The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) and Plan International Nigeria have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), strengthen safeguarding systems, empower youth and enhance community resilience across the Niger Delta.

The partnership, formalised during a signing ceremony at the PIND Foundation office in Abuja, will strengthen collaboration on inclusive development programming, gender-responsive peacebuilding, workforce readiness, safeguarding systems, and economic inclusion initiatives within the region.

Speaking at the ceremony, PIND’s Executive Director, Mr. Sam Ogbemi Daibo, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to building more inclusive and resilient communities.

“Sustainable development cannot happen when women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups remain excluded from opportunities and decision-making processes. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to building more inclusive, resilient, and equitable communities across the Niger Delta,” he said.

Also speaking, the Country Director of Plan International Nigeria, Dr. Charles Usie, described the collaboration as a strategic step toward strengthening inclusive systems and expanding opportunities for vulnerable populations.

“At Plan International Nigeria, we believe sustainable development is only possible when inclusion, protection, and equal opportunity are intentionally integrated into development systems and community structures. This partnership with PIND Foundation creates an important opportunity to strengthen gender-responsive programming, empower women and young people, and advance resilient communities across the Niger Delta,” he said.

The partnership will focus on strengthening GESI integration across PIND programmes and partner organisations, enhancing safeguarding and accountability systems, supporting inclusive economic empowerment pathways for women, youth, and vulnerable populations.

The partnership will also focus on advancing gender-responsive peacebuilding and governance programming, building institutional capacity through training, technical assistance, and knowledge sharing and promoting multi-stakeholder collaboration and policy engagement on gender equality and social inclusion.

The collaboration reinforces both organisations’ commitment to creating sustainable pathways for inclusive growth, resilience, and long-term development outcomes in the Niger Delta.