News
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
NHRC trains 34 human rights advocates in Gombe
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has trained 34 Community Protection Rights Advocates to protect and promote human rights in Gombe state.
Dr Joseph Wanshe, the State Coordinator of the Commission, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Monday.
Wanshe said that the training was imperative toward achieving the mandate of the commission in the state.
According to him, the trained advocates, who are mostly in rural areas, will penetrate distant and rural communities where human rights violations are rampant.
He said that the training has started yielding the expected results as there have been increased number of reported cases of human rights violations from rural communities across the state.
He said that the advocates have been deployed to the 11 local government areas of the state.
“We are witnessing an upsurge in human rights reporting coming to the office.
“ The numbers are increasing as regards civil and political rights followed by cases of women and children, domestic violence, economic, social and cultural rights.
“ There are many factors involved in the upsurge as the NHRC within the last one month has stepped up sensitisations and stakeholders’ engagements.
“ We have trained Community Protection Rights advocates, who have been working and as a result, awareness has increased and number of complaints received have spiked,” he said.
Wanshe said that the trained advocates have been affiliated to NHRC at the local government levels toward ensuring wider coverage of the state in terms of human rights protection.
He assured residents on the commission’s effort at ensuring that it achieved effectively its mandate of protection and promotion of human rights.
Wanshe commended the people of Gombe State for their improved confidence in NHRC which has resulted in improved reportage of human rights violations
He further urged communities to support the advocates in their domains in the overall interest of human rights protection.
NHRC trains 34 human rights advocates in Gombe
Troops intercept 11 suspects with IED-making materials in Abuja
Troops of the Nigerian Army have intercepted 11 suspected criminals conveying materials believed to be for the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
By: Zagazola Makama
Security sources said the suspects, comprising 10 males and one female, were arrested at about 12:59 a.m. on April 27 by troops of 176 Guards Battalion deployed at Kuchiyako.
The sources disclosed that the suspects were intercepted in a vehicle along the Kuchiyako–Tipper Garage road, allegedly loaded with IED-making materials.
According to preliminary investigation, the suspects claimed they were en route to mining sites around Kabbin Mangoro in Kuje Area Council to collect mineral resources.
Items recovered from them include explosive charges and three-and-a-half bags of unidentified mineral substances, among other sundry materials.
The suspects are currently in military custody, while investigations are ongoing to ascertain their intent and possible links to criminal or terrorist activities.
Troops intercept 11 suspects with IED-making materials in Abuja
Troops repel terrorists in Zamfara, recover calm after attack on Godel community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under 1 Brigade have repelled an attack by suspected terrorists in Godel community of Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 2:08 p.m. on April 27 when troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kaura Namoda responded to credible intelligence on terrorist activities in the area.
The sources disclosed that troops made contact with the attackers upon arrival, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.
According to the sources, the troops forced the terrorists to withdraw from the area following the encounter.
However, during the attack, the assailants reportedly rustled an unspecified number of cattle belonging to residents of the community.
Three civilians were also said to have sustained gunshot wounds and were evacuated for medical attention.
The sources added that troops have intensified patrols and clearance operations in the general area to prevent further attacks and recover the rustled livestock.
Troops repel terrorists in Zamfara, recover calm after attack on Godel community
NHRC trains 34 human rights advocates in Gombe
Troops intercept 11 suspects with IED-making materials in Abuja
Troops foil kidnap attempt in Kaduna, rescue two victims
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
