NESG, BDF partner to drive socioeconomic growth in Borno

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and Borno Development Foundation (BDF) have partnered to accelerate socioeconomic development in Borno state and northern Nigeria.

In a statement on Thursday, the foundation said Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, chairman of the BDF board of governors, and Olaniyi Yusuf, chairman of the NESG, signed the MoU in Abuja.

The foundation said the signing ceremony marks a significant milestone in the region’s journey toward peace, stability, and progress.

“The partnership aims to address critical challenges, such as post-conflict reconstruction, poverty alleviation, and economic revitalisation, with a focus on empowering vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), women, and youth,” the statement said.

“The MoU signed sets out a detailed framework for collaboration on policy advocacy, institutional development, research, innovation, programme design, and implementation. It reflects a shared understanding that development at scale requires not just funding but also the technical backbone, strategic partnerships, and governance maturity that can only come from a coalition of credible institutions.”

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Allamin Daggash, chairman of the BDF board of trustees, emphasised the foundation’s mission to deliver impact at the community level while strengthening Borno’s long-term resilience.

“The Borno Development Foundation is a necessary response to extraordinary challenges. It is designed to be a convener, facilitator, and catalyst for sustainable change, grounded in the values of professionalism, inclusivity, and local ownership,” he said.

“We believe that the people of Borno deserve not just recovery, but true renewal and BDF is here to help make that a reality.”

Hayatu-Deen reiterated the foundation’s commitment to strategic partnerships and sustainable development practices.

“Our goal is to build a credible, respected institution that will serve the people of Borno with transparency, integrity, and effectiveness,” Hayatu-Deen said.

He added that the foundation is committed to fostering broad-based partnerships that mobilise resources, knowledge, and capabilities to meet the urgent and evolving needs of Borno communities.

On his part, the chairman of the NESG praised the vision behind the BDF and underscored NESG’s commitment to supporting regional development initiatives.

“Borno’s stability and prosperity are vital to the future of Nigeria. Through this partnership, we are leveraging NESG’s three decades of experience in economic reform, policy dialogue, and stakeholder mobilisation to support the BDF’s mission of rebuilding lives, institutions, and economies,” Yusuf said.

BDF TO MOBILISE $1M FOR SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

According to the statement, the BDF is set to mobilise $1 million in funding from private philanthropy, development agencies, and corporate partners to drive socioeconomic development.

“Looking ahead, the Foundation will focus on building out its governance systems, expanding its base of domestic and international funders, and rolling out catalytic programmes across education, healthcare, livelihoods, and community rebuilding,” the foundation said.

“Its approach will remain agile, inclusive, and data-driven — with a Knowledge and Resource Centre planned to power research-based decision-making and an ambition to mobilise a diverse portfolio of USD 1 million in funding from private philanthropy, development agencies, and corporate partners.

“As BDF begins its next chapter, the Foundation invites all stakeholders — citizens, private sector leaders, philanthropists, development partners, and government actors — to join hands in shaping a future where every Borno citizen can thrive.”

The foundation added that BDF offers a new, hopeful pathway and a commitment from leaders who are resolute in their belief that the right institutions can transform Borno’s future.