UNITED STATES PROVIDES $400,000 TO PRESERVE ANCIENT NIGERIAN EARTHWORKS AT SUNGBO “SEREDO 11-12-24
By Sadiq Aminu The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage with a $400,000 grant to document and conserve Sungbo’s Eredo, a historic 100-mile system of earthworks in southwest Nigeria.
According to a statement by the US Embassy in Abuja indicates that the funding, provided through the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) in 2019, marked the beginning of a five-year collaborative effort that has now culminated in significant achievements.
Sungbo’s Eredo, constructed between 800-1000 C.E. during the reign of the Yoruba Ijebu Kingdom, is considered one of the largest ancient city structures in the world.
It explains that with the grant, the College of William and Mary employed advanced technologies such as remote sensing and 3D scanning to comprehensively document the site.
The project also developed a conservation strategy for two five-mile sections of the earthworks and laid the groundwork for its nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Speaking at the ceremonial handover of the project’s survey data to Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission David Greene highlighted the importance of cultural heritage in fostering global connections.
“Preserving cultural heritage strengthens the bonds between nations and connects future generations to their history,” said Greene. “Over the last five years, the United States has allocated $1.2 million to preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage through 15 AFCP projects across 21 states. Today, we celebrate the collaborative work at Sungbo’s Eredo, which not only honors Nigeria’s history but also paves the way for sustainable tourism and cultural resilience.”
Mr Green said the survey data would play a critical role in guiding restoration efforts and devising strategies to shield Sungbo’s Eredo from natural disasters.
He explained that the milestone was part of the U.S. Mission’s broader initiatives to safeguard Nigeria’s cultural landmarks, including reviving the Sukur UNESCO Heritage Site in Adamawa State and conducting digital surveys at the Busanyin Shrine in the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove.
The U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission David Greene also reaffirmed his country’s commitment to continuing collaborations with Nigerian institutions like the NCMM and international partners to preserve and celebrate Nigeria’s extraordinary cultural legacy for future generations.