Youths and Women empowerment efforts in the Niger Delta region has received a new fillip as Development and Leadership Institute (DLI), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), recently sealed a major partnership agreement with University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, (UAPB) United States.

The partnership agreement involves collaborative support to various programmes and interventions by DLI in the Niger Delta region.

Speaking during the ceremony in Port Harcourt, Olaoshebikan Clement Executive Director, DLI, disclosed that the partnership represents a major breakthrough for the organisation that will have a resounding positive impact on its work in the region.

“It will enhance the quality of our organisation’s programmes in the areas of agriculture, Poverty alleviation, livelihood protection and environmental conservation”.

We will receive technical assistance, tools and technology to multiply the impact of our rural development programs, especially support to vulnerable women and youths”.

He further disclosed that the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is operating and pioneering research into enhancing the productivity and performance of the lower Mississippi Delta, which compares with the Niger Delta and offers tremendous opportunity for transfer of knowledge and technology.” We hope to see impact on vegetable farming, fish farming, youth entrepreneurship, small householder farmers, snail farming and general biodiversity in the Niger Delta”, he said.

Clement who also spoke on choice of the American University to partner with his organisation, opined that it is based on DLI’s track record and achievements. “We have collaborated with University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff on an ongoing project, which involves the Rivers State Government, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Wetlands International Africa and Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency.