Shettima: MacArthur Foundation highlights collaborative role in democracy
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has stated that the MacArthur Foundation has highlighted the significance of collaboration in promoting democracy in Nigeria.
Shettima made these remarks on Wednesday in Abuja during the foundation’s 30th anniversary celebration.
Represented by his special adviser on political matters, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the Vice President noted that three decades of the foundation’s work reflect a journey of commitment, courage, and a steadfast vision to uplift vulnerable populations.
He emphasized that the MacArthur Foundation’s “thoughtful selection” of intervention areas has established it as a prominent advocate for the marginalized.
“Whether it’s in learning about child education or advocating for the fundamental human rights of each person, your interventions resonate with the heartbeat of humanity,” Shettima said.
READ ALSO: Full Text: Welcome address by Kole Shettima at MacArthur Foundation’s 30th Anniversary in Nigeria
“This is done not by provoking constituted authorities or seeking to undermine them, but by working within systems to ensure that those who often go unheard are often given a platform and their rights are respected.”
The Vice President noted that it is symbolic for the MacArthur Foundation to have witnessed Nigeria’s transition from military rule to democracy.
“Our imagination for a new society is where one non-profit organisation like yours plays a critical role in stabilising and advancing our collective duty to nurture and protect our democracy,” he said.
“After 30 years of watching your innovations, one thing is clear. No government can or should function in isolation.
“You have demonstrated the importance of collaboration, the value of partnership, and the cost of conflict and service delivery.
“The successes we have recorded across various sectors of our nation, especially in promoting accountability in governments, are owed to our shared resolve to work together.
“The success of every democracy lies in accepting united partnerships like the ones you offer.”
In his remarks, John Palfrey, President of the MacArthur Foundation, stated that the organization aims to be a thought leader alongside its grant-making efforts.
He added that the foundation seeks to facilitate and encourage the evolution of philanthropy into a more agile and robust ally.
“We know that funding the work is important, but it is only half the story. Organizations must be able to thrive to drive sustainable change,” Palfrey said.
“So, beyond our grantmaking, we have learned to support work in cohorts that enable organic and influential networks. Organisations can learn from each other and amplify one another’s successes.
“And as a leader, we aim to trust and support civil society. MacArthur has increased our indirect cost recovery rate to 29 percent for project grants to help meet the real costs of operating.
“This way, organisations can build stronger and more durable teams and systems and can respond and adapt to the dynamics of transformative change in Nigeria.
“We are proud that, as a result of more flexible support, many of our grantee partners have, in fact, acquired their physical buildings.”
In his welcome address, Kole Shettima, Director of the MacArthur Foundation in Nigeria, remarked that the event celebrates the 30th anniversary of the foundation’s accomplishments with its grantee partners, while also marking the bittersweet conclusion of the current program in Nigeria.
‘’I have spent a quarter-century at the MacArthur Foundation. It is a rare privilege that I don’t take lightly. I thank the Foundation for giving me this opportunity to serve humanity, ‘’Shettima said.
‘’Our grantee partners, present and past, we are here to celebrate you and the work you have done to save lives, improve human capital development, and enable the government to provide public services. Amina Salihu, my colleague, always refers to you as the first eleven.’’
