By Perpetua Onuegbu
Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) has partnered with National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NPISS) Alumni Association, Abuja Chapter, to promote good governance, democracy and societal advancement.
The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations was signed on Friday in Abuja.
Speaking at the occasion, the Director of CDD, Dr Dauda Garuba, said the centre focuses on democracy, peace and security as well as people-centred development.
Garuba described the organisation as a “think and do tank,” undertaking research, capacity building, convening and policy advocacy to address national challenges.
He said that the centre had been collaborating with governments, international organisations, private sector actors, civil society groups and communities, while relying on research before undertaking interventions.
The CDD director described the partnership as an opportunity for the centre, as it would enhance its work.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), Abuja Chapter, Retired Rear Admiral Francis Isaac, said the collaboration with CDD 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.
On his part, the Chairman, International Governing Council of CDD-West Africa, John Odah, said the partnership would also look at the areas of cooperative society which the organisation is presently researching on.
Odah said that the collaboration would foster improvement in cooperative society operations to bring about better life for the operators.
“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.
Reading the objectives of the MoU, Mrs Oluwatosin Bodunde, the ANNI Legal Adviser in Abuja, 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.
The collaboration, according to Bodunde, will also cover strategic engagements and other mutually-agreed lawful activities, ultimately contributing to a better society for present and future generations.”
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq