The American University of Nigeria (AUN), in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria, marked the successful graduation of the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Nexus Training Cohort III. The ceremony, held on November 15th 2024 at the university’s Library Auditorium, celebrated the achievements of participants who completed extensive training aimed at bridging humanitarian efforts, development, and peace building initiatives.
The event commenced with a warm welcome from AUN’s Associate Vice President of Finance, Mrs. Nnenna Mosugu, who applauded the collaborative effort between AUN and Action Aid Nigeria. She emphasized AUN’s commitment to fostering impactful partnerships that equip individuals and organizations with the tools to address pressing societal challenges. Representing the President of AUN, Dr. James Adewale, the university’s Provost and AVP of Academics, delivered special remarks, highlighting the university’s dedication to advancing education and knowledge-sharing in the region, particularly through programs like the HDP Nexus training.
Graduates of the program shared heartfelt statements of gratitude and inspiration. Henry Emmanuel of the Grassroots Researchers Association described the training as a transformative milestone and expressed optimism about its application in enhancing his organization’s operations. Helen Jibir Wakawa of the LARIF Peace Empowerment Foundation conveyed gratitude to AUN and Action Aid for their investment in participants’ growth and knowledge. Nathanael Ibrahim Kungaba of the Northeast Humanitarian Innovation Hub commended Action Aid and AUN for organizing such an impactful program and expressed hope for the implementation of the HDP Nexus in future initiatives. Aisha Ali Hamidu of UN OCHA described the journey as enlightening and transformative, strengthening the participants’ commitment to building a world where humanitarian development and peace coexist for lasting impact.
In his special remarks, Mr. Mubarak Yusuf, HDP Advisor/Consultant from ActionAid Nigeria, commended the participants for their dedication and encouraged them to apply the lessons from the training to drive meaningful change in their organizations and communities.
Among the graduating cohort were AUN staff members Gidado Ahmed, Martina Akuma Achoda, Pine Job Alpine, and Ogechi Emmanuela Dan-Okereke, highlighting the university’s internal commitment to capacity building.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Hussaini, AUN’s Administrator of Grants and Contracts and Dean of the School of Engineering. Dr. Hussaini lauded the collaborative efforts of all partners involved and reaffirmed AUN’s dedication to fostering sustainable development through education and innovation. The event celebrated not only the achievements of the participants but also the shared vision of AUN and Action Aid in promoting peace, development, and humanitarian excellence in Nigeria and beyond.
Reported by Aishatu Munnauwarah Yahya