By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) in collaboration with key stakeholders has officially launched the Borno Development Foundation (BDF)—a non-profit organization dedicated to driving sustainable and long-term socioeconomic development in Borno State and Northern Nigeria.

The launch, held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, marks a significant milestone in NESG’s strategic commitment to deepening regional and subnational engagement as a catalyst for inclusive national economic growth and integration.

Established with the technical support and institutional guidance of the NESG, the BDF is designed to tackle the region’s complex challenges, including post-conflict reconstruction, poverty alleviation, and economic revitalization.

Its core focus areas span education, healthcare, livelihood support, institutional development, and community rebuilding—especially for vulnerable groups such as internally displaced persons (IDPs), women, and youth.

In his welcome remarks, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, Chairman of the BDF and founding member of the NESG, described the occasion as an “auspicious moment” and a necessary step in the region’s journey toward peace, stability, and progress. Reflecting on the decades-long challenges in the North East, he emphasized that the lack of empowerment created a vacuum that led to the massive devastation experienced in recent years.

“This Foundation was born out of necessity—formed by well-meaning individuals committed to restoring Borno’s future. As a former Chairman of the NESG, I understand the power of collaboration in development. Today’s MoU signing is a testament to that belief,” Hayatu-Deen said.

The Chair of the BDF also expressed gratitude to the NESG for its partnership and vision. “With NESG’s support, we are equipped not just with tools but with a roadmap—one rooted in global best practices but tailored to our local realities,” she said.

In his remarks, Niyi Yusuf, Chairman of the NESG, thanked the BDF for initiating the partnership. He reiterated NESG’s vision of building a modern, inclusive, and stable Nigerian economy—one where no region is left behind. “Over the last decade, we’ve made deliberate efforts to include subnational actors, the development community, and even the judiciary in our reform agenda,” he said. “This partnership ensures development is inclusive across all sectors—public, private, and civic—encouraging everyone to contribute time, talent, and resources.”

Yusuf emphasized NESG’s role as a dialogue partner, convener, intervener, and accountability partner in the collaboration. He noted, “If we solve the issues in the North East, it becomes easier to address challenges across Nigeria.”

Delivering an overview of the MoU, Dr. Tayo Aduloju, CEO of the NESG, stated: “The Borno Development Foundation reflects NESG’s commitment to building solutions rooted in local realities. Borno, with its rich history and resilience, deserves strategic and focused support.” He stressed that the partnership is founded on the belief that meaningful turnaround in the North East is possible—through coordination, collaboration, and cooperation among actors.

The MoU outlines a framework for institutional support, joint program implementation, and high-level policy advocacy. It connects the BDF to relevant partners, implements context-specific interventions, and mobilizes resources to meet the needs of local communities.

According to Dr. Aduloju, “The BDF’s operational framework is built to convey citizen priorities, mobilize resources, and channel them toward real, lasting impact. The stability of the North East is our shared responsibility—and we must act now to unlock its human capital potential. If we lose this generation, we risk birthing one we cannot manage.”

As part of the partnership, the NESG will co-host an Annual Northern Economic Summit with the BDF, creating a powerful platform for stakeholder dialogue, investment promotion, and regional economic integration.

The BDF, in turn, will strengthen NESG’s presence and influence in Northern Nigeria, support elite engagement, and deepen public-private dialogue across the region.

As NESG continues to champion a globally competitive and inclusive economy, the launch of the Borno Development Foundation reinforces its vision of shared prosperity—from the grassroots to the national level.