20th Anniversary - Diamond Development Initiatives

Commemorating Two Decades of Excellence: DDI's 20th Anniversary!

Two Decades of Commitment to Development Service Provision

Two Decades of Dedication to Service Excellence in Development

Celebrating Two Decades of Impact: Dr. Lydia Umar, DDI’s Board Chair Reflects on DDI's Journey

Read the Speech

The Origin of DDI

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Watch Our 20th Anneversary Documentary

In 2002, we set out with a dedicated team of five and bold ambitions. Our initial efforts were focused on engaging potential partners, a task that required proving our worth amidst unique challenges. We capitalized on the opportunity to extend the impact and scope of our projects across Nigeria, facilitated by collaborations with both the government and private sectors, and guided by the priorities of our donors. By 2022, as we marked our 20th anniversary, it wasn’t just a milestone to celebrate our achievements but also a moment to reflect on the future challenges. Celebrating over two decades of providing development services to the unserved and underserved communities in Nigeria, we looked back at the journey of DDI with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Two Decades of Impactful Initiatives!

A Track Record of Success

We have seen tangible results from the services we have rendered…

600k+ Smallholder Farmers

Over 600,000 smallholder farmers in Nigeria have been supported to access a range of services

20k+ Coops, CBOs & MSMEs

Over 20,000 cooperatives, CBOs and MSMEs have benefitted from DDI’s technical and managerial support and mentorship.

60+ Off-Grid Energy Entrepreneurs

Over 60 off-grid energy entrepreneurs supported and scaled up to reach both unserved and underserved communities across Nigeria with clean energy.

7k+ Young People

Over 3,000 young people – through 40+ Vocational Training Centres – have been supported to access industry-, and trade-relevant skills

A Message from the ED

DDI’s Executive Director’s Address

…On the Occasion of the 20th Anniversary of DDI at The Executive Hall, Abuja International Conference Centre, Abuja on November 1, 2022.

“Our celebration is not so much a festivity, but a solemn occasion to pause and look back at this twenty-year journey. While we can justifiably give ourselves a pat on the back for what we have been able to accomplish, we also feel that it is an opportunity to take a moment to look ahead at the mountains we must yet climb…”

Lives We Have Touched

Testimonials from Project Participants

Inspired by the feedback and endorsements from participants and partners, we embark on a fervent quest towards service excellence, reaching the unserved and underserved.

“The USADF-LSETF program transformed me, provided me with front-end web skills, boosted my confidence, expanded my network, and revealed new career paths”

Adebanjo Adeniji, USADF-LSETF Program Graduate

Goodwill Messages Galore
for DDI At 20

"I am particularly excited by the fact that DDI is not into the usual stereotype but certainly in the right spaces; agriculture, renewable energy, business development, supporting women and youths on employability..."

"...DDI became our partners in Nigeria beginning in January, 2022. And in just a short 10 months that we have been working together, they have achieved some significant results. They have reached over 20,000 people by conducting training in good Agronomic Practices (GAP), ..."

"...As our local technical partner in Nigeria, Diamond Development Initiatives (DDI) is integral to our success at the grassroots level. I want to recognize the role your hardwork and local knowledge play in USADF’s ability to create pathways to prosperity in Nigeria...:

"...I am extremely impressed by the various programs that DDI has pioneered and has continued to push, leading to meaningful economic growth and development of the country. I will continue to speak as loudly as possible for people to learn more about what DDI is..."

"20 years is a great milestone. It is obviously evident that you have been consistent at what you do, you have been at it, and you have come to this point, which is a landmark that is inspiring for a lot of us who are also looking forward to getting to that point. We want to say congratulations ..."

"...I will like to congratulate the DDI team for achieving this important milestone of 20 years which is a hallmark that not only indicates how far the organization has come but how well you have been able to successfully key in and add value to Nigeria’s developmental process,..."

Featured Partners

Through robust financial management, M&E, and programme delivery systems, DDI has managed a portfolio of grants from, and strategic partnerships with, USADF, USAID, Chemonics, J4A, MCN, CRS, BMZ, AGRA, All-On, PIND, Lagos State, Kebbi State, etc.