AFRICA POLLING INSTITUTE MOURNS THE PASSING OF MR. INNOCENT CHUKWUMA

The Management and Staff of Africa Polling Institute (API) expresses shock and deep sadness over the sudden demise of Mr. Innocent Chukwuma on April 3, 2021. Mr. Chukwuma, who was the Founder / Pioneer Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, was until February 2021 the Regional Director, West Africa of Ford Foundation.

Mr. Chukwuma, as a champion of the Civil Society in Nigeria, played an important role in mobilizing and mentoring youth leaders in the country. As Ford Foundation Lead in West Africa, he was amongst the first core supporters of the research efforts of our Institute.

As a leading human rights activist and proponent of democracy, he was particularly interested in our flagship study – The Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey, which was released in October 2019; and the engagements led to the Foundation’s award of a 2-year grant to further deepen research and conversation on social cohesion in Nigeria.

While we are deeply saddened by this huge loss, we are consoled by the fact that he left a great legacy especially in Nigeria’s Civil Society space.

We use this opportunity to extend our condolences to his immediate family, colleagues and loved ones; and pray for God to strengthen them at this time of grief.

We shall always remember his legacy.

Adieu Innocent!!!

Signed
Professor Bell Ihua
Executive Director, Africa Polling Institute
On behalf of the Management and Staff of Africa Polling Institute