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The Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, has applauded the Director of MacArthur Foundation for Africa, Dr Kole Shettima, on his 65th Birthday celebration, lauding his invaluable contributions to the development and sustainable of democracy in Nigeria, and Africa.
Amina while applauding him at the symposium, held in his honor, with the theme:”Role of Philanthropy in Strengthening Democracy in Africa” in Abuja on Wednesday described him as a Nigerian, a human being with such a level of humility.
Also, the Executive Director, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Dr. Y.Z. Ya’u, representing the Committee of Friends and Comrades of Dr. Shettima, reflected on the current state of Nigeria, emphasizing the challenges the country faces.
He spoke of a deepening crisis of poverty, increasing suffering among citizens, and a government that is increasingly unresponsive and hostile to its people’s concerns.
“In the face of growing discontent, some are even calling for a return to military rule,” Ya’u lamented, drawing comparisons to the 1983 military coup. He warned of the dangers of reform fatigue, a feeling of resignation creeping into civil society, where the struggle for democratic reform seems distant and unattainable.
He noted that Dr. Shettima’s impact, however, extends beyond his role at the MacArthur Foundation. According to him, his activism dates back to the early 1980s, where he played pivotal roles in movements such as Women in Nigeria (WIN), the anti-apartheid struggle, and the pro-democracy movement against military rule.
Also, a Ghanian Political and Governance Analyst, Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey, who flew all the way from Ghana to Nigeria to attend the event noted that philanthropic organizations play a vital role in supporting the transition from military to democratic governments in countries across Africa.
He disclosed that between 2008 to 2020 philanthropists contributed approximately $5 billion dollars in development of democracy in Africa. According to him, Dr Shettima’s leadership quality is characterized by organisations such as
Ford Foundation, Rockfella Foundation, MarcArthur Foundation play a critical role in establishing democracy, in training local leaders to providing economic support for governance at their levels.
“Recognizing that democracy cannot thrive without strong institutions and inclusive governance, philanthropic organizations began funding initiatives aimed at judicial reforms, leadership development, anti-corruption efforts, and public sector transparency.
“The Organization for Economic Operations and Development estimated that between 2018 and 2020, philanthropy contributed approximately $5 billion dollars to sub-saharan Africa,”he said.
Also, former Governor of Ekiti state, Dr Kayode Fayemi said Dr Kole Shettima has done enough for him over the years.
“When you talk about Kole, what come to your mind is an inveterate networker, and humanist who exemplifies empathy in all ways,” he said.
Also, the International Development and Human Rights Expert, Dr. Hilary Ogbonna, stressed that there are sufficient resources in Nigeria and other African countries, adding that they do not need foreign aides.
Secretary General, WRAPA, Hajia Saudatu Mahdi said Nigeria need to start thinking inward to proffer solutions to it’s challenges,”We need to start thinking inward but what is right now, the challenge for impacting that process, we have three fundamental issues, in my humble view, first, is it going to be structured such that it is apolitical, it is also generous enough and does not have any coloration?
“That is very, very important. Number two, what do we do with the trust deficit between the civic actors and those who hold either power or resources? Those who hold power shrink the civic space where of course citizens thrive better than the government.
“We need to be able to translate things such as constituency projects, into development projects. Constituency projects are where stressedmoney is assured from government,” she said.
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