Lagos – The Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs says it is collaborating with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to improve the quality of life of the residents of Niger Delta Region.
The ministry said on Wednesday in a statement in Lagos that in furtherance of the objective, it would in conjunction with the UNDP organise a two-day top management/stakeholders policy retreat.
The retreat, tagged “The Niger Delta: Building Partnerships For Development’’, will hold in Calabar, Cross River from Sept. 23 to Sept. 24.
“The retreat is in line with the ministry’s mandate to initiate, manage, coordinate and promote development policies, programmes and processes.
“And act as a focal point for coordinating and mobilising domestic and international assistance in resolving key security and development challenges,’’ the statement by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, William Alo, said.
“The first segment of the retreat will involve in-depth deliberations by the top management of the ministry, designed to strengthen strategic planning, enhance synergy among departments and refocus the ministry in actualising its mandate.
“The second segment will entail critical stakeholders such as select Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Development Partners, International Funding Agencies and Embassies.
“They will deliberate to build stakeholder collaboration and support for peace and development in the region,’’ The statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said.
It said the retreat was expected to be opened by the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo with the Minister of Niger Delta Ministry, Usani Uguru Usani as Chief host.