By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA — The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) and the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration on good governance, democracy, peacebuilding, youth development and national cohesion.
The partnership is expected to provide a platform for both organisations to jointly develop initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence, civic engagement, responsible citizenship and sustainable national development.
Speaking on the partnership, the Director of CDD-West Africa, Dr. Dauda Garuba, said the organisation focuses on democracy, peace and security, as well as people-centred development.
Garuba described CDD-West Africa as a “think-and-do tank” that combines research, capacity building, convening and policy advocacy to address governance and development challenges.
He said the partnership with AANI would strengthen collaboration and create opportunities for interventions aimed at promoting peace, good governance and societal development.
The Chairman of AANI Abuja Chapter, Rear Admiral Francis Isaac (rtd.), said the partnership would provide an opportunity for both organisations to work together towards building a better society.
He identified youth development, mentoring, peacebuilding and development as key areas of collaboration, stressing the importance of investing in future generations.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the CDD-West Africa International Governing Council, John Odah, highlighted several areas the partnership could explore, including cooperative societies, training, civic education for secondary school students, peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
Odah said CDD-West Africa’s experience in peacebuilding and conflict resolution would complement the expertise and experience of AANI members.
Mrs. Oluwatosin Bodunde, who presented the objectives of the MoU, said the agreement seeks to promote democracy, national cohesion, peaceful coexistence, civic engagement and responsible citizenship.
The partnership is also expected to facilitate knowledge exchange, dialogue, capacity building and joint programmes that contribute to national development.
Through the collaboration, CDD-West Africa and AANI aim to leverage their respective expertise and networks to support initiatives that strengthen democratic values, empower young people and promote peace and social cohesion in Nigeria.
