Shettima: MacArthur Foundation has demonstrated importance of collaboration in democracy

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says the MacArthur Foundation has demonstrated the importance of collaboration in advancing democracy in Nigeria.

Shettima spoke in Abuja on Wednesday at the 30th anniversary of the MacArthur Foundation.

Represented by Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, his special adviser on political matters, the vice-president said 30 years represent a journey marked by commitment, courage, and a steadfast vision to uplift the most vulnerable people.

He said the MacArthur Foundation’s “thoughtful selection” of areas to intervene has solidified its position as a voice of the vulnerable.

“Whether it’s in learning about child education or advocating for the fundamental human rights of each person, your interventions resonate with the heartbeat of humanity,” Shettima said.

“This is done not by provoking constituted authorities or seeking to undermine them, but by working within systems to ensure that those who often go unheard are often given a platform and their rights are respected.”

The vice-president said it is symbolic that the MacArthur Foundation has witnessed Nigeria’s transition from military to democracy.

“Our imagination for a new society is where one non-profit organisation like yours plays a critical role in stabilising and advancing our collective duty to nurture and protect our democracy,” he said.

“After 30 years of watching your innovations, one thing is clear. No government can or should function in isolation.

“You have demonstrated the importance of collaboration, the value of partnership, and the cost of conflict and service delivery.

“The successes we have recorded across various sectors of our nation, especially in promoting accountability in governments, are owed to our shared resolve to work together.

“The success of every democracy lies in accepting united partnerships like the ones you offer.”

John Palfrey, president of the MacArthur Foundation, said the organisation seeks to be a thought leader in addition to giving grants.

He said the foundation facilitates and encourages the field of philanthropy to evolve into a more agile and stronger ally.

“We know that funding the work is important, but it is only half the story. Organizations must be able to thrive to drive sustainable change,” Palfrey said.

“So, beyond our grantmaking, we have learned to support work in cohorts that enable organic and influential networks. Organisations can learn from each other and amplify one another’s successes.

“And as a leader, we aim to trust and support civil society. MacArthur has increased our indirect cost recovery rate to 29 percent for project grants to help meet real costs of operating.

“This way, organisations can build stronger and more durable teams and systems and can respond and adapt to the dynamics of transformative change in Nigeria.

“We are proud that, as a result of more flexible support, many of our grantee partners have, in fact, acquired their physical buildings.”