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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 rescue three kidnapped victims in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued three kidnapped victims during a fighting patrol in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola that the operation was conducted on April 25 at about 9:00 p.m. by troops of 1 Brigade in collaboration with hybrid forces deployed at Kulchin Kalgo.
The sources said the troops advanced to Bilbis area following intelligence on the presence of terrorists and made contact with the armed group.
According to the sources, the troops engaged the criminals in a firefight, forcing them to flee and abandon three kidnapped victims in the process.
The rescued victims were subsequently handed over to the district head of Bilbis for safe custody and further reunification with their families.
The sources added that the troops have continued exploitation of the area to track fleeing suspects, while the general security situation remains under close monitoring.
Troops rescue three kidnapped victims in Zamfara
Troops arrest suspects, rescue kidnap victim in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested two suspected kidnappers and rescued a victim in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources said that the incident occurred on April 25 at about 10:30 a.m., when troops deployed at Agidi responded to reports of a kidnap incident in Abenga and Mabur communities.
The sources said the troops swiftly mobilised to the area and made contact with the suspected kidnappers, engaging them during the operation.
According to the sources, the troops overpowered the criminals, leading to the arrest of two suspects and the rescue of one kidnapped victim.
The sources added that the apprehended suspects and the rescued victim have been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and necessary action.
They assured that security forces will continue to intensify operations to curb kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.
Troops arrest suspects, rescue kidnap victim in Benue
Troops, DSS arrest suspected IPOB/ESN member in Enugu raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have arrested a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during a raid in Enugu State.
Sources said that the operation was carried out on April 25 at about 6:20 p.m. by troops of 82 Division Garrison, 103 Battalion and 197 Special Forces Battalion.
The sources said the joint team conducted the raid at Obinofia Ndiagu village, where one suspected IPOB/ESN operative was apprehended.
According to the sources, three mobile phones were recovered from the suspect during the operation.
They added that the suspect and recovered items are currently in the custody of the 82 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation and necessary action.
The sources noted that the operation is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace in the South-East.
Troops, DSS arrest suspected IPOB/ESN member in Enugu raid
Troops rescue three kidnapped victims in Zamfara
Troops foil kidnap attempt, rescue victim in Kaduna
Troops arrest 10 suspects in Benue offensive operation
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