SDN

Join us for an important conversation on Responsible Divestment.

SOMO, SDN, and AIDA are proud to launch the International Principles for Responsible Divestment, and we invite you to be part of this milestone event.

Date: 24 March 2026
Time: 15:00 – 16:30 WAT

Hear from leading voices as they share insights on building a just and inclusive transition away from fossil fuels.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4tJZK8TKQCG0Yq3kv278ow #/

Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN) held a validation workshop on 30th October 2025 to review findings from our research on the implementation of Host Communities Development Trusts (HCDTs) in Nigeria, four years after the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The research revealed uneven progress across key implementation areas, including incorporation, needs assessments, community development plans, funding, and project ex*****on. It also identified significant challenges, including excessive interference from some stakeholders and regulators, weak gender inclusion, and community concerns about transparency.

The workshop brought together representatives from academia, civil society, HCDT governing structures, and host communities to validate these findings and propose practical solutions.

Participants emphasised the need for strict adherence to the PIA (2021) to ensure the HCDTs deliver equitable and transparent development outcomes.

Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN) has successfully concluded the Women’s Training, Empowerment and Delivery (WTED) Project funded by Czech Embassy in Abuja

The project ran for a period of 8 months with the aim of increasing the representation of young women in leadership positions and enhancing their participation in political processes in Rivers State.

This transformative journey brought together 30 vibrant young women based in Port Harcourt, equipping them with advanced skills in leadership, advocacy, and community engagement via the Young Women Ambassador/Mentorship Programme.

Through hands-on mentorship and training, participants gained the confidence and capacity to actively undertake advocacy engagements to stakeholders and secure commitment to support women in leadership roles in politics, business and governance.

With the acquired knowledge, Ambassadors are going ahead to drive change in their communities.

We sincerely appreciate our mentors Hilda Dokubo, Ibim Semenitari, Dr. Dr Ella Umeh-Ezeadilieje (Veronica's Daughter)-, Debbie Effiong, and Ebenezar Wikina for generously sharing their experience, insight, and passion. Their guidance has left a lasting mark on our WTED Ambassadors.

At SDN, we continue to champion women’s empowerment and gender inclusion through programmes that build political leadership, strengthen civic participation, and foster personal growth.