U.S. awards $400,000 conservation project for ancient Sungbo Eredo in Ijebu Kingdom

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has awarded a $400,000 Sungbo Eredo conservation grant, the largest AFCP award in Nigeria and second-largest in sub-Saharan Africa

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has awarded a $400,000 grant for the conservation of the late 14th century Sungbo Eredo Earthworks of the Yoruba Ijebu Kingdom, marking the largest Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) grant ever given in Nigeria.

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The funding, announced by the U.S. Mission, is also the second-largest AFCP award in sub-Saharan Africa, underscoring the historical and cultural significance of Sungbo Eredo, one of Africa’s most extensive ancient earthworks.

The Sungbo Eredo conservation grant is aimed at safeguarding the massive system of walls and ditches, which stretches across parts of present-day Ogun State and is widely regarded as a remarkable feat of pre-colonial engineering and urban planning.

According to the U.S. Mission, the project will support documentation, conservation planning, community engagement and capacity building to ensure the long-term preservation of the heritage site.

The initiative is also expected to boost cultural tourism while strengthening local stewardship of the monument.

Sungbo Eredo, believed to have been constructed in the late 1300s, is associated with the history of the Ijebu people and has attracted global scholarly interest for its scale and sophistication.

Despite its importance, sections of the earthworks have faced threats from erosion, encroachment and limited conservation resources.

The U.S. Mission noted that the AFCP supports the preservation of cultural heritage sites worldwide, reflecting a commitment to protecting shared human history.

By awarding the Sungbo Eredo conservation grant, the Mission said it was reaffirming its partnership with Nigeria in preserving invaluable cultural assets.

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Cultural heritage experts have described the grant as a significant boost for conservation efforts, expressing optimism that it will enhance research, protection and public awareness of Sungbo Eredo for future generations.

Quadri Olaitan