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Nigeria Ranked 7th Friendliest Country to Strangers: A Surprising Global Recognition

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In a refreshing twist to global perception, Nigeria has been ranked the 7th friendliest country to strangers in the world, according to the 2025 edition of the World Happiness Report. This unexpected accolade positions Nigeria as a beacon of hospitality, generosity, and human connection—despite its persistent socio-economic challenges. The ranking was based on survey responses from people across over 140 countries, measuring the willingness of citizens to help a stranger in need. According to the report, nearly 70% of Nigerians said they had either helped or were willing to help a stranger in the past month. This figure stands well above the global average and signals a deep-rooted cultural value of communal support and kindness. For many Nigerians, this comes as no surprise. In cities and rural communities alike, it is not uncommon for strangers to be offered food, directions, or even a place to stay. Traditional values, religious teachings, and a strong sense of community often ...
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Empowering Change: dRPC and Ford Foundation Award ₦85 Million to 17 Women-Led NGOs in Nigeria

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In a significant move aimed at strengthening grassroots development and women’s leadership, the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC), with support from the Ford Foundation, has awarded a generous ₦85 million grant to 17 women-led non-governmental organisations (NGOs) across Nigeria. This landmark gesture comes at a crucial time, especially as many NGOs are grappling with the impact of drastic funding cuts from global donors like USAID.

Each of the selected NGOs received ₦5 million under the NGO Support Initiative (NSI), a programme designed to boost the operational capacity of local organisations working in sectors like health, education, agriculture, and women empowerment. The grants will help these organisations implement short-term but high-impact projects over a three-month period.

Speaking during the cheque presentation ceremony in Abuja, Dr. Judith-Ann Walker, Executive Director of dRPC, described the funding as a “lifeline” for women-led NGOs struggling to stay afloat. She highlighted how the NSI is not only about financial support, but also about preserving critical services in vulnerable communities.

Dr. Stanley Ukpai, dRPC’s Programme Director, shed light on the urgency of the initiative. He explained that USAID’s termination of over 83% of its global programmes—including thousands of contracts in Nigeria—left a vacuum in healthcare, development, and job creation. The NSI is, therefore, dRPC’s way of bridging that gap and ensuring that vital services continue uninterrupted.

The event also featured training and mentorship sessions led by General Shina Ogunbiyi (retd), who encouraged the beneficiaries to maintain transparency and accountability. He hinted that a second round of grants could be awarded in September to the most impactful projects.

For many of the recipients, like Mrs. Okafor Nkechi from Anambra State, this grant is a dream come true—a timely intervention that will support hundreds of women and families. Through this initiative, dRPC and the Ford Foundation are not just funding projects—they are fuelling hope.

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