In a historic cultural preservation milestone, the United States Mission to Nigeria has awarded a $400,000 grant to support conservation efforts at one of Africa’s most remarkable — yet under-recognized — ancient monuments: Sungbo Eredo Earthworks. This award is the largest Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) grant ever given in Nigeria and the second-largest in all of sub-Saharan Africa, underscoring the global importance of the site and amplifying calls for its preservation and public recognition.
The grant, officially announced through the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, will catalyze documentation, conservation, and cultural heritage management initiatives for this vast structure in the heart of the Yoruba Ijebu Kingdom — and shine a spotlight on Africa’s pre-colonial achievements that rival the engineering feats of other ancient civilizations.
What Is Sungbo Eredo? A Monument Larger Than Most People Imagine
Sungbo Eredo is an extraordinary system of earthworks — walls and ditches — sprawling over more than 160 kilometres (about 100 miles) across southwestern Nigeria, near the Yoruba town of Ijebu Ode in Ogun State.
Unlike stone monuments or brick ruins, this archaeological marvel was constructed almost entirely from earth — by hand — as an intricate network of defensive embankments that encircle large swathes of territory. Some sections reach a depth difference of up to 20 metres between the base of the ditch and the inner bank.
Often described as one of the largest earthworks in the world, Sungbo Eredo predates colonial Nigeria by centuries and tells a story of organised labour, strategic planning, and political sophistication in West Africa long before European contact.
Historical and Cultural Legacy: More Than Just Soil and Trenches
Sungbo Eredo isn’t just an ancient defensive structure — it is deeply woven into Yoruba culture and oral history. Built in honour of Oloye Bilikisu Sungbo, a powerful and revered woman in Yoruba tradition, the site is also linked in some narratives to the legendary Queen of Sheba — drawing a fascinating intersection between archaeology, mythology, and cultural lore.
Traditional accounts suggest that Bilikisu Sungbo was a wealthy widow whose vast influence inspired generations of storytellers. Her tomb is believed to lie within the earthworks at Oke-Eri, near Ijebu Ode — a location still visited by pilgrims, historians, and cultural heritage advocates today.
Modern archaeological interpretation also proposes that the earthworks may have served multiple roles: defensive fortification, a unifying boundary for a complex polity, and a symbol of political authority in the pre-colonial Yoruba world.
Why the U.S. Grant Matters: Preservation, Documentation, and Global Recognition
The United States government awarded this $400,000 grant through the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) — a program established to support countries in protecting historic sites and cultural heritage around the world.
This specific award for Sungbo Eredo marks a major investment in preserving an African archaeological site that has often been overlooked in international heritage discussions. It is part of a broader pattern of America’s cultural diplomacy efforts, which include support for other Nigerian heritage projects like rock art preservation and sacred grove documentation.
How the Funding Is Being Used
The grant has enabled a multidisciplinary conservation initiative, including:
Advanced remote sensing and 3D scanning to document the full scale of the earthworks with high precision.
Creation of a comprehensive survey database for future archaeological research and restoration planning.
Development of conservation strategies for vulnerable sections of the earthworks, including erosion-prone areas and parts threatened by farming or urban expansion.
Capacity building for local heritage managers and custodians — empowering Nigerian experts with tools and training for long-term site stewardship.
Additionally, project partners such as the College of William and Mary and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) have collaborated closely — blending academic research with national heritage governance.
A Site Under Threat: Why Conservation Is Urgent
Despite its size and historical importance, Sungbo Eredo faces ongoing threats from natural erosion, agricultural encroachment, deforestation, and urban development.
Sections of the earthworks are already obscured or damaged, and many Nigerians — including cultural activists and historians — argue that the site has not received the recognition it deserves at home or abroad.
Part of the urgency behind the U.S. grant is to not only preserve what still exists but to prevent further loss and promote Sungbo Eredo’s rightful place in world heritage dialogues.
Beyond Preservation: Economic and Cultural Impact
The implications of this project go far beyond archaeology. By documenting and conserving Sungbo Eredo, heritage planners hope to:
1. Strengthen Cultural Identity
Reviving public awareness of Sungbo Eredo draws attention to the rich history and ingenuity of the Yoruba people, offering pride and identity to communities whose pre-colonial contributions are frequently overshadowed.
2. Boost Heritage Tourism
Preserved heritage sites attract visitors — both domestic and international. With proper infrastructure, interpretation centres, and interpretive programs, Sungbo Eredo could become a major cultural tourism destination, generating revenue and jobs for local economies.
3. Support UNESCO World Heritage Nomination
Sungbo Eredo is currently on Nigeria’s tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Site status, which could raise global awareness and unlock additional funding and protection frameworks.
Global Implications and International Collaboration
The Sungbo Eredo project is more than a preservation effort — it is a symbol of international cooperation that transcends borders and historical narratives. U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission David J. Greene remarked that preserving cultural heritage “strengthens the bonds between nations and connects future generations to their history.”
This philosophy reinforces the idea that cultural heritage belongs not just to a nation, but to humanity, and that global partnerships are essential for safeguarding the stories of ancient civilizations.
Conclusion: A Monument Reclaimed by Time and Recognition
The $400,000 grant awarded by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria to conserve Sungbo Eredo Earthworks is more than an investment in soil and technology — it is a profound acknowledgment that Africa’s ancient past holds treasures of human ingenuity and cultural depth.
As documentation efforts continue and plans unfold for long-term preservation, Sungbo Eredo stands as a testament to centuries-old creativity, organisational sophistication, and the resilience of cultural memory. With increased global attention, local stewardship, and international partnerships, this hidden wonder of the Yoruba world may soon take its rightful place among the narratives of world heritage — celebrated, studied, and protected for generations to come.
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