By Michael OChe
Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, has commended Dr. Kole Shettima, Director of the MacArthur Foundation for Africa, for his significant contributions to strengthening democracy in Nigeria and across Africa.
Speaking at a symposium held in Abuja to mark his 65th birthday, the UN Deputy Secretary General described Shettima’s work as instrumental in fostering governance reforms, civic engagement, and sustainable democratic institutions.
At the symposium which was themed “The Role of Philanthropy in Strengthening Democracy in Africa,” Mohammed praised Shettima’s humility and dedication to social change.
She highlighted his unwavering commitment to advancing democratic values, human rights, and good governance on the continent.
She said, “He went into this at the international level just to show us how it should be done because there are very few philanthropists that have this caliber of person leading them for this many years and for shaping a type of philanthropy that puts our people at the center and delivers on all of these issues.”
Former Ekiti state governor, Kayode Fayemi in his goodwill message also euologised Shettima, describing him as a selfless leader, who has also contributed immensely to peace building in many parts of Nigeria.
He said: “If there’s anybody fully deserving of being celebrated and acknowledged for his service and sacrifice to country and to humanity, it can only be Kole Shettima.I would like to think that many of us here would regard Kole as more of our brother than friend.
“For many of us here Kole managed to maintain different social relationships, he is always supporting. Even when they want to break an uncomfortable news to someone, Kole has the best manner, the gentlest manner to break that news without offense, constantly self-effacing in his approach. He has been involved in some of the most significant activities that many countries won’t talk about.
“People in this room are aware of the role Kole particularly played in addressing insurgency, connecting people, helping to rescue several. That story will be told someday by those who are also actively involved. Even our intelligence services would give significant credit to Kole, of course.
“That role that Kole has played may not be as visible to many as it should, but those who know, know what I’m talking about.”
Representing the Committee of Friends and Comrades of Dr. Shettima, Dr. Y.Z. Ya’u, Executive Director of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), reflected on Nigeria’s current challenges, pointing to deepening poverty, growing public discontent, and an increasingly unresponsive government.
He warned of the risks of democratic backsliding, with some voices even questioning the sustainability of civilian rule.
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.
Delivering the keynote address, Executive Director Institute for Democratic Governance, Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey noted that through the efforts of Kole Shettima, some institutions were able to expand their contributions to civic education, digital democracy initiatives, and media freedom.
“The rise of disinformation, cyber threats, and attacks on press freedom pumped philanthropic data to find fact-checking platforms, investigative journalism, and digital security training for civil society organizations and journalists across African countries.
“The MacArthur Foundation has played a pivotal role in advancing democratic governance and fostering sustainable development across West Africa, with its efforts significantly bolstered by the visionary leadership of Dr. Kole Shettima.
“Over three decades, the Foundation’s investment and initiatives have addressed critical challenges, such as weak institutions, corruption, and limited civic participation, while promoting peace, stability, and inclusivity in the region”, he added.
