FIRST LADIES AS INSTANTANEOUS PHILANTHROPISTS: HOW PUBLIC OFFICE HOLDERS’ WIVES (UN)DO PHILANTHROPISM FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA
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Date
2019
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Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, Pennsylvania
Abstract
As one of the popular practices dating back to the days of military rule in pre-1999 Nigeria, the existence of the Office of First Ladies occupied by wives of Presidents and State Governors for philanthropic activities commonly referred to as “State Pet Projects” has continued in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, at both the State and Federal levels with the primary objective of fostering sustainable development. While in office, most public office holders and their first ladies organize several fund raising ceremonies where many contractors and favour-seekers donate in cash and in kind to the projects. However, these “Pet Projects” are rarely sustained beyond the tenure of their husbands. Another key issue of concern is the question of transparency and accountability in fundraising and management as well as execution of the projects. Using theoretical discourse, public perception, and instances from selected cases of serving and former First Ladies pet projects, the paper examines how huge sums of money are generated for philanthropic purposes and the outcome on the lives of ordinary Nigerians. The article also examines the implications of such practices for the theory and practice of philanthropy and sustainable development in Nigeria.
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Keywords
Philanthropy, Sustainable Development, Pet Project, First Lady, Public Office