The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) in collaboration with the Imo state government and Market Development for the Niger Delta (MADE) is set to hold the fifth edition of the Niger Delta Development Forum (NDDF). The event, themed ‘Towards Self-Sustaining Development in the Niger Delta: Narrating and Showcasing a Re-Imagined Niger Delta’, is set to hold in Owerri Imo state from October 19th to 20th 2016.

“ It would help increase awareness and shared understanding among stakeholders on the critical steps needed to move the region towards a re-imaged Niger Delta,” Ese Emerhi, PIND Advocacy Programme Manager said in a statement.

In the past year, the Niger Delta states have been experiencing crisis. These crises have been environmentally, politically, economically and socially motivated. The fall in global oil prices as well as the resurgence of violent attacks waged by new militant groups have also taken a toll on the region.

According to PIND, despite the 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.

This event comes at a time when the country is worst hit  by the fall in oil prices and insurgency in the Niger Delta region. It will create a platform to increase actionable opportunities for sustainable development initiatives and activities in the Niger Delta region. This will be done through evidence-based policy influence at the state and federal levels.

“We believe the forum will help facilitate commitment of key actors like the government, private sector, civil society and donor community through dialogue with stakeholders for more inclusive pro-poor development initiatives in the Niger Delta,” said Emerhi. “The NDDF will promote multi-sector partnerships for development, investment and collaboration in the Niger Delta region, focusing on creation of national and regional platforms for reflection among development actors and interested stakeholders,” said Emerhi

Highlights of the 2016 NDDF will include syndicate sessions where interested and committed public and private sector, development practitioners, and international development actors will convene to take actions to promote growth and influence development in the region. Below are some of the partners for the NDDF:
• 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
• Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP)
• Market Development For The Niger Delta (DAI -MADE)
• Imo State Government
• The Braced Commission

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