Diamond Development Initiatives (DDI), a not-for-profit organisation has restated its commitment to economic empowerment and sustainable development.
This was disclosed at DDI’s 2024 Board and Staff Retreat held in Abuja, tagged “Building Capacity, Strengthening Partnerships, Inspiring Change,”
The event brought together Board members, staff, and expert facilitators for strategic planning, and capacity development.
The Executive Director of DDI, Adamu Garba, stressed the importance of the retreat in driving the organisation’s mission forward.
He said: “At DDI, we understand that progress is not accidental – it is the result of deliberate actions and collaboration. This retreat has equipped us to build stronger capacity, foster meaningful partnerships, and inspire the change we seek in our communities. Together, we are more prepared than ever to deliver transformational impact in unserved and underserved communities across Nigeria.”
In her keynote address, the Chair of DDI’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Lydia Umar, emphasised the role of the retreat in aligning goals, strengthening teamwork, and fostering innovation.
“In a world where development challenges continue to evolve, organisational retreats are vital for recalibrating strategies, addressing operational gaps, and equipping organizations to tackle complex problems.
“Global best practices recognise them as essential tools for reinforcing leadership, sharpening focus, and driving sustainable impact. Without such forums, teams risk inefficiencies, misaligned priorities, and stagnation. Conversely, well-executed retreats empower organizations to achieve transformational results.
“Our collective efforts at DDI have touched countless lives. This retreat is a testament to our commitment to building a stronger future, guided by our shared values and vision.”
On his part, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees and immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Minna (FUT Minna), Prof. Abdullahi Bala reaffirmed the board’s dedication to accountability and stewardship.
“The DDI management has demonstrated unwavering dedication to our mission. As a Board, we are resolute in fulfilling our duty of care and stewardship to ensure that DDI thrives and delivers exceptional results.”
The retreat featured sessions addressing critical areas of DDI’s operations while fostering professional growth.
Halima Bawa-Bwari, a Board member, explored strategies for embedding sustainability into DDI’s projects, aligning them with global climate goals and best practices.
HR and wellness expert, Bola Yusuf led discussions on work-life balance and wellness, emphasising the importance of sustaining productivity while prioritising mental and physical well-being.
A Monitoring and Evaluation expert, Mohammed Bello, spoke on innovative methodologies for measuring and demonstrating impact, ensuring DDI’s projects remain data-driven and results-oriented.
Finance expert and entrepreneur, Charles Oni Olorunda, provided insights into financial management and retirement planning, empowering participants to prepare for secure and stable futures.
