It is our pleasure to convey the Foundation’s sincere gratitude for the support and encouragement we received this past year from so many friends and well wishers. The work of the Foundation continues to bear fruit and the Yar’Adua Centre is thriving as a conference facility with a focus on education, research and charitable activities. The Foundation’s Public Policy Initiative has taken off with a flagship project to publish an analysis of Nigeria’s achievements as a global citizen since independence. The work will address the nation’s promotion of peace, freedom, democracy and development globally and on the African Continent; whether our foreign investment has been constructive and at what cost to our own development. Presentation of the book is scheduled for October 2010 to coincide with Nigeria’s 50^th anniversary. We are pleased to report that two Shehu Yar’Adua Community Libraries were commissioned this year in Dan Janku (near Malumfashi) Katsina State and Lambar Zango (near Zaria) Kaduna State. We are currently in the process of instituting an adult literacy programme at the libraries.

The Foundation was instrumental in establishing a partnership between the Tulsi Chanrai Foundation (TCF) and Katsina State Government for the provision of free eye care service in the state. The clinic is expected to become operational by mid-2010 and estimates that 3,000 free eye surgeries will be performed each year. Our Yar’Adua Merit Scholars continue to perform beyond our expectation. Outstanding achievements include: Onyinyechi Onuigbo of Enugu received 12 distinctions out of 13 subjects on her NECO exam and for the third year in a row achieved 1st position in her JSS3 class. Aminu Yayaha of Kano took 2nd position in his JSS2 class, Chukwuma Onwujiuba of Anambra took 1st position in his JSS1 class and Mu’azu Halliru of Kaduna received the Lion Heart Award for best effort. The Olusegun Obasanjo Research Library at Yar’Adua Centre is flourishing through the support of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Library patronage has grown significantly this year as a result of the increased scope and awareness of the library collection.

His Excellency Benjamin W. Mkapa, former President of the Republic of Tanzania served as Special Guest of Honour at the Foundation’s 10th National Programme of Commemoration. Dr. Jonathan Fanton, President of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation delivered a thought provoking address as Guest Speaker entitled, “Full and Free Development: The Case for Higher Education in Nigeria”.

The Yar’Adua Centre’s conference facilities continue to attract significant patronage and an increased number of schools, universities and organizations toured the exhibition of the life of Shehu Yar’Adua presented against the backdrop of Nigerian history. U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton hosted an inter-faith dialogue as well as a town hall meeting at the Centre during her visit to Nigeria in August. As we look forward to 2010, we anticipate a productive year, fully engaged with our partners and supporters to address challenges, foster hope and serve people while upholding the enduring legacy and vision of one of Nigeria’s foremost contemporary leaders and democrats, late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua. 

Thank you so much and 

God continue to bless Nigeria.

Jamilah Farris,

Director General.

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