SPPG Reflects on the Big Ideas of #BIP2023 and Unveils the Anticipated Big Ideas Platform 2024
The School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG), in collaboration with the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Foundation, debuted the Big Ideas Platform (#BIP2023) on June 16, 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 pan-African intellectual convergence serves as a vibrant marketplace of ideas, bringing together exceptional minds to address the continent's challenges and chart a path towards inclusive growth and development.
Big Ideas Platform 2023: A Recap of Big Ideas of Forward-Thinking Africans Shared in 2023
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 Ideas.
Here is a recap of the Big Ideas platformed in 2023:
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Amal Hassan, Founder/CEO of Outsource Global, emphasized the significance of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) as a pivotal economic catalyst. She underscored BPO's role in generating millions of jobs in India and highlighted Nigeria's potential to replicate this success. With robust infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and a constant influx of graduates with diverse skill sets, Hassan suggested that Nigeria has the capacity to harness BPO opportunities, cater to global demands while retaining her youths.
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Adetola Onayemi, CEO of Norebase, highlighted the stark disparity between Africa's population share of 15% and its GDP contribution of only 3% globally. He emphasized the urgent need for strategies to bolster Africa's GDP and advocated for initiatives that not only foster continental prosperity but also contribute to the growth of global GDP, hence his big idea on Borderless Business
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Ijeoma Akwiwu, Co-founder/COO of Pivo Africa, presented her big idea of building an end-to-end financial operating system for Africa's supply chain. Reflecting on the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Akwiwu underscored its profound impact on individuals and businesses, highlighting the urgent need for resilient financial systems capable of mitigating disruptions, hence her big idea.
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Hamzat Lawal, Founder of CODE and Follow the Money, addressed the concept of "Factivism," combining activism with data-driven facts. Lawal recounted the tragic narrative of lead poisoning in Zamfara, where 700 children lost their lives and 1500 were left sick. He detailed how the #SaveBadega campaign, rooted in factivism, garnered significant attention and spurred governmental action in response to the urgent crisis.
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Samson Ogbole, Farmer at Soilless Farm Lab, spoke on "Soilless Farming" for sustainable agriculture. Drawing attention to the aging demographic of Nigerian farmers, with an average age of approximately 60 years, Ogbole highlighted the concerning lack of interest among young people in agricultural pursuits. He emphasized the urgency of involving youths in agriculture to address the imminent challenge of an aging farming population and the adoption of soilless farming to ensure food security for the future.
These insightful discussions shed light on various critical themes, generating valuable insights and fostering a sense of shared purpose.
Big Ideas Platform 2024 is here!
[Click her to Register]
This year, our focus is on information technology and behaviour change. We invite you to join a panel of speakers addressing a diverse audience of policymakers, advocates, captains of industry, youth, schools, and community leadership on your insight. It is noteworthy to mention that this year, Toyosi Akerele, who as you know is a leading AI in public interest unicorn is a guest speaker at the Big Ideas Platform 2024.
Register now for #BIP2024 on our website: https://thesppg.org/bip2024
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.
Join us for the phenomenal #SPPGClassof2023 Graduation Week
We are thrilled to invite you to join us at the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance Graduation Ceremony and Africa Conference 2023.
After a rigorous but rewarding transformative journey of 10 months, the #SPPGClassof2023 has experienced a remarkable journey of growth, invaluable knowledge exchange from our global faculty, capstone mentors, and peers, as well as outstanding accomplishments, which is why we are pleased to celebrate their steadfast dedication to transformative political and public leadership.
This year, the inaugural edition of the Africa Conference 2023 debuts as part of the graduation ceremony for #SPPGClassof2023. It promises to be a historic gathering that assembles African value-oriented governance and citizen movements to connect, learn from each other, and build a lasting network of disruptive leaders in the public space, ready to shape and influence the future of governance in their respective countries and throughout the continent.
We are excited to bring the line-up of activities marking the #SPPGClassOf2023 Graduation Event to your notice. It promises to be a remarkable experience. One you wouldn’t want to miss.
Kindly find the details below:
1. The Africa Conference:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Fk9QIgK2Fs
The Africa Conference will bring together disruptive political and community leaders, SPPG students and alumni, and the #FixPolitics WSG Community. We will explore the significance of citizen-led movements, their impact on African governance, and their crucial role in the continent's renaissance.
Day 1: The first day of the event will focus on the theme "Governance and Political Trends in Africa: An Overview of Citizen’s Movement and their impact
Date: October 5th, 2023
Time: 10:00 am -5:00 pm WAT
Venue: Shehu Yar’Adua Center, Abuja
Day 2: The conference continues with feedback sessions, where participants will share the outcomes of their discussions from the previous day and work towards actionable solutions.
Date: October 6th, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm- 3:30 pm WAT
Venue: Shehu Yar’Adua Center, Abuja
2. Graduation Ceremony:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keO_ACb0jeU
The events will culminate in the graduation ceremony recognizing the achievements of the #SPPGClassof2023 and celebrating their journey towards becoming values-driven, disruptive leaders.
Date: October 7th, 2023
Time: 10:00 am -3:00 pm WAT
Venue: Idris .A. Abdulkadir Auditorium, National Universities Commission, 26 Aguiyi Ironsi, Maitama, Abuja.
Please RSVP for each event you plan to attend via the registration link below:
Attendance is free, but registration is compulsory.
Click here to RSVP for both events.
School of Politics, Policy, and Governance Opens Applications for Class of 2024
The School of Politics, Policy, and Governance is excited to announce that the application process for the Class of 2024 is now open. As an unconventional school, the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance aims to build a massive base of disruptive thinkers in the political sphere, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex development issues. This sustainable approach to cultivating a new value-based political class focuses on identifying, recruiting, training, deploying, and monitoring citizens in public leadership positions.
In a democracy, strong institutions, socioeconomic stability, and the rule of law are fundamental pillars. However, active citizen participation, an informed electorate, and citizen control of the agenda play an even more crucial role in creating a healthy and inclusive democracy. The School of Politics, Policy, and Governance recognizes that an empowered and engaged electorate is essential. To achieve this, it is necessary to restore meritorious democracy and create an enabling environment for an inclusive civil society, where citizens are encouraged to act in the public interest.
Leadership requires more than good intentions and a passion for service, especially in navigating the complexities of leading a great nation like Nigeria. The School of Politics, Policy, and Governance seeks leaders who share a common template for redeeming Nigeria's democratic heritage—leaders who are ready to participate in the political process from the inside rather than the outside and make a tangible difference.
Students of the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance are awarded a Certificate in Public Leadership and Policy (CPLP) upon graduation. This ten-month curriculum comprises carefully selected courses that are analytically and empirically relevant to solving Africa's complex development problems. With a diverse global faculty, the school ensures students receive the highest quality education in politics and policy, preparing them for the challenges ahead.
The entire application process for the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance is conducted online. As a 100% virtual program, successful applicants can attend classes from anywhere in the world, providing flexibility and accessibility.
Who can apply? All applicants must hold a minimum educational qualification of a B.Sc or HND/BA. They must demonstrate a commitment to public leadership, and the ability to showcase successful project execution will be an advantage.
Application Requirements: Applicants are required to upload the following documents to the online application portal:
- Academic qualification (BA, B.Sc, or HND)
- Master's or any other Post Graduate Certificate (if applicable)
- Personal Statement (Maximum – 750 words)
- Curriculum Vitae (Maximum – 2 pages)
- Details of 2 recommenders (peers, community leaders, or employers who have known the applicant for a minimum of 6 months and can vouch for their character and suitability for the program)
Application Deadline: The application period for the SPPG Class of 2024 is open from April 17th, 2023, to September 30th, 2023. Incomplete applications lacking recommendation letters may experience delays or disqualification.
To learn more about the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance and the application process, please visit thesppg.org.
