1 week ago
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ABUJA – The Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC Prof Attahiru Jega, former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, former General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade John Odah, were among top personalities who thronged the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja to honour the Director General of Nigerian Office of MacArthur Foundation, Dr Kole Shettima, who turned 65.
Earlier President Bola Tinubu had also sent felicitations to Shettima, underscoring his role in the sustenance of Nigeria’s democracy and advancement of human rights, peace and justice.
The Nigerian President had also acknowledged Shettima’s role as a notable scholar and activist who has contributed immensely to nation-building.
Friends and well wishers took turns to expose the impact and virtues of Dr. Shettima, describing him as a global icon, whose humanitarian services defy global boundaries.
Fayemi described Dr. Shettima as a gentleman to the core, whose invaluable role in addressing insurgent crisis in the country, is not known to many. He said he exemplifies a great networker, selflessness for humanity.
The former Minister of Mines and Steel Development under the Buhari administration, also said the various security intelligence outfit will give significant credit to Shettima.
While giving a keynote remark at the event, Executive Director, Institute for Democratic Governance, Emmanuel Akwetey, said through the ingenuity of Dr Shettima, the MacArthur Foundation has played a pivotal role in advancing democratic governance and fostering sustainable development across West Africa.
According to Akwetey, the visionary leadership of Dr. Shettima, over the past three decades, saw massive investments and initiatives which has helped in addressing critical challenges such as weak institutions, corruption, and limited civic participation, while promoting peace, stability, and inclusivity in the region.
He said the history of political instability, including military coups and civil conflicts, in Africa necessitated the need for external support from both regional bodies like ECOWAS and philanthropic organizations.
This, he noted brought in the MacArthur Foundation as a key player in this space, investing over $234 million in Africa, with much of its funding directed toward Nigerian institutions.
His words, “This commitment was instrumental in Nigeria’s democratic transition, particularly in establishing the Fourth Republic-the longest-lasting since independence in 1960.
“In 2023, the MacArthur Foundation, alongside other philanthropic organizations such as the Ford Foundation, Luminate, and Open Society Foundations, launched the West Africa Democracy Fund (WADE), committing $20 million over three years to strengthen democracy in countries facing governance challenges. This initiative aims to enhance citizen engagement, counter military coups, and promote political stability across the region, reflecting the Foundation’s broader commitment to regional development”.
Commenting further, Akwetey said African professionals in leadership roles can draw valuable lessons from Dr. Shettima, whose strategic vision and commitment to governance reforms have significantly strengthened democratic institutions in West Africa.
“As a Director at the MacArthur Foundation, Dr. Shettima has exemplified how professionals can leverage their expertise, networks, and influence in advancing transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement. His leadership in funding electoral monitoring, judicial reforms, and anti-corruption initiatives demonstrates the transformative impact that well-positioned professionals can have on governance.
“African leaders in politics, business, academia, and civil society can emulate his approach by championing policies that promote good governance, supporting civic participation, and investing in institutions that safeguard democracy. Dr. Shettima’s work underscores that true leadership goes beyond personal success—it is about shaping institutions that uphold justice, equity, and democratic progress for future generations,” he stated.
English (US) ·