US Invests $400,000 In Preserving Nigeria’s Ancient Sungbo’s Eredo Earthworks

Lagos, NIGERIA – The United States has completed a five-year, $400,000 project to preserve and document Sungbo’s Eredo, a sprawling 100-mile system of ancient earthworks in southwest Nigeria.

Funded through the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), the initiative utilised advanced technology to create a comprehensive record of the site, believed to be one of the world’s largest ancient cities, built between 800-1000 C.E. as part of the Yoruba Ijebu Kingdom.

The project, spearheaded by the College of William and Mary, employed remote sensing and 3D scanning to map the earthworks.

This detailed survey data, formally handed over to Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) on December 10th, will be crucial in future restoration efforts and disaster preparedness planning.

Furthermore, the project developed a conservation strategy for key sections of the enclosure and boosted efforts to secure Sungbo’s Eredo’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission David Greene emphasised the importance of cultural preservation as a cornerstone of international relations.

“Preserving cultural heritage strengthens the bonds between nations and connects future generations to their history,” Greene stated.

He highlighted the broader U.S. commitment, noting that this project is part of a larger $1.2 million investment across 15 AFCP projects in 21 Nigerian states aimed at safeguarding the country’s rich cultural heritage.

The successful completion of Sungbo’s Eredo project demonstrates a continuing partnership between the U.S. and Nigeria in protecting significant historical landmarks.

Previous collaborative efforts include the revitalization of the Sukur UNESCO Heritage Site and digital surveys of the Busanyin Shrine.

The U.S. Mission has pledged to continue its collaboration with Nigerian partners and international organisations to ensure the preservation and celebration of Nigeria’s cultural legacy for generations to come.

The meticulous documentation and conservation strategies developed through this project are expected to contribute significantly to sustainable tourism and cultural resilience in the region.