Ebenezer Obadare

Ebenezer Babatunde Obadare is a Nigerian-American academic, sociologist, and public intellectual. He is the Douglas Dillon Senior Fellow for Africa Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, D.C. His research focuses on civil society, religion and politics, democracy, and social change in Africa. Quotes "I wanted to be near books. I've always loved books." Recalling his childhood fascination with reading and how it shaped his academic and journalistic career. How I Got My Career in Foreign Policy: Ebenezer Obadare, Council on Foreign Relations, 1 October 2025. "The first thing I used to buy with my pocket money from my parents was newspapers." Discussing how an early passion for newspapers led him into journalism. How I Got My Career in Foreign Policy: Ebenezer Obadare, Council on Foreign Relations, 1 October 2025. "I've always loved words." Explaining why journalism became his first profession before transitioning into academia. How I Got My Career in Foreign Policy: Ebenezer Obadare, Council on Foreign Relations, 1 October 2025. "There is no such thing as local politics." Reflecting on lessons learned from covering Nigerian politics as a journalist. How I Got My Career in Foreign Policy: Ebenezer Obadare, Council on Foreign Relations, 1 October 2025. "In a democracy, the people choose their rulers, and not the other way around." Reflecting on the symbolism of the United States Capitol and democratic governance. How I Got My Career in Foreign Policy: Ebenezer Obadare, Council on Foreign Relations, 1 October 2025. "Across 60-odd years of independence, rarely has the average Nigerian regardless of location felt more vulnerable and insecure." Opening statement before the United States House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa on the future of democracy in Nigeria. The Future of Freedom in Nigeria, U.S. House of Representatives, 14 February 2024. External links Category:Living people Category:Authors from Nigeria Category:Sociologists from the United States