News
Leading Intellectuals, Policymakers, Technocrats to Gather in Abuja for Reawakening the African Renaissance
Leading Intellectuals, Policymakers, Technocrats to Gather in Abuja for Reawakening the African Renaissance
By: Michael Mike
Leading intellectuals, policymakers, technocrats, and changemakers would be gathered in Abuja to engage in stimulating discussions and showcase bold ideas and disruptive solutions that can propel Africa towards a future of inclusive prosperity and sustainable development.
The gathering is organized by the School of Politics, Policy & Governance (SPPG) in partnership with Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, named “Big Ideas Platform”
The first edition under the broad theme of “Reawakening the African Renaissance: Pathways to Inclusive Growth and Development”, debuted in 2023 and had five dynamic citizens of Africa whose ideas illuminated bold solutions that can enhance the quality of life in African communities shared a platform to tell a diverse audience the story of their big idea.
According to a statement on Friday, this year’s edition is also a collaboration of the School of Politics, Policy & Governance (SPPG) and Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, taking place on May 25th, 2024, will explore the theme “Information Technology and Behavioural Change”.
The statement added that this thought leadership initiative event will gather leading intellectuals, policymakers, technocrats, and changemakers to engage in stimulating discussions and showcase bold ideas and disruptive solutions that can propel Africa towards a future of inclusive prosperity and sustainable development.
The statement further revealed that @The Big Ideas Platform” is an intellectual convergence of concepts, a marketplace of ideas, where exceptional African minds convene to engage in robust conversations. The platform will facilitate the sharing, generation and collaboration of fresh ideas, innovative solutions and implementation strategies to address Africa’s plethora of challenges.
Speaking on the event, the CEO of SPPG,
Alero Ayida-Otobo, said: “The Big Ideas Platform is a thought leadership initiative that serves as a platform for launching new thinking, spotlighting visionary individuals, and illuminating bold ideas that have the potential to improve the lives of African communities”
According to her, the Big Ideas Platform will serve as a catalyst for change, fostering a community of forward-thinking individuals committed to translating ideas into impactful actions that shape the continent’s future.
She disclosed that the Big Ideas Platform 2024 focuses on the crucial role of information technology and behavioural change in propelling Africa towards a better future.
Dr Amina, Faculty of SPPG, said, “We must remember that technology is a tool, and for a sustainable and enduring African Renaissance, we must reconsider how technology is harnessed to drive system change that benefits everyone, helping to shift behaviour from damaging to managing our scarce resources.”
Key areas of focus at Big Ideas Platform 2024, according to the statement, will include: Blockchain technology: This is premised on immutable records to protect legal tender such as academic certificates and to earn revenue; Virtual Reality: A four-dimensional visual experience of hard-to-reach places such as conflict zones to build awareness and empathy and inform accurate urgent action; Artificial intelligence: Non-animate machines trained to think and act like humans for humans, for example, identifying fake news; Environmental Awareness: Child-centred learning tools to shift children’s understanding of waste and its management to secure wealth and the environment.
The lineup of panellists for this year’s edition include: Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, EdTech professional and Founder of Passnownow.com; Oluseun Badejo, Team Lead of SPPG Blockchain project; Mrs. Sian (Shan) Cuffy Young, Founder of Siel (Sigh-el) Environmental; and Ahmad Salkida, Investigative Reporter.
According to the statement, the event is opened to the public, and registration is free. It will be a great opportunity to learn from thought leaders and professionals, who have the requisite knowledge about improving Africa’s economy and enhancing its development.
The event is scheduled for May 25, 2024 between 11:00 AM – 12 PM WAT (GMT+1) at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre and would be zoomed live, interested members of the public are advised to register
on thesppg.org/bip2024 website and stay up to date with event updates.
Leading Intellectuals, Policymakers, Technocrats to Gather in Abuja for Reawakening the African Renaissance
News
Gombe police launch investigation after clash at wedding leaves one dead
Gombe police launch investigation after clash at wedding leaves one dead
By: Zagazola Makama
Police in Gombe State have commenced investigation following a deadly clash during a wedding send-off party in Tulmi, Akko Local Government Area, which left one person dead and others injured.
According to a sources, the incident occurred on Feb. 1, 2026, at about 10:30 p.m., when a group of men identified as Wada Hussaini, Ganji Alhaji Idi, Yaya Hussaini, Mohammed Maikudi, Bello Alhaji Idi, and one Tijjani, all from Garin Ardo Usman village, reportedly clashed with Abubakar Usman, 35, and Bello Adamu, 19, at the wedding organized by Godiya Mai Rai.
The confrontation resulted in serious injuries to Abubakar Usman, Bello Adamu, and Wada Hussaini. The injured were rushed to Cottage Hospital Tumu for treatment, but Abubakar Usman was confirmed dead. His corpse has been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.
The suspects fled the scene following the incident, and police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend them. Investigation into the case has commenced.
Gombe police launch investigation after clash at wedding leaves one dead
News
Two children drown in Bauchi river, police investigate
Two children drown in Bauchi river, police investigate
By: Zagazola Makama
Two children drowned while swimming in a river on the outskirts of Bauchi metropolis, Bauchi State, police said.
According to sources, the victims, Saminu Mohammed, 12, and Tanimu Danladi, 11, both of Gudum Sayawa, went to a river in the area on Feb. 2, 2026, at about 4:30 p.m., when the incident occurred.
Police personnel swiftly moved to the scene, evacuated the children, and conveyed them to the Specialist Hospital, Bauchi, where they were certified dead by a medical practitioner.
Their remains were later released to their relatives for burial, while investigation into the incident continues.
Two children drown in Bauchi river, police investigate
News
Sokoto police arrest suspected bandits’ informants, financiers, recover rustled cows
Sokoto police arrest suspected bandits’ informants, financiers, recover rustled cows
By: Zagazola Makama
Sokoto State Police Command, in collaboration with the Community Guard, has arrested suspected bandits’ informants and financiers and recovered seven rustled cows along with a motorcycle.
Sources said that on Feb. 2, 2026, at about 1:00 a.m., operatives acting on credible intelligence swooped on Sarma Village in Tangaza Local Government Area, arresting two suspects, Nura Dan Haruna, 20, and Buhari Salah, 18, found in possession of seven stolen cows and a motorcycle without registration number.
The suspects reportedly confessed that they had been sent by Abdullahi Gulum and Dan Iko, both at large, to deliver the cows to Hamza Ibrahim, 56, of Kara Area, Illela, who has also been arrested.
Hamza reportedly admitted that he sold two of the cows last month to Abubakar Muhammad, 31, of Gwadabawa LGA, who was subsequently taken into custody.
Police confirmed that investigation is ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to apprehend the remaining suspects.
Sokoto police arrest suspected bandits’ informants, financiers, recover rustled cows
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