17.09.2013-London-UK. The President of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Dr Ahmad Mohamed Ali and the Chairman of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation (OOF), former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Foundation Headquarters in London to promote human security in Africa. The two institutions will work towards the creation of Centers of Excellence mainly focusing on knowledge transfer and promotion of expertise in agriculture, youth
empowerment, girl-child education.
Citing the MoU as the beginning of a long partnership, President Obasanjo said “I am delighted that IDB is the first major financial institution to warmly associate with us as we share a common theme of human security, a healthy and wealthy Africa”.
Expressing appreciation to the former Nigerian President, IDB President, Dr Ahmad Mohamed Ali stated that cooperation with the Obasanjo Foundation will help IDB mission in Africa as the African continent is a top priority for IDB.
According to the MoU, the scope of collaboration between the two institutions will mainly comprise the following areas:
(1) Promotion of projects in the areas of infrastructure and agriculture aimed at increasing youth employment;
(2) Creation of ‘Centers of Excellence’ to promote knowledge transfer and enhancing human expertise especially in the areas of food security; youth employment and empowerment; girl child education; health for non-communicable and water born diseases; leadership;
(3) Collaboration on IDB led projects in eligible Countries that supports OOF initiatives and strategic goals of IDB; and organizing events and programs on Africa-related matters;
The Islamic Development Bank is an international financial institution working towards the promotion of social and economic development in its 56 member countries, while the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation is a UK-based charity working to promote leadership, youth empowerment and girl-child education in Africa.