Abuja: Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) has joined forces with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Alumni Association, Abuja Chapter, to advance good governance, democracy, and societal progress.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two organizations on Friday in Abuja. The event featured a speech by Dr. Dauda Garuba, the Director of CDD, who emphasized the center’s focus on democracy, peace, security, and people-centered development. Garuba described CDD as a “think and do tank” involved in research, capacity building, convening, and policy advocacy to tackle national issues. He highlighted the center’s collaboration with governments, international organizations, private sector actors, civil society groups, and communities, utilizing research to guide interventions.
Retired Rear Admiral Francis Isaac, Chairman of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), Abuja Chapter, spoke about the partnership’s focus on youth development, mentoring, peacekeeping, and development. Isaac expressed the collaboration’s goal of creating a society that future generations can proudly call their own.
John Odah, Chairman of the International Governing Council of CDD-West Africa, noted that the partnership would explore cooperative society operations, aiming to enhance livelihoods for operators. Odah mentioned that the collaboration would also concentrate on training, civic education for secondary school students, and peace-building, preparing young people for responsible citizenship. He highlighted CDD’s expertise in peace-building and conflict resolution across Nigeria and West Africa, which would complement ANNI members’ experience in public service and security.
Mrs. Oluwatosin Bodunde, the ANNI Legal Adviser in Abuja, outlined the MoU’s objectives, which include promoting democracy, national cohesion, peaceful coexistence, civic engagement, and responsible citizenship. The partnership will support civic education, youth engagement, information literacy, research, policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and dissemination of research findings. Bodunde added that the organizations would organize conferences, seminars, roundtables, workshops, and public lectures while advocating for evidence-based policies, leadership, and institutional capacity. The collaboration will encompass strategic engagements and other mutually-agreed lawful activities, ultimately striving for a better society for current and future generations.