As African Citizens Emerge as Innovators, the Big Ideas Platform Shines a Spotlight on Bold Visionaries
[Abuja, 7th June] – African citizens are continuously generating groundbreaking ideas across various sectors, offering fresh and profound perspectives on the challenges faced by over 1.3 billion Africans. To ensure these ideas are heard, reflected upon, and have the potential for implementation, advocates, policymakers, business leaders, and citizens must come together to amplify their power of imagination and ingenuity.
The Big Ideas Platform, an innovative thought leadership initiative by the unconventional School of Politics, Policy, and Governance, aims to showcase individuals who have dared to dream. It seeks to shed light on bold ideas that have the potential to enhance the quality of life for African communities. By providing a platform for these visionaries, the Big Ideas Platform aims to foster dialogue, collaboration, and action towards meaningful change.
We are excited to announce the maiden edition of the Big Ideas Platform, where we will address the theme: "Re-awakening the African Renaissance; Creating Pathways to Inclusive Growth and Development." This groundbreaking event will take place on June 16, 2023, at the prestigious Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Center in Abuja.
The Big Ideas Platform brings together a diverse group of forward-thinkers, influencers, and change-makers who are passionate about shaping Africa's future. By providing a platform to amplify their voices, this event will encourage meaningful conversations, facilitate knowledge sharing, and foster collaborations that have the potential to drive inclusive growth and development across the continent.
During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with a distinguished panel of experts and thought leaders who will share their insights and experiences in addressing the critical challenges facing African communities. Through thought-provoking discussions, keynote speeches, and interactive sessions, participants will gain valuable knowledge and inspiration to drive positive change in their respective fields.
The Big Ideas Platform invites individuals from all walks of life to be part of this transformative event. Whether you are a seasoned policymaker, a budding entrepreneur, an academic, or a passionate advocate for change, your participation is crucial in shaping the future of Africa. We encourage you to register for the event using the link below, indicating whether you prefer physical attendance at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Center or virtual participation from the comfort of your location.
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.
Late-admission window into the #SPPGClassof2023 is open and closes on October 22nd 2022
Late-admission application window into the #SPPGClassof2023 is open and closes on October 22nd 2022
The SPPG, School of Politics, Policy and Governance, established in 2020, is building a pipeline of a new and disruptive-thinking political class with a mission to transform the quality of political and public leadership in Nigeria and the rest of Africa. The School is a unique Public Leadership Preparation initiative.
The SPPG educates present and future leaders that are committed to public good and who are ready to serve as stewards of the well-being of all Nigerians. The School delivers an unconventional multidisciplinary curriculum that is aimed at producing a massive base of ethical, competent and capable public leadership with the requisite knowledge and skills to solve complex development problems in our country and continent.
So far, SPPG has graduated 2 cohorts of students as #PioneerClassof2021 (160) and #Classof2022 (133). Consistent with the mission of TheSPPG.org, upon graduation, many of our students run for elective offices across various parties while others pursue leadership careers in the public and private sectors as well as civil society.
In furtherance of our mission and commitment to equity and diversity, we have decided to open a Late Admission Window for those who wish to apply to the #Classof2023. The deadline for applications using the Late Application Window is extremely tight and ends on October 22, 2022. Admission to the SPPG is highly competitive through a rigorous selection process conducted entirely virtually.
To apply, visit thesppg.org .
Who can apply?
- All applicants must have a minimum educational qualification of a B.Sc or HND/BA.
- Applicants must be able to demonstrate commitment to public leadership.
- The ability to demonstrate the successful execution of projects will be an advantage.
- What you need to apply
- Applicants are required to upload the following to the online application portal:
- Academic qualification (BA, B.Sc or HND).
- Master or any other Post Graduate Certificate (if applicable).
- Personal Statement (Maximum – 750 words).
- Curriculum Vitae (Maximum – 2 pages).
- Details of 2 recommenders (peer, community leader or employer who must have known you for a minimum of 6 months and can vouch for your character and suitability for this program).
Application Deadline
To fast-track the admissions process, applicants are expected to fulfil all admission requirements on or before October 22 2022.
Limited scholarship slots are available. Terms and conditions apply.
Incomplete applications (applications without recommendation letters) will be disqualified.
To learn more about the School of Politics, Policy and Governance, visit thesppg.org.
