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SPPG holds 2024 Conference in Abuja, October

SPPG holds 2024 Conference in Abuja, October
By: Michael Mike
As political, economic, and social crises continue to ravage Africa, the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG) is set to host its 2024 Africa Conference from 3rd to 4th October, 2024, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, with the aim to rethink governance and leadership in Africa.
The conference, which is expected to bring together value-orientated politicians, policymakers, and civil society leaders from across the continent, will also see participants connect, share insights, and develop actionable solutions to the governance challenges facing Africa today.
Former Minister of Education and founder of SPPG, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, while giving views about the conference, said the time has come for Africa to bring on board leaders who are courageous, can change the narrative, and will prioritise citizens’ welfare and interest above self-interest.
According to the World Food Programme (WFP), Africa faces a complex confluence of crises, including an alarming food and nutrition emergency and also regional insecurity, climate-related disasters, the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, and global economic disruptions that have combined to exacerbate governance challenges. Protests and unrest, driven by electoral disputes, governance failures, and rising living costs, have erupted in countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya, and Tunisia, with a surge in coups in the Sahel since 2020.
The WFP added that since 2020, multiple coups d’état in the Sahel region and widespread civil unrest from Nigeria to Tunisia have demonstrated the urgent need for a reformed governance model that centres on African citizens. Civil society organisations and social movements across the continent are sounding the alarm, calling for more inclusive, citizen-focused leadership.
Despite these challenges, however, African civil society and social movements have consistently called for a transformation of the continent’s governance systems. They advocate for a future where the interests of African citizens are at the heart of decision-making, driven by effective and accountable leadership.
“Africa Conference 2024 presents a unique platform for leaders who are committed to disruption, not for disruption’s sake, but for the transformation and betterment of our nations.
“At a time when our continent faces multiple crises, we need leaders who possess both the values and the courage to reimagine governance, prioritise citizens’ interests and foster resilience,” Ezekwesili, a leading advocate for transparent governance, said.
The two-day event will feature expert panels, facilitated discussions, and breakout sessions designed to explore innovative solutions to Africa’s governance challenges. These sessions will focus on political leadership, institutions and policies, and citizen engagement. The event will also include a Citizens’ Solidarity Walk, symbolising participants’ commitment to building connections and reinforcing solidarity across Africa.
The conference, which has its theme titled “Good Governance in Africa: Leaders and Citizens Driving Systematic Change,” will have a Member of Parliament for Klottey Korie Constituency, Accra, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, as key note speaker.
Also to speak at the event among others are Adama Gaye, Co-convener, Fixpolitics & SPPG Senegal; Gift ‘Ostallos’ Siziba, Member of Parliament-elect, Pelandaba-Tshabalala Constituency, Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe; Lahiani Najla, Member of Tunisian Parliament; Ambassador Erastus Nwencha, member, Fixpolitics & SPPG, Kenya; Comrade Reagan Miviri, Executive Director, La Lucha, DR Congo; Ayobami Olunloyo, SPPG Alumnus; Dr Abiola Akiyode, Dean, SPPG Nigeria; Alero Ayida-Otobo, CEO, The SPPG; Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, Founder and Chair, Fixpolitics & The SPPG.
According to the organisers, through discussions and collaborative efforts, Africa Conference 2024 aims to develop strategies for systemic change that will influence governance in the short, medium, and long term with the objective to build a future where political leadership, institutions, and policies work effectively for the people and not against them.
SPPG holds 2024 Conference in Abuja, October
News
Police arrest two armed suspects in kaduna, recover pistol

Police arrest two armed suspects in kaduna, recover pistol
By: Our Reporter
The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested two suspected armed men and recovered a pistol with live ammunition in Kabala West area of Kaduna metropolis.
Sources said that the suspects was apprehended by police lice patrol team at about 1:30 a.m. on Sept. 15.
He explained that the patrol team, led by ASP Paul Rikici of Kabala West Division, stopped the suspects while they were riding a black TVS motorcycle close to a bridge at Unguwan Mu’azu along the Kaduna bypass expressway.
“Upon search, a Mackrove 9mm pistol loaded with three live rounds of ammunition was recovered from the suspects,” he said.
The suspects, identified as Ibrahim Hassan, 19, of Layin Pampo, and Usman Abubakar, 21, of Unguwan Dankali, Zaria, were immediately arrested and are currently in custody.
Sources added that the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
Police arrest two armed suspects in kaduna, recover pistol
News
Despite peace deal, bandits strike again, abduct passengers including student in katsina

Despite peace deal, bandits strike again, abduct passengers including student in katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected bandits have abducted passengers travelling along Wawal Kaza–Dayi road in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, despite ongoing peace efforts in the state.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 16, when the hoodlums blocked a Sharoon vehicle conveying commuters from Zaria to Dutsinma.
Among those abducted were two 300-level students of Federal University Dutsin-Ma, identified as Onwe Esther Chiamaka and Noah Patience, both from the Department of Sociology. Also kidnapped was a male student, Goza Darios Doorchuji, of the Library Science Department.
On receiving a distress, security forces were promptly mobilized to scene, The area was cordoned off and during the operation, Doorchuji was rescued unhurt.
“Efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe release of the two female students and to apprehend the perpetrators,”said security sources.
The incident comes despite renewed peace deals and assurances by authorities aimed at ending banditry in Katsina and other parts of the North-West.
Despite peace deal, bandits strike again, abduct passengers including student in katsina
News
Buni urges NIMC to redouble efforts on registration in Yobe

Buni urges NIMC to redouble efforts on registration in Yobe
By: Yahaya Wakili
Governor Mai Mala Buni CON of Yobe State has advised the management and staff of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to redouble their efforts and ensure that Nigeria has an authentic and reliable registration database.
He also called on the NIMC to monitor their database while issuing national identification numbers to citizens and legal residents to affirm their identity.
The governor gave the advice when he received the management team of NIMC as part of their celebration to mark NIN Day 2025 at the Government House, Damaturu, the state capital.
Ably represented by his deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana (Wazirin Fune). He said the national identity number is a single, unique number that identifies persons for life, serving as the most authentic way to verify a person’s identity.
Governor Buni emphasized the need for full registration of legal residents so as to have an accurate Nigerian population and enable Nigerians to have access to essential services.
Speaking earlier, the state coordinator of NIMC Yobe State, Mr. Zaman Yaksha, informed the governor that 16 September of every year has been set aside to celebrate and create awareness on the importance of national identification registration.
Mr. Yaksha revealed that recently there were directives from the presidency that all Nigerians must register with NIMC irrespective of their age.
He commended the Yobe state government for the full support given to the commission in the discharge of its duty.
Buni urges NIMC to redouble efforts on registration in Yobe
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