CDD West Africa names building after Fayemi, says he’s a visionary leader

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) West Africa has named its first building after Kayode Fayemi, its founding director, for his “visionary leadership and contributions to democracy and governance across Africa”.

The ribbon cutting event, which brought together key figures from governance, civil society, and academia, held on Friday in Abuja.

CDD was founded in 1997 to shape the civil society architecture in Nigeria and across Africa.

In a statement by Faridha Salihu-Lukman, its communications officer, the centre said through Fayemi’s leadership, the  organisation grew into a critical institution, “championing research, advocacy, and governance reforms that continue to shape Nigeria and West Africa today”.

Reflecting on his time working under Fayemi as a young programmes officer, Dauda Garuba, CDD director, described the experience as formative and deeply influential.

He spoke about the opportunities and mentorship that defined his early career, noting the full-circle moment of now leading the very organisation where he was once nurtured.

In his remarks, Fayemi, former governor of Ekiti state, reminisced about the bold vision that led to the founding of CDD.

“The dedication was a homecoming moment for Dr. Fayemi, whose leadership shaped CDD’s foundational years,” the statement reads.

“From its early days in London to its establishment in Nigeria, CDD has been at the forefront of driving policy reforms, fostering democratic ideals, and strengthening civil society engagement across the continent.”

Closing the event, Jibo Ibrahim, a scholar and member of CDD’s governing structure, acknowledged Fayemi’s “enduring legacy in democracy and governance”.

He reiterated CDD’s commitment to preserving and expanding on the foundation laid by its founders, ensuring the centre remains at the forefront of policy research, civic engagement, and democratic development in West Africa.