Investigative journalist David Hundeyin has alleged that prominent Nigerian media outlets and activists are funded by American foundations like Ford and MacArthur, which he claims are fronts for U.S. intelligence agencies, raising questions about media independence and foreign influence.
David Hundeyin speaks on how most Nigerian media outlets, including major newspapers, are funded by American foundations like Ford and MacArthur. This foreign funding raises questions about media independence and influence. #NigerianMedia #MediaFunding #Influence #davidhundeyin pic.twitter.com/NKA0MY8Vj5
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Background context:
Hundeyin has previously alleged that the Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, and Omidyar Network are “U.S. Intelligence front organisations” that fund Nigerian media platforms and activists . He pointed to public records showing Sahara Reporters received $175,000 from Ford Foundation, $450,000 from Omidyar Foundation, and $1.3 million from MacArthur Foundation between 2016 and 2019 . Hundeyin has made similar claims about activists Omoyele Sowore and Boniface Mwangi, alleging they receive funding to “destabilize African countries through subterfuge” and to co-opt genuine protest movements .
The Ford Foundation acknowledges its presence in Nigeria since 1958, with stated objectives including supporting media pluralism, training, content development, and institutional development in West Africa . The MacArthur Foundation has funded numerous Nigerian media initiatives, including the Wole Soyinka Centre’s $5 million Collaborative Media Engagement project and other investigative journalism programs
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