[Abuja – April 22, 2024] – The School of Politics, Policy & Governance (SPPG) in partnership with Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation debuted the first edition of Big Ideas Platform in 2023 under the broad theme of “Reawakening the African Renaissance: Pathways to Inclusive Growth and Development”. 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.
This year, we are pleased to announce Big Ideas Platform 2024 in collaboration with the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation. This thought leadership initiative, taking place on May 25th, 2024, will explore the theme “Information Technology and Behaviour Change”.
The 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 toward a future of inclusive prosperity and sustainable development.
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 at the event, Alero Ayida-Otobo, the CEO of SPPG, 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.
The Big Ideas Platform 2024 focuses on the crucial role of information technology and behaviour 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 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.
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Our lineup of panellists for this year’s edition includes:
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.
The event is open 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.
Join us, let’s co-create the Africa we need.
About the Big Ideas Platform: The Big Ideas Platform is a thought leadership initiative developed by the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance. With a focus on empowering African innovators and amplifying their voices, this platform aims to promote dialogue, collaboration, and action to address the pressing challenges faced by African communities. By highlighting transformative ideas, the Big Ideas Platform strives to facilitate inclusive growth, development, and the realization of the African Renaissance.