The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) and the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (AANI), Abuja Chapter, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote democracy, good governance and societal advancement.
Speaking at the occasion on Friday in Abuja, the Director of CDD-West Africa, Dr. Dauda Garuba, said the centre focuses on democracy, peace and security as well as people-centred development and that the MoU would be beneficial to the country.
He said CDD-West Africa is a “think and do tank” undertaking research, capacity building, convening and policy advocacy to address national challenges.
Dr. Garuba said the partnership is an opportunity for the centre, as it would enhance its mandates.
According to him, the centre had been collaborating with governments, international organisations, private sector actors, civil society groups and communities, while relying on research before undertaking interventions.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), Abuja Chapter, Retired Rear Admiral Francis Isaac, said the collaboration with CDD-West Africa was in the areas of youth development and mentoring as well as peace keeping and development.
“All of these is to work toward creating a better society our children can call a place of their own,” Isaac said.
Presenting the objectives of the MoU, the ANNI Legal Adviser Abuja Branch, Mrs Oluwatosin Bodunde, said the partnership would promote democracy, national cohesion, peaceful coexistence, civic engagement and responsible citizenship.
“It will support civic education, youth engagement, information literacy, research, policy dialogue, knowledge exchange and dissemination of research findings.
“The organisations will organise conferences, seminars, roundtables, workshops and public lectures while promoting evidence-based policies, advocacy, leadership and institutional capacity,” she said.
Mrs Bodunde said the collaboration, will also cover strategic engagements and other mutually-agreed lawful activities, ultimately contributing to a better society for present and future generations.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman, International Governing Council of CDD-West Africa, Comrade John Odah, said the partnership would also look at the areas of cooperative society which the organisation is presently researching on.
He said that the collaboration would foster improvement in cooperative society operations to bring about better life for the operators.
He noted that the collaboration would prioritise youth-centred activities to empower young and vibrant Nigerians that would be committed to national cohesion and development, especially that the older generations are passing, thus the need to bequest positive attitudes to the present and incoming generations that would do better for the country.
“The partnership will also focus on training, civic education for secondary school students and peace-building, preparing young people to become responsible citizens.
“CDD’s peace-building and conflict-resolution expertise across Nigeria and West Africa would complement ANNI members’ experience in public service and security,” Odah said.
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