation for its long-standing partnership with Nigerian institutions and communities stressing that the orgabisation grants have supported research, education, and development initiatives in Onitsha and beyond, thereby strengthening local capacity.

“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 stated

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