NAN-H-81
MoU
By Temitope Ponle
Abuja, Oct. 12, 2017 (NAN) Connected Development (CODE), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) and APUDI Institute of Peace Studies and Social Rehabilitation (APIS) have partnered to train journalists on data journalism and other field programmes.
This formed part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both parties in Abuja on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that APIS is a centre of Al-Mustapha Peace, Unity and Development Initiative (APUDI).
Mr Hamzat Lawal, the Chief Executive Officer, CODE said that building the capacity of journalists and various programmes contained in the MoU formed part of their contributions to community development.
Lawal also said that the agreement signed between both parties was in furtherance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“APIS is centred around achieving the SDGs, particularly goal 16 that talks about peace, justice and strong institutions.
“CODE is driven by ensuring access to information by citizens where they can engage their government and get feedback on public spending using “Follow the Money.”
“Today, we are telling the Nigerian people that we are supporting government in achieving the SDGs that was signed by more than 160 countries.”
He added that the aims of the agreement were to promote capacity building among young people, strengthen institutions, develop sustainable solutions that would enhance growth and development in the country.
Lawal also said that both parties had agreed to develop policy documents that would contribute to rehabilitation efforts and promote peace in the northeast.
In his remarks, Prof. Danladi Atu, the Director-General, APIS, said that contributing to capacity building and community development was in line with the mandate of the institute.
Atu said that the institute was ready to offer 50 percent tuition for members of staff of CODE and journalists that also partnered with the CODE.
He also expressed readiness of the institute to work with organisations willing to contribute to the development of the country.
“We have gone through their (CODE) programmes and we are interested, particularly in the “Follow the Money” project.
“It is well known that corruption in Nigeria is one of the endemic diseases we want to kill and if we must kill corruption, government and private institutions must partner.
“Community service means we add value to the society directly, not just academic work, we will make this MoU a functional one,” he said. (NAN)
TOP/EEE
=======
Edited by Ese E. Ekama