The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), in collaboration with the Imo State Government and Market Development for the Niger Delta (DAI -MADE) is set to hold the fifth edition of the Niger Delta Development Forum (NDDF) in Owerri, Imo State, from October 19-20, 2016. The theme for this year’s forum is, “Towards Self-Sustaining Development in the Niger Delta: Narrating and Showcasing a Re-Imagined Niger Delta”
Niger Delta states are experiencing crisis – politically, economically, socially, and environmentally. The collapse of global oil prices has taken its toll the hardest on the nine states of the Niger Delta, resulting in the re-emergence of violence by new militancy groups. Despite numerous efforts by both independent organizations and the Federal Government in convening key stakeholders in the region to collectively explore the imperatives of inclusive economic growth in an environment of dwindling oil prices, little headway has been achieved or documented on a firm way forward for the region. Development is a complex and multi-disciplinary process, and perhaps the first step in articulating a way forward for the region is in re-imagining a possible future, beginning with changing the narrative of the Niger Delta. What are the steps needed to move the region in this direction, towards action and accountability on the part of all stakeholders, not just governments?
With this backdrop and reality in the Niger Delta, NDDF hopes to increase awareness and shared understanding among stakeholders on the critical steps needed to move the region towards a re-imagined Niger Delta through evidence based policy influencing at the state and federal levels. NDDF Imo will tackle key questions in syndicate sessions, leveraging the tradition of a value-added space where interested and committed development actors - public, private sector, development practitioners, and international development actors alike - convene to take actions to promote growth while seizing the huge opportunity to influence the development agenda for the region.
Organizers of the Forum stated “We believe the Forum will help facilitate commitment of key actors – government, private sector, civil society and the donor community – through dialogue with stakeholders for more inclusive pro-poor sustainable development initiatives in the Niger Delta.”
Partners for NDDF include: Niger Delta Development Initiative (NDPI), United States Agency for International Development’s Maximizing Agricultural Revenue and Key Enterprises in Targeted Sites (MARKETS) II project, USAID Strengthening Advocacy and Civic Engagement (SACE) Project, NSRP, Market Development for the Niger Delta (DAI -MADE), Imo State Government, and the BRACED Commission.
About The Niger Delta Development Forum (NDDF)
The NDDF envisions a Niger Delta where all persons are able to live sustainable livelihoods, generate income and employment, and create economic opportunities unhindered by constraints from within and outside the market system in the region and beyond. The Forums are catalytic information sharing and collaboration opportunities for government, private sector, and civil society organizations pursuing approaches for equitable and inclusive economic growth in the Niger Delta. NDDF also provides a platform to connect with other partners to collectively pursue improved development policies and practices in the Niger Delta. Forums have taken place in the United Kingdom, United States and Nigeria, and are organized by the Niger Delta Partnership Initiative (NDPI) Foundation and its sister organization, the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND).
For more information about NDDF, please visit the Forum website at www.nddforum.org and join the conversation online by following the #NDDF2016 hashtag on Twitter.