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Edofoundation.org · Benin City — Nigeria · Edo America

A Cultural & Creative Foundation · Nigeria

The Story of Edo,
Told Authentically.

Edo Foundation preserves and shares the authentic story of the Edo people — through film, research, education, exhibitions and creative platforms. We document the history, heritage, experiences and achievements of Edo, and bring them to the world with depth, context and dignity.

  • Est. Benin City, Nigeria
  • Rooted in Edo — Made for the World
  • Our Audience Is Global
Ivory pendant mask of Queen Mother Idia of Benin, red-toned
The Idia Mask Ivory · c. 16th Century

Our Mission

To preserve, produce, and share authentic Edo stories — creating platforms through which people around the world can discover, understand, and engage with Edo heritage.

Edo Foundation works where culture, history, storytelling, research, film, education and community meet — building a lasting body of work that keeps Edo history and identity accessible to everyone.

Our goal is not only to remember, but to create. From documentaries and research projects to exhibitions and educational platforms, we shape new ways for Edo stories to live on.

  • Culture
  • History
  • Storytelling
  • Research
  • Film
  • Education
  • Community

Who We Are

Every Culture Deserves to Tell Its Own Story.

Edo Foundation is a cultural and creative foundation committed to preserving and sharing the authentic story of the Edo people. Based in Nigeria and expanding its cultural presence internationally, the Foundation documents the history, heritage and achievements of Edo — presented with depth, context and authenticity.

For generations, Edo history has been carried through oral traditions, cultural practices, historical records, family stories, art, architecture and community memory. Edo Foundation brings these dimensions together and creates accessible ways for people to engage with them.

Our work is rooted in Edo, but our audience is global.

The gate of the Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin
The Palace Gate — Benin City Edo State, Nigeria

Our History — Where It Started

Every Culture Has Stories That Deserve to Be Remembered.

Edo Foundation was established from a desire to ensure that the story of Edo is documented and communicated authentically. What began as a commitment to preserving the Edo story is growing into a broader cultural platform connecting Nigeria, the Edo community and the world.

Panoramic view of Benin City, 1897
Benin City, 1897 Archive — H. Ling Roth
01

Foundation

The beginning of the Edo Foundation and the vision behind its establishment.

02

Research

Building a deeper understanding of Edo history, people, culture and heritage.

03

Storytelling

Transforming knowledge into films, publications, exhibitions and creative experiences.

04

Community

Creating opportunities for people to engage with Edo history and identity.

05

Global Expansion

Building platforms and partnerships that take Edo stories beyond Nigeria.

06

Today

Continuing to document, preserve, produce and share the Edo story for generations to come.

What We Do

Preserving the Past. Creating for the Future.

Edo Foundation works across several areas to preserve and communicate Edo heritage — each one a platform for discovery, learning and connection.

Interior of the Oba's compound, Benin City, 1897

01 — Film & Storytelling

Edo Stories on Screen

Films and creative productions that explore Edo history, people, culture and experiences — made to be experienced locally and internationally.

Explore Our Movies
Benin bronze plaque of an Oba or chief

02 — Research

Historical & Cultural Research

Research into Edo history, heritage, people, traditions and cultural development — including our Golden Age Research project.

Explore Edo Discovery
Edo women celebrating in traditional attire with coral beads

03 — Education

Learning Where You Come From

Educational experiences that make Edo history and culture accessible to younger generations — helping children understand and value their heritage.

A Million Kids Initiative
Ivory pendant mask of Queen Mother Idia in profile

04 — Exhibitions

Edo on Display

Exhibitions and cultural experiences that let audiences encounter Edo history beyond books and archives — through objects, visuals, film and installations.

Explore Exhibitions
Pair of Benin bronze leopards

05 — Events

Events & Community

Event platforms that bring people together for dialogue, learning, celebration and connection around Edo culture, history and creativity.

Explore Event Channels
The Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin

06 — Global Connection

From Edo to the World

Building bridges between Edo communities in Nigeria and around the world — with an expanding cultural presence in America.

Discover Edo America

Movies

Edo Stories, Brought to Screen.

Film is one of the most powerful ways to preserve memory and introduce history to new audiences. Edo Foundation develops and supports productions that explore Edo stories, history, culture and people — created to entertain, educate, preserve and encourage conversation around Edo heritage.

Coming Soon

Stories are being prepared.

Explore upcoming Edo Foundation productions and follow us for announcements, releases, screenings and updates.

Follow Our Journey

Franchises

Stories bigger than one film — each franchise explores different characters, periods and themes within the wider Edo story.

Explore Franchises

Carved ivory tusk from the Edo royal court
Carved Ivory Tusk Edo Court Art

Edo Discovery

Discover Edo. History. People. Culture. Memory.

Edo Discovery is a research and storytelling platform dedicated to exploring the depth of Edo history and heritage. It brings together research, historical narratives, cultural knowledge, archives and creative storytelling — helping people discover the many layers of the Edo story.

Commemorative bronze head of an Oba
Project 01 — Research

Exploring Edo's Golden Age

Golden Age Research explores significant periods, people, achievements, institutions and developments that shaped Edo history — deepening understanding through research and accessible storytelling.

Discover
Drawing of Benin City made by an English officer, 1897
Project 02 — Timeline

Edo Through Time

From Time to Time explores Edo history across different periods, connecting events and experiences that show how Edo society, culture, leadership, creativity and identity evolved over time.

Explore
Benin bronze head in a museum display
Project 03 — Archive

Ebe — The Black Book

Ebe is a dedicated exploration of Edo knowledge, stories, records and history — a space for deeper discovery and documentation of information connected to Edo heritage.

Explore

Event Channels

Experience Edo.

Opportunities to encounter Edo culture through exhibitions, conversations, education, entertainment and community experiences.

The Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin, Benin City

Edo America

Connecting Edo Across Borders

The Foundation's growing international presence — creating opportunities for cultural exchange, education, exhibitions, community engagement and the celebration of Edo identity beyond Nigeria.

From Edo to the world. From the world back to Edo.

Explore Edo America
01 — Exhibition

Edo on Display

Edo history and culture in physical and digital spaces — storytelling, visual materials, research, objects and immersive experiences.

Explore Exhibitions
02 — Education

A Million Kids

A million connections to history. An initiative introducing children to Edo history, culture and identity — because preservation begins with the next generation.

Learn About the Initiative
03 — Creative Platform

B+ Studios

Creative stories. Cultural impact. A space for developing, producing and presenting work that contributes to African and Edo storytelling.

Enter B+ Studios
Edo woman in traditional lace attire and coral beads at a ceremony
Gala Night Edo Attire & Coral

The Edo Foundation Gala

Be Part of the Celebration.

The Gala brings together individuals, organisations, creatives, cultural leaders, researchers, philanthropists and the community — in celebration and support of Edo heritage.

  • Celebrate Edo culture & achievement
  • Support cultural preservation
  • Showcase creative work
  • Build partnerships
  • Connect communities
  • Raise support for initiatives

Edo Blog

The Edo Journal.

A living space for stories, ideas, research, announcements, interviews and conversations about Edo.

History
Preview — Edition 01

The Walls of Benin — A Kingdom of Cities

Read Story
Culture
Preview — Edition 02

Coral Beads and the Language of Edo Adornment

Read Story
Edo Around the World
Preview — Edition 03

Across the Atlantic — An Edo Community in America

Read Story

About Edo Foundation

Preservation is not about looking backwards. It is about making sure the knowledge of yesterday remains available to the people of tomorrow.

From Nigeria to the wider world, our work brings together history, culture, film, research, education, creativity and community — so that every generation can know where it comes from.

More About the Foundation