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Historic Grammy Recognition for Fela Kuti: Afrobeat Legend Honoured on the World Stage

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The name Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has once again echoed across the world, decades after his passing, as the legendary Afrobeat pioneer receives one of the highest honours in global music history. In a historic move, the Recording Academy has announced that Fela will be awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award , making him the first African artist to receive this prestigious recognition. The award will be presented posthumously at the upcoming 68th Grammy Awards in 2026 , a moment many fans, scholars, and music lovers describe as long overdue. This recognition does not only celebrate Fela’s music but also acknowledges his fearless activism, cultural influence, and enduring global legacy. A Long-Awaited Honour For decades, Fela Kuti’s name has been synonymous with revolution, resistance, and artistic freedom. While his work influenced generations of musicians worldwide, official global recognition at the level of the Grammys had eluded him — until now. The Grammy Lifetime Achieve...
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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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