The United States Mission in Nigeria has awarded a significant $400,000 grant for the conservation of the Sungbo Eredo Earthworks, a late 14th-century monument in the Ijebu Kingdom of Ogun State. The grant, announced via the U.S. Embassy's official X handle on Wednesday, represents the largest allocation from the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) in Nigeria and the second largest in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Sungbo Eredo is a massive system of defensive earthworks—ditches and ramparts—that encloses the historical Ijebu Kingdom. It is reputed to be one of the largest single monuments in Africa, spanning over 160 kilometers. The site holds immense cultural and historical significance for the Yoruba people and is linked to the legendary Queen Bilikisu Sungbo.
The U.S. Embassy stated, “This was the largest Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) grant in Nigeria and the second-largest in sub-Saharan Africa.” The funding will support critical conservation work to protect the ancient earthworks from environmental degradation and human encroachment, preserving it for future generations and potential UNESCO World Heritage status.
This grant underscores the United States' commitment to supporting global cultural heritage and strengthens bilateral ties through cultural diplomacy. It also highlights the international recognition of Nigeria's rich, yet often underfunded, historical treasures.
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