By Sahid Umar

In a momentous occasion for social development in Nigeria, the Adamawa Initiative for Underprivileged Empowerment (ADIFUE), a Yola-based NGO, made its mark at the 2024 International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group Annual Meetings from October 21 to 26 in Washington, D.C. Led by Executive Director/CEO Alhaji Saidu Njobdi Komsiri, ADIFUE was among the select organizations invited by the IMF and World Bank to participate in this prestigious event, which convened global leaders, ministers, and multilateral banks to discuss pressing issues surrounding poverty reduction and international economic development.

One of the notable moments of the meeting was the engagement led by Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, President of the OPEC Fund for International Development, who held high-level discussions and formalized project loans and partnership agreements.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva addressed attendees with insights on the current economic landscape, highlighting the easing of global inflation but also cautioning about ongoing challenges such as low economic growth and the ramifications of geopolitical tensions.

we face a world of unparalleled complexity—poverty, climate change, conflict, and pandemics are intertwined

In his remarks, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga reflected on the institution’s evolution, stressing the importance of adaptation amid modern crises. He reminded attendees of the World Bank’s origins in a time of reconstruction after World War II and called for a renewed focus on development as conflicts continue to disrupt nations worldwide. “Today, we face a world of unparalleled complexity—poverty, climate change, conflict, and pandemics are intertwined,” he stated. Banga noted that the path ahead must address both immediate reconstruction needs and long-term development goals.

Alhaji Saidu Njobdi Komsiri took an active role in the discussions, networking with delegates from other countries and engaging with top officials of the World Bank and IMF. The series of events included open discussions, bilateral meetings, and formal signings of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), all designed to foster collaboration on critical issues.

Addressing Out-of-School Children in Africa” and “Girl Child Education and Empowerment”, emphasizing the humanitarian themes

Key events during the Annual Meeting featured the Development Committee Lunch, Annual Meetings Plenary Session, and Development Committee Meetings, which provided significant exposure and networking opportunities for ADIFUE. Among the notable sessions were those focused on education, such as “Addressing Out-of-School Children in Africa” and “Girl Child Education and Empowerment”, emphasizing the humanitarian themes that resonated with ADIFUE’s mission.