Ford Foundation's West Africa Regional Director, Dr Chichi Aniagolu, has urged wealthy Nigerians to take responsibility for ensuring the sustainability of local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the face of declining financial support from international donors and foreign governments. She made this call during the inaugural Quarterly Dialogue on Philanthropy in Nigeria, organized by PricewaterhouseCoopers Limited (PwC).

The event focused on the theme of creating lasting impacts through sustainable philanthropy and aimed to engage local philanthropists in discussions on redefining local philanthropy and promoting local funding for credible civil societies. The dialogue brought together philanthropists and high-net-worth individuals from Nigeria and other West African countries.

Dr Aniagolu highlighted the challenges faced by CSOs due to significant declines in global funding. These organizations play a crucial role in providing support and services in areas such as education, human rights, and HIV awareness, among others. However, the election of conservative governments in the West, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing humanitarian conflicts have led to reduced donor funding for Nigeria and other West African countries. Despite this, the demand for the interventions and services provided by CSOs continues to rise as many Nigerians rely on them for support in their daily lives.

She emphasized that Nigeria is one of the "Big 5" private wealth markets in Africa, with over 10,000 high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) possessing private wealth of $1 million or more. However, the philanthropic efforts of these individuals have often been uncoordinated and not channeled through recognized CSOs. As a result, the impact of their philanthropy has been short-term relief rather than sustainable long-term change.

Dr Aniagolu called for a more strategic approach to philanthropy, urging wealthy Nigerians to collaborate with credible CSOs and invest in sustainable solutions that address the root causes of social issues. By channeling their resources and expertise through established CSOs, philanthropists can contribute to creating lasting impacts and driving positive change in Nigerian communities.

In conclusion, the Quarterly Dialogue on Philanthropy in Nigeria serves as a platform to encourage local philanthropists to play a more active role in supporting CSOs and promoting sustainable philanthropy. By working together, wealthy Nigerians can make a significant difference in addressing social challenges and ensuring the long-term sustainability of civil society initiatives.

Naijamatta is a social networking site,

download Naijamatta from Google play store or visit www.naijamatta.com to register. You can post, comment, do voice and video call, join and open group, go live etc. Join Naijamatta family, the Green app.