A SUMMARY OF PIND’S IMPACT IN THE NIGER DELTA, 2016-2023

In 2023, we surpassed expectations and reached numerous milestones. This was achieved by building on our past successes and venturing into new opportunities.

We have enhanced our efforts in executing the community engagement component of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) through The Bridges Project, funded by the Ford Foundation. We have conducted workshops to raise awareness and build capacity among stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations and community-based organizations. These workshops aim to enhance their understanding of the PIA provisions and equip them with the necessary skills to effectively implement the requirements of the Petroleum Industry Act. Furthermore, The Bridges Project has established a multi-stakeholder platform (MSP) tasked with ensuring the successful establishment and operation of the Host Community Development Trusts.

Through strategic partnerships, Early Warning‐Early Response (EWER) system, and the Peace Map. In our ongoing efforts to cultivate a culture of peace and encourage a shift in attitudes and behaviors among young individuals in the Niger Delta, we have facilitated the creation of Peace Clubs in secondary schools and universities.

This year, we continued our commitment to facilitating vocational and soft skills training through our Youth Employment Pathways project. Additionally, we conducted another round of the Business Fund Challenge to aid the transition of interested youth beneficiaries into entrepreneurship, with 66 successful contestants awarded grants of $26,574 to kick-start their businesses.

A notable initiative this year was the implementation of the Health Electrification and Telecommunication Alliance (HETA) project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Utilizing our established Access to Energy model, we provided reliable and affordable solar power to remote communities. This was achieved by contributing our financial and technical resources, leveraging a grant from the Alliance, and partnering with several private sector entities.

In 2023, we embarked on new ventures, initiating the adoption of impact investment as an innovative alternative funding method for social development programs. We are establishing partnerships with industry experts and leaders. Additionally, we completed a comprehensive brand audit of PIND, paving the way for the launch of a new brand strategy that underscores our progress to date and positions us for future growth.

Overall, the collaborative efforts of PIND and its partners are contributing significantly towards achieving our desired outcomes. We eagerly anticipate continuing this journey and making further strides in PIND’s mission.

PIND's initiatives directly impact over 1 million people in the Niger Delta region, providing them with opportunities for growth and development.

1 Million+ Direct Beneficiaries

PIND engages over 11,000 peace agents in grassroots networks, fostering security, trust, and cohesion among communities.

11,000+

Peace Agents Engaged

PIND’s interventions contribute to the creation of over 86,000 jobs in the Niger Delta, with a significant portion of these opportunities going to women, thereby promoting gender equality and economic empowerment.

PIND’s long-term engagement in the region leads to system-level changes, including sustainable development practices and the establishment of strong relationships across various sectors, laying the foundation for continued growth and prosperity.

86,000+ Jobs Created

January

PIND’s business service provider, LifeEdge Consult, organizes an enterprise boot camp for 40 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Warri, Delta State to boost the business and management skills.

February

As part of a series of multistakeholder interventions to prevent/reduce election-related violence in the Niger Delta during the 2023 general elections, PIND and its partner, Community Initiative for Enhanced Peace and Development (CIEPD), participated in the 2023 Rivers Gubernatorial Debate and peace accord signing by the gubernatorial candidates of the major political parties in the state.

April

May

PIND, and the New Nigeria Foundation (NNF), held capacitybuilding workshops on the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act for non-governmental organizations and civil society organizations (CSOs) in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Ondo and Rivers States. The workshops were part of the capacity-building component of The Bridges Project, funded by the Ford Foundation.

June

PIND commemorates the 2023 International Women’s Day (IWD) with activities targeted at women and people living with disabilities, aimed at enhancing their capacity to embrace technological advancements and innovations.

PIND partnered with the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) to hold an energy access roadshow across the Niger Delta that promoted clean energy sources, highlighted business opportunities within the renewable energy space, and included capacity-building

PIND held a ceremony to disburse grants to 66 winners of its Youth Employment Pathways (YEP) project’s Start-Up Business Challenge Fund to ease their transition to entrepreneurship.

PIND pays courtesy visit to the governor of Delta State, Nigeria, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu. The visit was to officially congratulate him on his election and discuss PIND’s ongoing interventions and existing partnerships with the state.

August

Under the Ford Foundationfunded Bridges Project, PIND facilitates the inauguration of a multi-stakeholder platform (MSP) to provide good examples of models that can help the HCDTs operate successfully.

October

November

PIND inaugurated Peace Clubs at Imo State University (Imo), University of Calabar (Cross River), and Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic (Akwa Ibom) to promote peace through education, equip young people with skills to tackle conflict with non-violent approaches and inspire changed attitudes and behavior.

PIND facilitated a conflict Early Warning/Early Response (EWER) System training for the Association of Coastal and Waterways Communities in Delta State to enhance their capacity to report emerging conflict in their communities using PIND’s EWER platform.

December

PIND held an organizationwide capacity-building workshop on impact investment as a new funding source to foster a seamless adoption of the new strategy across its programs, projects, and enablers.

PIND signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre (Ibom-LED) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to adapt PIND’s Youth Employment Pathways model for technical and soft skill training and leadership and entrepreneurial development programs for youth development in Akwa Ibom State.

Conflict arose between WE Construction Company and Ayadehe Community’s youth amid recurring youth uprisings over royalties. Dissent led to road blockades, prompting swift site evacuation to prioritize safety.

Determined to address the issue, we disciplined perpetrators and urged construction resumption. I formed a mediation committee and convened both parties at my palace on February 21, 2023.

Markets Systems Development

Before I received the PIND-facilitated training on best farming techniques and good agricultural practices, I was a cassava farmer and processor with low yields. I learned about PIND in 2020; since then, I have trained farmers in these practices.

With PIND’s support, I have worked with over 1,400 cassava farmers

Markets Systems Development

Before connecting with PIND, I worked as a farm manager, witnessing farmers’ challenges firsthand. A lack of access to quality inputs, like fertilizers and improved stems, hindered productivity and limited yield for the farmers. In 2023, I received training facilitated by PIND on optimal fertilizer usage, improved stems and planting methods, effective use of a knapsack sprayer, and other good agricultural practices. I was empowered to train over 1,000

Through heartfelt appeals, we facilitated dialogue, resolving the conflict and enabling construction to resume. PIND’s training sessions on conflict mitigation shaped me into a capable peace actor, for which I’m grateful. PIND’s efforts in sensitizing communities and fostering peace in the Niger Delta have made a significant impact, contributing to our nation’s pursuit of peace and progress.

Their programs have touched lives directly and indirectly, leaving an indelible mark.

PIND’s peace programs have touched lives, leading to peace and progress.