The United States has provided a $400,000 grant to preserve and document Sungbo’s Eredo, a historic 100-mile system of ancient earthworks in southwest Nigeria.
In a statement released Wednesday, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria announced the culmination of a five-year effort funded by the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). The project highlights the United States’ commitment to preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage and fostering international collaboration.
Constructed between 800 and 1000 C.E. as part of the Yoruba Ijebu Kingdom, Sungbo’s Eredo is regarded as one of the largest ancient cities globally. The AFCP grant, awarded in 2019, enabled advanced documentation of the site using remote sensing and 3D scanning technology by researchers from the College of William and Mary.
The project’s achievements include the comprehensive survey of Sungbo’s Eredo, the development of a conservation strategy for two five-mile sections of the structure, and raising awareness to support its nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During a December 10 ceremonial handover of the survey data to Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission David Greene emphasized the significance of cultural heritage preservation.
“Preserving cultural heritage strengthens the bonds between nations and connects future generations to their history,” Greene stated. He noted that over the past five years, the U.S. has allocated $1.2 million to 15 AFCP projects across 21 Nigerian states, furthering the preservation of the nation’s cultural landmarks.
Greene highlighted the project’s potential to boost sustainable tourism and protect Sungbo’s Eredo from environmental threats. He commended the collaboration between Nigerian and U.S. institutions, which has also extended to initiatives such as restoring the Sukur UNESCO Heritage Site in Adamawa and conducting digital surveys of the Busanyin Shrine in the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove.
The U.S. Mission reaffirmed its commitment to working with Nigerian partners, including NCMM, and international organizations to safeguard Nigeria’s extraordinary cultural legacy for future generations.
