As part of preparations for the upcoming Regional Policy Dialogue and Exhibition on the Green and Blue Economy in Delta State, our team has undertaken a series of targeted engagements across Asaba, Ughelli, Sapele, and Warri. These visits aimed to build strategic partnerships, share the vision of the event, and encourage inclusive participation from key stakeholders across sectors.
Strategic Government Engagements
In Asaba, we met with representatives from key ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Trade and Investment, the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, the Delta Investment Development Agency (DIDA), and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). These meetings focused on aligning government priorities with the dialogue’s agenda, highlighting opportunities to advance climate action, promote sustainability, and drive inclusive economic growth.
Stakeholders expressed strong interest in the dialogue’s multi-sectoral approach, recognising its potential to enhance coordination between government, civil society, the private sector, and local communities.
Aligning with Agriculture and Civic Institutions
Our team also engaged the State Ministry of Agriculture, where we discussed shared goals around sustainable agriculture, aquaculture, and rural extension services. The ministry indicated readiness to contribute technical expertise to the dialogue.
We also held productive consultations with Prof. Andrew Aghoro and Mr. Rex Anighoro, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Civic Engagement and Civil Society. The discussions emphasised the importance of addressing environmental degradation while offering conflict solutions to enhance community ownership and impact.
Financing for Sustainable Livelihoods
Engagements with financial institutions were equally strategic. At the Bank of Industry (BOI) in Asaba, discussions centred on aligning enterprise financing schemes with the project’s livelihood and value-chain development components. In Ughelli, the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) introduced its micro-loan model, which supports cooperatives with funding, particularly relevant for cassava farmers and small-scale agribusinesses.
Local Connections, Real Impact
In Sapele, we met with the local government secretary and key officials who expressed interest in supporting community mobilisation for the event. We also visited the Ufouma Fish Farm Association in Warri, a cooperative representing over 4,000 fish farms. Discussions focused on their potential role as exhibitors at the dialogue to showcase community-led aquaculture and resilience innovations.
These engagements reaffirm a simple truth: meaningful progress happens when everyone is at the table. From policymakers to fish farmers, from funding institutions to civil society, the excitement around the upcoming dialogue is tangible, and the possibilities are wide open. As we count down to the event, we are inspired by the collective readiness to engage, collaborate, and take bold steps toward a more sustainable future.
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