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Leading Intellectuals, Policymakers, Technocrats to Gather in Abuja for Reawakening the African Renaissance

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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

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Security forces intensify patrols along Abuja-Kaduna highway, rail corridor

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Security forces intensify patrols along Abuja-Kaduna highway, rail corridor

By: Zagazola Makama

Security forces intensified patrols along the Abuja–Kaduna highway and the Kaduna–Abuja train corridor to ensure the safety of commuters.

Patrol teams had been mobilised and placed on red alert to maintain 24-hour visibility along the highway and train routes.

hourly situation reports are to be rendered, while joint patrols are being conducted in collaboration with other sister security agencies.

“The train track line is fortified, while the Rigasa train station and sub-stations are adequately secured,” said the sources.

The authority assured residents and travellers of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.

Security forces intensify patrols along Abuja-Kaduna highway, rail corridor

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Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Katsina

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Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have repelled an attack by suspected bandits on Marabar Kankara and Unguwar Tashan Gemu villages in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 29 when a group of armed bandits attempted to invade the communities.

“On receiving information, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, in collaboration with police operatives and community watch groups, swiftly mobilised to the area.

“The troops blocked all entry and exit routes, engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, and successfully repelled the attack,” said the sources.

The sources added that the bandits, facing heavy firepower, retreated with casualties, while the troops conducted a clearance operation to track down the fleeing attackers.

The sources said normalcy had been restored in the affected communities, while patrols and surveillance had been intensified to forestall further attacks.

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Katsina

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Chinese Envoy Calls for Continued Commitment to Principles of United Nations, Resistance to Unilateralism

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Chinese Envoy Calls for Continued Commitment to Principles of United Nations, Resistance to Unilateralism

By: Michael Mike

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai has asked the international community to remain committed to the principles of the United Nations, resist unilateralism, and ensure that “the tragedy of fascism is never repeated.”

Yu made the request in Abuja at the screening of the firm, Dead to Rights, to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Dead to Rights, is a movie that dramatized the 1937 Nanjing Massacre.

The Chinese Ambassador described the massacre where Japanese forces brutally killed more than 300,000 civilians and soldiers and committed widespread atrocities as “one of the darkest chapters in modern world history.” He said the film served not only as remembrance but also as a reminder of the dangers of forgetting history.

He noted that: “During the 14 years of resistance, over 35 million Chinese people lost their lives or were injured. China made historic contributions to the victory of the world anti-fascist war and to restoring world peace and order.”

The Ambassador while emphasizing that the anniversary was not only about mourning the dead but also about reinforcing commitments to peace, said: “The best way to honour their sacrifice is to cherish peace, protect peace, and strengthen international cooperation.”

He also warned against the rise of historical revisionism and global instability, stressing that the international community must remain committed to the principles of the United Nations, resist unilateralism, and ensure that “the tragedy of fascism is never repeated.”

He recalled that: “In 1931, driven by militarism, Japan launched a brutal war of aggression against China. Then, on December 13, 1937, after capturing the city of Nanjing, Japanese invaders carried out a horrific massacre that lasted six weeks. More than 300,000 Chinese civilians and soldiers were killed—a tragedy now known as the Nanjing Massacre. This remains one of the darkest chapters in modern world history and a profound, enduring sorrow in the hearts of the Chinese people. The film we are about to watch, Dead to Rights, is inspired by these historical events. It offers a unique perspective for reflecting on this period and reminds us of a history we must never forget.”

The envoy added that: “During World War II, as the main Eastern theatre in the global fight against fascism, China endured 14 years of relentless resistance. At a staggering cost of more than 35 million military and civilian casualties and direct economic losses exceeding 600 billion US dollars, we dealt a powerful blow to Japanese fascism, crippled Japan’s ambition to expand further, and made historic contributions to restoring world peace and order.

“Today, we gather to commemorate this great victory—to honor history, pay tribute to the fallen, cherish peace, and build a brighter future together. Let history be our guide. Let us preserve, with unwavering resolve, the hard-won outcomes of World War II. At this critical juncture, it falls upon us to reaffirm our commitment to the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms of international relations embodied in the UN Charter. Together, let us strive to steer the global order toward a future defined by greater fairness, justice, and equality for all.”

Yu however noted that Nigeria plays an important role in this vision, stressing that as two major countries of the Global South, China and Nigeria share common values of fairness, justice, and development.

He said their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, must continue to grow through stronger political dialogue, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people cooperation.

The envoy added that: “Cinema has the power to tell history in ways textbooks cannot. By watching, reflecting, and remembering, we reaffirm our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to build a more peaceful world.”

Chinese Envoy Calls for Continued Commitment to Principles of United Nations, Resistance to Unilateralism

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