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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
Troops recover anti-aircraft gun, ammunition after encounter with terrorists in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have recovered a heavy weapon and ammunition following a clearance operation and engagement with terrorists in Borno State.
Security sources said the development occurred on April 21, 2026, during follow-up exploitation operations at Nanewa village, where troops had earlier engaged and neutralised several terrorists in a firefight.
According to the sources, troops conducting a mop-up operation along the withdrawal route of the fleeing insurgents discovered an anti-aircraft machine gun, alongside several rounds of 7.62×54mm ammunition believed to have been abandoned during the encounter.
The sources added that traces of blood were also observed along the escape route, indicating that the terrorists may have sustained injuries during the earlier engagement.
Military authorities confirmed that weapons and recovered items have been secured for further analysis and documentation.
Troops recover anti-aircraft gun, ammunition after encounter with terrorists in Borno
Troops neutralise 3 terrorists, recover rifles and motorcycles in Babbangida fighting patrol
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 233 Battalion, operating in the Babbangida general area of Yobe state, in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have neutralised three terrorists during a fighting patrol operation in Nanewa village.
Military sources said the operation was conducted at about 5:30 p.m. on April 19 when troops on patrol in the area made contact with an ambush laid by suspected terrorists lying in wait along the route.
The patrol team, however, successfully fought through the ambush and engaged the assailants in a gun duel, resulting in the neutralisation of three terrorists.
Following the encounter, troops recovered three AK-47 rifles and five motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing attackers.
The operation was completed without casualties to friendly forces, while the patrol team later returned safely to base at about 7:15 p.m.
Security sources described the general situation in the area as calm but unpredictable, noting that troops’ morale and operational efficiency remain high.
They added that sustained patrols and clearance operations were ongoing to deny terrorist elements freedom of movement within the theatre.
Troops neutralise 3 terrorists, recover rifles and motorcycles in Babbangida fighting patrol
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP logistics courier in Monguno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics courier in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect, identified as Chari Kura from Gajiram in Nganzai LGA, was apprehended at about 6:20 p.m. on April 20 at Charlie 19 location in Monguno town.
The arrest followed credible intelligence indicating that the suspect was en route to deliver logistics supplies to terrorists at Bindur village in Kukawa Local Government Area.
According to the sources, items recovered from the suspect include 180 mosquito coils, 12 packs of Jolly Jus, one Itel mobile phone and the sum of N500.
The suspect is currently in the custody of Sector 3 for further interrogation and necessary action.
Military authorities said the arrest is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist supply chains and deny insurgents access to logistics support within the theatre of operations.
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP logistics courier in Monguno
Troops recover anti-aircraft gun, ammunition after encounter with terrorists in Borno
Troops neutralise 3 terrorists, recover rifles and motorcycles in Babbangida fighting patrol
Troops arrest suspected intruder at Army school in Plateau
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