We stand for democratic values – Ford Foundation

The President of the Ford Foundation, Heather Gerken, has emphasised the foundation’s long-standing commitment to advancing democracy, human rights, and social justice in West Africa. She stated this during high-level engagements with Nigerian traditional leaders, civil society organisations, and development partners. The engagements formed part of Gerken’s official first visit to Nigeria, during which she […]

The President of the Ford Foundation, Heather Gerken, has emphasised the foundation’s long-standing commitment to advancing democracy, human rights, and social justice in West Africa.

She stated this during high-level engagements with Nigerian traditional leaders, civil society organisations, and development partners.

The engagements formed part of Gerken’s official first visit to Nigeria, during which she participated in a conference convening more than 180 traditional and community leaders from across Africa who are working to advance solutions to gender-based violence and community engagement.

Gerken also 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, who discussed the need for equitable energy access, accountable governance and strengthening civil society to deliver sustainable development outcomes.

Speaking at a dinner hosted by Ford Foundation Board member, Mr Gbenga Oyebode, in Lagos, Gerken noted that her visit was especially meaningful, as the Foundation has maintained an unbroken partnership with Nigeria for 65 years.

She said, “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,” Gerken said. 

She commended the Foundation’s board for continuing to support work that defends democracy, the rule of law, and human rights worldwide, despite increasing global challenges.

Also speaking at the dinner, the 16th Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi II, commended the Ford Foundation for its sustained support to Nigeria, noting that its interventions are helping to ease social and economic hardships in local communities.

While acknowledging Nigeria’s challenges, Sanusi said the country remains a land of opportunity due to its population, natural resources, and long-term potential.