The U.S. Mission to Nigeria has completed a five-year initiative to preserve and document Sungbo’s Eredo, a 100-mile ancient earthwork system in southwest Nigeria.
Supported by a $400,000 grant from the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) in 2019, the project highlights U.S. efforts to protect Nigeria’s cultural heritage and promote global collaboration.
Constructed between 800 and 1000 C.E. during the era of the Ijebu Kingdom, Sungbo’s Eredo is considered one of the largest ancient cities in the world. The AFCP grant enabled the College of William and Mary to use advanced remote sensing and 3D scanning technologies to comprehensively document the structure. The project also designed conservation strategies for two five-mile sections of the site and supported Sungbo’s Eredo’s nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Speaking during the ceremonial handover of the project’s survey data to Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) on December 10, U.S. deputy chief of mission, David J. Greene emphasised the value of cultural preservation.
“Preserving cultural heritage strengthens bonds between nations and connects future generations to their history,” Greene said. He noted that over five years, the U.S. has invested $1.2 million in 15 AFCP projects across 21 Nigerian states.
The survey data from Sungbo’s Eredo will guide restoration and protection strategies, including efforts to mitigate natural disasters. This initiative is part of a broader U.S.-Nigeria partnership to safeguard cultural landmarks. Past projects include reviving the Sukur UNESCO Heritage Site in Adamawa State and digitally documenting the Busanyin Shrine in the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove.
The U.S. Mission reaffirmed its commitment to working with Nigerian institutions like NCMM and international organisations to preserve Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy. These efforts aim to honor the country’s history while fostering sustainable tourism and cultural resilience for future generations.
