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, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and former General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade John Odah, were among the distinguished personalities who gathered at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja to honour and reveal how Dr. Kole Shettima, the Director of MacArthur Foundation’s Nigerian Office, has supported the work of many civil society organisations and other humanitarian groups, as he marked his 65th birthday.
Earlier, President Bola Tinubu had sent a heartfelt congratulatory message, highlighting Shettima’s unwavering contributions to Nigeria’s democratic sustainability, human rights advocacy, peace, and justice.
The Nigerian President also acknowledged Shettima as a distinguished scholar and activist whose dedication to nation-building has left an indelible mark.
Friends, colleagues, and well-wishers took turns to celebrate Shettima, painting vivid pictures of his influence and unwavering dedication to humanitarian causes that transcend global boundaries.
Fayemi described Shettima as a “gentleman to the core” whose remarkable yet often unrecognized efforts have played a crucial role in addressing Nigeria’s insurgency crisis. He lauded Shettima as a master networker and a selfless champion of humanity.
The former Minister of Mines and Steel Development further emphasized that Nigeria’s security intelligence agencies owe a significant debt of gratitude to Shettima for his behind-the-scenes contributions to peace and stability.
Delivering a keynote speech at the event, the Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Governance, Emmanuel Akwetey, praised Shettima’s visionary leadership, which has positioned the MacArthur Foundation as a driving force behind democratic governance and sustainable development in West Africa.
According to Akwetey, under Shettima’s stewardship over the past three decades, the Foundation has made substantial investments to address deep-rooted issues such as institutional weakness, corruption, and limited civic engagement. His leadership has been pivotal in promoting peace, stability, and inclusivity across the region.
He further highlighted that Africa’s turbulent history—marked by military coups and civil conflicts—demanded external support from regional organizations like ECOWAS and philanthropic entities. This paved the way for the MacArthur Foundation to emerge as a crucial player, investing over $234 million in Africa, with a significant portion allocated to Nigerian institutions.
Akwetey underscored the foundation’s instrumental role in Nigeria’s democratic transition, particularly in the establishment of the Fourth Republic—the longest-lasting since the country’s independence in 1960.
“In 2023, the MacArthur Foundation, alongside the Ford Foundation, Luminate, and Open Society Foundations, launched the West Africa Democracy Fund (WADE), committing $20 million over three years to fortify democracy in nations grappling with governance challenges,” he stated.
He explained that the initiative seeks to boost citizen engagement, counter military coups, and foster political stability across the region, reflecting the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to regional development.
Drawing key lessons from Shettima’s leadership, Akwetey encouraged African professionals in governance, business, and academia to emulate his strategic vision and commitment to institutional reforms.
“As Director at the MacArthur Foundation, Dr. Shettima has demonstrated how professionals can leverage expertise, networks, and influence to advance transparency, accountability, and citizen participation,” Akwetey noted.
He further emphasised Shettima’s significant contributions to electoral monitoring, judicial reforms, and anti-corruption initiatives, underscoring the transformative power of committed leadership in shaping a stronger democracy.
“African leaders must champion good governance, support civic participation, and invest in institutions that safeguard democracy. Dr. Shettima’s work reminds us that true leadership is not about personal achievements—it is about building lasting institutions that uphold justice, equity, and democratic progress for generations to come,” Akwetey concluded.
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