SEDFA Leadership

Dr. Adolphe O. Amadi

Founder, Executive Director & Development Strategist — SEDFA | CEO, Dolf Madi International

40+ Years of Development Leadership in Nigeria & Africa
Dr. Adolphe O. Amadi

Biography

Dr. Adolphe O. Amadi is a distinguished Nigerian development strategist, governance expert, and civil society leader with over four decades of experience in sustainable development, institutional capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and democratic governance.

As the Founder and Executive Director of Self-Help Development Facilitators (SEDFA), Dr. Amadi has built the organization from a grassroots initiative into one of Nigeria's most respected development NGOs — one with Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and partnerships with leading international development organizations.

Dr. Amadi's development philosophy is rooted in the belief that sustainable development is only possible when all stakeholders — government, private sector, communities, development partners, and citizens — work together in structured, inclusive, and accountable processes. This philosophy gave rise to SEDFA's innovative PPCP (Public-Private-Community-Partners) Framework, which has been applied across dozens of development programs in Nigeria.

Beyond SEDFA, Dr. Amadi serves as CEO of Dolf Madi International, a development consulting firm that provides governance advisory, stakeholder engagement facilitation, and capacity building services to governments and international organizations. His expertise spans anti-corruption, economic development, climate governance, land administration, and multi-stakeholder engagement.

Dr. Amadi is co-founder of SEDFA alongside his partner, Dr. (Mrs.) Rose Amadi, who brings complementary expertise in community development, social empowerment, and women's advancement to the organization's work.

Academic Qualifications

  • 🎓Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Development Studies
  • 🎓Masters in Public Administration (MPA)
  • 🎓Bachelor of Science in Economics
  • 🎓Executive Leadership Certificate – Harvard Kennedy School
  • 🎓Certificate in Governance and Public Policy
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UN ECOSOC Status

Under Dr. Amadi's leadership, SEDFA was granted Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council in 2011 — recognition of SEDFA's international credibility and development excellence.

Professional Experience

1980s–Present

Founder & Executive Director

Self-Help Development Facilitators (SEDFA)

Founded and led SEDFA for over four decades, guiding the organization from a grassroots initiative to a nationally and internationally recognized development institution.

2010s–Present

CEO

Dolf Madi International

Leads Dolf Madi International, providing development consulting, stakeholder engagement facilitation, and governance advisory services to governments and international organizations.

2000s–Present

Development Consultant

UN Agencies & International Development Partners

Provided technical assistance and development consulting to UNDP, UNODC, European Union, and other international bodies on governance, capacity building, and development programs in Nigeria.

2011–Present

UN ECOSOC Representative

United Nations Economic and Social Council

Represents SEDFA in UN ECOSOC proceedings and contributes to international development policy dialogues through this special consultative status.

Key Development Contributions

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PPCP Framework

Developed the innovative Five PPCP (Public-Private-Community-Partners) Governance Stakeholders Engagement Framework, a methodology that has been applied in development programs across Nigeria.

Anti-Corruption Leadership

Championed anti-corruption initiatives in Nigeria through partnerships with ICPC, civil society, and international organizations, contributing to Nigeria's governance reform agenda.

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Economic Development Innovation

Pioneered the "One Exportable Product Per State" initiative, providing a framework for state-level economic diversification and export promotion across Nigeria's 36 states.

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Stakeholder Engagement Expertise

Facilitated major stakeholder engagement processes including Nigeria Mining Stakeholders Engagement Week and numerous governance dialogue platforms at state and national levels.

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International Development Advocacy

Represented Nigerian civil society at international forums, contributing to global governance and development debates and connecting Nigerian NGOs with international development networks.

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Niger Delta Development

Led significant development interventions in the Niger Delta, addressing post-conflict recovery, community development, and sustainable livelihoods for Delta communities.

Key International & National Engagements

United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) – Special Consultative Status
1st Nigeria Mining Stakeholders Engagement Week – Sheraton Hotel, Abuja
African Development Forums – Economic Development Sessions
European Union Development Partnership Dialogues
UNDP Governance and Capacity Building Initiatives
UNODC Anti-Corruption Programs in Nigeria
British Council Governance Programs
OSIWA (Open Society Initiative for West Africa) Programs
Nigeria Governors Forum – Development Policy Dialogues
Federal Executive Council Policy Advisory Engagements

Historical Photo Gallery

Connect with SEDFA's Leadership

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