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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 Monday, 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 9:00 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 repel armed herdsmen attack on farmers in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Farmers and residents along the Daudu–Makurdi Expressway in Benue State were thrown into panic on Saturday following an attempted attack by armed herdsmen at Atson Village.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident, which occurred at about 3:18 p.m., led to chaos as people fled in different directions some towards Agan Toll Gate and others toward Gbajimba Road after reports emerged that armed herders were invading farms and destroying crops.
The sources said the attackers were heavily armed and had begun chasing farmers from their farmlands when security surveillance teams patrolling the area intervened.
On sighting the troops, the armed herdsmen reportedly fled into the bush.
Calm has since been restored to the affected area, and a joint patrol by security operatives is ongoing to ensure the safety of lives and property and to prevent a recurrence.
Troops repel armed herdsmen attack on farmers in Benue
News
Communal clash erupts between Gwer East and konshisha communities in Benue, several houses burnt
Communal clash erupts between Gwer East and konshisha communities in Benue, several houses burnt
By: Zagazola Makama
Tensions flared on Saturday between the Mbaiase community of Gwer East Local Government Area and residents of Igbinde Village in Konshisha LGA, Benue State, resulting in the burning of houses and destruction of property worth millions of naira.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident, which occurred at about 9:30 a.m., involved suspected militias from Mbaiase who reportedly launched an attack on Igbinde Village, part of the Mbagusa/Mbatser Council Ward of Konshisha LGA.
The sources said several thatched houses were set ablaze, and valuables were destroyed during the attack. However, no casualties were recorded.
Army troops of Operation Whirl Stroke with other security personnel were promptly deployed to the area to restore calm and prevent further violence.
Stakeholders from both LGAs, including traditional leaders and local council chairmen, have been contacted in efforts to initiate dialogue and find a lasting solution to the long-standing communal tension.
Confidence-building patrols and monitoring operations are ongoing in the affected areas.
Communal clash erupts between Gwer East and konshisha communities in Benue, several houses burnt
Israeli national dies in Abuja hotel
By: Zagazola Makama
A 73-year-old Israeli national, Avi Warshaviak, has died in Abuja after reportedly falling ill at a hotel in the Garki area of the Federal Capital Territory.
Zagazola Makama reliably informed that the incident occurred on Saturday, June 28, at Corinthia Villa Hotel, where Warshaviak was staying with his wife.
According to the sources, the deceased suddenly developed health complications around 9:51 a.m. and was rushed to Asokoro General Hospital, where he was later confirmed dead.
The matter was reported by the hotel’s Chief Security Officer, Okorie Emmanuel, to the Garki Divisional Police Headquarters at about 11:23 a.m.
Following the report, officials visited both the hotel and the hospital, documented the scene, and transferred the corpse to the hospital morgue for autopsy.
Police sources say Efforts are currently ongoing to contact the Israeli Embassy in Nigeria for necessary consular procedures.
End
Troops repel armed herdsmen attack on farmers in Benue
Communal clash erupts between Gwer East and konshisha communities in Benue, several houses burnt
Israeli national dies in Abuja hotel
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