‘Backbone for others’ — Akin Fadeyi Foundation honours Kole Shettima on Impact Series

The third edition of ‘The Impact Series’ by the Akin Fadeyi Foundation (AFF) spotlighted the achievements of Kole Shettima, director of the MacArthur Foundation’s Nigeria office in Abuja.

The event, held virtually on Wednesday, celebrated Shettima for his “exceptional leadership” and his efforts in advancing human rights, good governance, social justice, combating corruption, promoting transparency, and strengthening civil society.

Shettima joined the MacArthur Foundation in 1999 and was responsible for grant-making in population and reproductive health, girls’ secondary education, human rights and international justice, and the partnership for higher education in Africa before he became director.

Speakers at the event include Olabisi Adeleye, founder of African Women Development Fund (AWFD); Oliver Stolpe, UNODC representative to Nigeria; Kadaria Ahmad, CEO of RadioNow; Mairo Mandara, founder of Girl Child Concerns; Joe Abah, DAI country director; Toun Sonaiya, CEO of Women Radio; Chido Onumah, journalist and author; Simon Kolawole, CEO of TheCable; and Dapo Olorunyomi, publisher of Premium Times, among others.

TRIBUTES FROM PEERS AND MENTEES

Olorunyomi described Shettima as “a thoughtful, culture-blind, extremely fair, even-minded and humble individual” who started as “an undergraduate committed to student struggle and has gone to champion the world”.

He said Shettima has maintained “a sense of friendship and unassuming humility despite wielding heavy power and influence”.

Olorunyomi praised Shettima for focusing on achieving impact in a “quiet and calculative manner”.

Raddah Sodiq, a professor of sociology at Bayero University, Kano, said Shettima would never be forgotten for his efforts to achieve fairness, equity, and women empowerment.

Oliver Stolpe said Shettima’s strides against corruption are particularly notable.

“Shettima has made it possible to engage in constructive and informed dialogue. There is so much to be learned from him in building a multidimensional and functional coalition around the theme. I thank him for all he has done for Nigeria and the continent of Africa,” he said.

On her part, Olabisi Adeleye said Shettima is “a man of impeccable character and integrity” and “a citizen of Africa and the world”.

“He is a perfect example of an individual whose vision, values and practice are in full alignment. One of his key visions is a world where we all have opportunities to thrive and he has the values that can make this possible. Values of honesty, integrity, fairness, equality, simplicity, collaboration and exemplification of transformative leadership,” she said.

‘MAN OF DIGNITY’

Simon Kolawole described Shettima as a “man of dignity” whose leadership at the MacArthur Foundation “contributed immensely to the success of Cable Newspaper Journalism Foundation (CNJF) graduate mentorship programme”.

Kolawole, who is also the board chairman of AFF, added that Shettima has “a listening ear, an open-door policy, and no fence around him” — qualities which he said any leader willing to succeed must possess.

Kadaria Ahmad spoke about Shettima’s impact on her establishment, RadioNow.

“Dr Kole Shettima, for me, is the foundation of the courage that we have to do the work that we do. He is the person that has made it possible to speak truth to power without fearing the impact on our business because he has provided a way for us to work without having to clap hands with the people who control things in this country,” she said.

“And he does all of that without drama and that sums Dr Shettima up, because in reality, he is accessible, kind, thoughtful, sensitive, and he calms me down when I come around with my drama. He is a hero and he should be in a cape as far as I’m concerned.”

In her remarks, Toun Sonaiya said the MacArthur Foundation under Shettima’s leadership has “given a lifeline to Women Radio”.

“MacArthur has taught us the impact and power of collaboration. Through the foundation, we were able to reach 21,100,000 Nigerians through our radio programmes in Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba,” she said.

“Dr Shettima held our hands all along, making sure we did not fall. It was his personal commitment, mentorship and encouragement to this cause that has inspired my team and me to push our boundaries and strive for excellence in our work.”

‘BACKBONE FOR OTHERS’

Jude Ilo, in his address, described Shettima as “a backbone for others in times of difficulty”.

Ilo praised Shettima for his “dedication to sacrifice”, describing him as an “incredible asset to our country and humanity”.

Chido Onumah called Shettima “a solutions man, an ideas man, and a man without ‘no’ in his dictionary”.

SHETTIMA: I NEVER EXPECTED TO BE CELEBRATED

Responding to the accolades, Shettima aligned with the speakers to appreciate Akin Fadeyi, convener of the series, for “the deep thoughtfulness that went into the organisation of the event”.

“I never expected this kind of celebration. I thought I was coming to share insights on the work that we do at the MacArthur Foundation. I am very happy about the thoughtfulness that has gone into it,” he said.

“I think that we at the foundation are very lucky to have the funds to pursue the values that we believe in and to have a team and network of organisations that are competent enough to bring the dream to realisation.”

Shettima expressed delight with the efforts of the MacArthur Foundation grantees in improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

“I’m sure many things would have happened in this country without MacArthur, but I’m also sure that many good things have happened due to the work that we do, and I’m grateful for being a part of the organisation that has given us the time, the leverage and the opportunity to do what we are doing in this country,” he said.