By Francis Sadhere
Foundation for Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta (PIND) is set to hold its forth edition of its Niger Delta Development Forum (NDDF) 2015, with the theme, “Collaborative Effort for Stimulating Investment and Inclusive Economic Growth in the Niger Delta.”
Briefing newsmen at the Best Western hotel, Asaba, Delta State, today, the Head of Programmes, PIND, Mr. Dr. Dara Akala said that this year’s forum will focus on how PIND would collaborate with both public and private organizations to stimulate investment and inclusive economic growth in the Niger Delta region.
Dr. Akala said that the event which will be held at the Best Western Hotel Conference Centre in Asaba would will also Foster dialogue and cooperation between key private and public sectors in the economic development space and key stakeholders at the regional and federal level.
The forum which will offer a unique opportunity to all participants to frame and influence the discourse, priorities and flagship initiative for the next four years, will have in attendance Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Usani, said Mr. Daibo.
Dr. Akala added that the keynote on the theme of the forum will be provided by Prof. Patrick Utomi, a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants of Nigeria and former presidential candidate in the 2007 and 2011 elections.
He noted that the forum will also aim to increase the level of awareness and shared understanding among stakeholders of the systemic constraints in the region while putting in place synergies that facilitates policies and service delivery for inclusive economic growth in the Niger Delta region.
Dr. Akala said: “The two day meeting in Asaba will give participants the opportunity to generate strategies and active commitment towards new priorities for achieving results with a special focus on sustained, economic inclusion and growth for the region, propelled by stronger private sector investment and public-private partnership.”
He went further to explain that the theme of the forum is divided into four sub-themes, which include; funding and investment opportunities for economic infrastructure and diversification, skills development for women and youths as a priority for the region in the next four years, strengthening agricultural/market value chain and governance and accountability.
The media chat which was interactive in nature, afforded journalists and the management of PIND to brainstorm on how to surmount some of the challenges hindering the economic growth of the Niger Delta region.
“The NDDF envisions a Niger Delta where all persons that are economically active are able to generate income and employment unhindered by constraints from within and outside the market system. The forums are catalytic information Sharing and collaboration opportunities for government, private sector and civil society organizations pursuing approach for equitable economic growth in the Niger Delta.
“For many participants, NDDF provide the platform to connect with other partners to collectively pursue improved development policies and practices in the Niger Delta.
“Forums take place in the United Kingdom, United States and Nigeria and are organized by the Niger Delta Partnership Initiative (NPDI) foundation and it’s sister organization, the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), Dr. Akala said.
