From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), an NGO, has given support to no fewer than 49,000 farmers in the Niger Delta region.
The foundation has given financial support to some MSMEs, establishing peace clubs in different secondary schools and universities as a way to promote peace in the region.
According to the 2023 annual report of the foundation released to newsmen in Akure, the Ondo State capital on Wednesday, the foundation expended N10 billion on the projects executed in the year under review.
In the report which focused on the successes and achievements of the foundation entitled “Advancing Frontiers for Greater Impact” the foundation revealed that the farmers assisted were made up of 46.35 percent females.
The foundation disclosed that it worked with about 100 service providers through its Market Systems Development Project to support over 49,000 farmers with recorded cumulative investments by PIND-supported farmers and MSMEs recorded at over ₦ 10 billion.
It also stated that it worked in the region to foster changed attitudes and behaviours and promote peace through education.
Also, the foundation informed that it has launched a business start-up challenge fund through its Youth Employment Pathways project in which 66 successful contestants received grants totalling ₦42 million to establish their businesses.
“The foundation has also facilitated the implementation of the United States Agency for International Development-led Health Electrification and Telecommunication Alliance (HETA) project
aimed at providing electricity to healthcare facilities in the Niger Delta.
“By the end of 2023, 12 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) across Bayelsa, Delta, and Ondo States had
benefitted from this project.
“Through strategic collaborations with the government, civil society organizations and other
stakeholders, strengthening its existing peace-building structures – Prevent Committees, Prevent Councils, Peace Champions, the conflict Early Warning-Early Response (EWER) system and Peace Map geared at promoting conflict prevention, management and resolutions.
.
“The foundation partnered with the Ford Foundation on The Bridges Project to support the implementation of the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) component of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) through awareness creation and capacity building for non-governmental and community-based organizations,” it added.
The foundation assured that it would continue to advocate for increased access to arable land for farmers in Delta, Edo and Ondo States by working with representatives of the state governments.
For 2024, the foundation hinted that one of its key activities is launching the Niger Delta Regional
Peacebuilding Strategy (NDRPS) document in partnership with the Ministry of Niger Delta.