Introducing
The Big Ideas Platform connect ideas and uptakers by offering a platform to less subscribed but powerful voices and ideas across diversities, leading exceptional
solutions that can take us to an African renaissance. The platform
would serve to:
Launch new Thinking and introduce new personas on the thought landscape
Illuminate bold ideas that can enhance the quality of life of African communities
Amplify life-changing strategies to implement transformative ideas
Connect creative and innovative energies across and beyond the continent
Build on the next steps to activate the big ideas solutions
Save the date
May 22, 2026 - Big Ideas Platform Event Fourth Edition
Confirmed Speakers for BIP 2026
The Book Launch
Dr. Amina Salihu is a Nigerian public policy scholar, feminist, and civic leader. She is the Deputy Director of the Africa Office at the MacArthur Foundation, where she advances inclusive governance and strategic grantmaking. She holds a PhD in Public Policy from the University of Abuja, has taught at Ahmadu Bello University, and has undertaken fellowships at the Aspen Institute and universities in Cape Town, Liverpool, Sussex, and Harvard. A former Senior Special Assistant on Information and Strategy to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (2004–2007), she brings extensive expertise in gender equity, accountability, and inclusive development. She is the Pioneer Dean of the SPPG and a Member of the National Institute (mni).
Emerging lessons in government community relations
Dr. Abiodun Essiet is a seasoned professional in international development, human rights, and gender advocacy, with a background in public service and politics. She serves as the Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Community Engagement for the North Central Region. She is a Mandela Washington Fellow, Coady Women Leaders Fellow, UN Women Beijing +25 Champion, Open Government Leadership Program fellow, and recipient of the UNDP Young Leaders Award. Her non-governmental activism has contributed to fighting human trafficking, empowering vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls, and combating sexual and gender-based violence. She established the Citizens’ Assembly for the North Central Region, a platform that promotes citizen engagement and active participation in governance.
The value of Tracka community resource tracking tool.
Oluseun Onigbinde is co-founder of BudgIT, a civic technology organisation advancing transparency in Nigeria’s public finance system. A leading advocate for open data and accountable governance, he works across policy, technology, and citizen engagement. A recipient of The Future Awards Africa Prize for Public Service, he promotes evidence-based decision-making and strengthens democratic participation across Africa.
Disability Audit
Grace Jerry is a Nigerian disability rights, gender equality, and civic inclusion advocate. She is Founder and Executive Director of Inclusive Friends Association, where she leads efforts to mainstream the rights of persons with disabilities across governance, elections, WASH, and social protection. As the first Miss Wheelchair Nigeria and a Mandela Washington Fellow, she combines advocacy, policy engagement, and creative expression to challenge stigma, expand access, and amplify the leadership of women and girls with disabilities in Nigeria.
Original Inhabitants’ Perspectives
HRH Alhaji Hussaini Agabi Mam, the Agabe of Ugbada-Gwargwada in Kuje Area Council of the FCT, is a respected traditional ruler known for his commitment to peaceful coexistence, local security, community development, and advocacy for the rights and cultural preservation of FCT Original Inhabitants. A retired Director from the Federal Ministry of Education, he remains deeply passionate about education and currently champions initiatives supporting vulnerable children across Kuje Area Council and the wider FCT.
