U.S. Grants $400,000 to Preserve Sungbo’s Eredo

The United States has reinforced its commitment to preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage by awarding a $400,000 grant to support the documentation and conservation of Sungbo’s Eredo, a historic 100-mile system of earthworks in southwestern Nigeria.

The funding, facilitated through the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), was first awarded in 2019 and initiated a five-year collaboration that has yielded significant progress.

Sungbo’s Eredo, constructed between 800 and 1000 C.E. during the reign of the Yoruba Ijebu Kingdom, is renowned as one of the largest ancient city structures globally. The project utilized advanced technologies such as remote sensing and 3D scanning, spearheaded by the College of William and Mary, to document the site. It also developed a conservation plan for two five-mile sections of the earthworks and laid groundwork for its potential designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During a ceremonial handover of survey data to Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission David Greene highlighted the significance of cultural preservation.

“Preserving cultural heritage not only strengthens ties between nations but also ensures future generations remain connected to their history,” Greene stated. “Over the past five years, the U.S. has dedicated $1.2 million to preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage through 15 AFCP projects spanning 21 states. The achievements at Sungbo’s Eredo honor Nigeria’s history while promoting sustainable tourism and cultural resilience.”

Greene further noted that the survey data would be instrumental in guiding future restoration and protecting the site from natural disasters.

The Sungbo’s Eredo initiative is part of broader U.S. efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s cultural landmarks. Other projects include the revitalization of the Sukur UNESCO Heritage Site in Adamawa State and digital surveys of the Busanyin Shrine within the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove.

The Deputy Chief of Mission reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to collaborating with Nigerian institutions like the NCMM and international partners to preserve Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy for generations to come.