SPPG Graduates 133 new disruptive thinking leaders in 2022
In a bid to produce the next generation leaders with disruptive thinking, School of Politics, Policy & Governance, (SPPG) over the weekend held a graduation ceremony for 133 students for the 2022 academic year in Abuja Nigeria.
At the 2022 graduation ceremony of the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance with the theme: “Designing Our Global Future with Africa in Mind” held at the Shehu Musa Yar’dua Centre, Abuja, were Chairman, FATE Foundation, Fola Adeola, former Minister of Information & Culture, Frank Nweke Jr., former Minister of Education/founder SPPG, Oby Ezekwesili, US Ambassador to Nigeria among others.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of SPPG, Alero Ayida-Otobo, said the institution was designed to transform the quality of political and public leadership in Nigeria and the rest of Africa.
She disclosed that the 2022 graduating class comprised 133 students who underwent 10 intensive months of training and learning.
“For the class of 2022, about 133 students are graduating. The pioneer class was 160, and they have gone through 10 intensive months of training and learning. They studied 140 topics and seven thematic areas. Research shows that there were certain gaps in the knowledge base of many public leaders. So, this is our own contribution to building the knowledge base of future leaders, and we are very pleased that we have 133 graduates.
“A lot of them are already doing great work. They are already community organisers serving at the community level and recruiting individuals that have the potential to be part of our community. Among them, we have at least 5 that scale through the primaries conducted by parties.
“Our 10 months course stretches and strengthens one’s leadership capacity, and our students who were aspirants demonstrate that what we are teaching is not just possible, but we have people running the race already”.
Meanwhile, former Minister of Education, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, has linked the root cause of Nigeria’s leadership problem to distorted political culture where leaders place personal interests above the public good.
According to her, there must be a change of mindset by leaders to tackle the growing economy and security challenges in the country.
Ezekwesili, who is also the founder of SPPG, observed that character, competence and capacity was the missing link in producing good leaders in the African continent.
She, therefore, stressed the need for disruptive thinking in the nation’s political space.
She said: ” We found that not just in Nigeria, but across Africa, there is a distorted political culture.
It’s the political culture where those in public leadership subordinate the public good. That is the common good for their personal and narrow interests. And so, what it means is that the common good and public good is not served by people who should be serving. So, to correct that, you have to customize a new leadership mindset.
“So, the training that we gave at the School of Politics, policy and governance has the content to reset the mindset of those who wish to lead in public service.
“They lead by serving, they place character at the foundation of the knowledge that we give to them by improving on their competency and the capacity for them to be able to articulate sound policies, be able to design institutions that enable society to advance and to have the capacity to make the right choices of investment in the goods and services that countries need in order to grow”.
The ex-Vice President for the World Bank’s Africa Region, said ahead of the 2023 elections, such distorted political culture could be corrected with sufficient information on the part of the Nigerians.
According to Ezekwesili, there is a need to educate and sensitize the citizens on the consequences of making bad decisions during elections.
“I think that one of the things that our research shows is the important role of citizens, which is why a critical pillar in the research of fixed politics is the pillar on empowering and enlightening the electorate so that they would have enough influence sufficient enough to influence political outcomes. So, the role of the citizens in democracy is part of what the SPPG promotes and again, we must have the office of the citizen, the community organizing approach, and all the other things that lead towards an empowered citizen that can push back and demand accountability as well as the emergence of the right kind of leadership for our public space”, She added.
Former US Secretary of States, Hillary Clinton, in a short video message, stressed the need for Nigerians to vote during elections, noting that participating in electioneering activities would strengthen the nation’s democracy.
The best graduating students are Joyce Daniels- female and Musa Ali Baba- male.
SPPG Group 7 launch the Perfect Seven Project to resolve voter apathy and increase citizen participation in the electoral process
SPPG Pioneer Class 2021 Group 7, for their SPPG Capstone project, launches the perfect seven projects to resolve voter apathy and increase citizen participation in the electoral process.
Since the return to electoral Democracy in 1999, elections in Nigeria have been characterised by voters’ apathy. Only a small percentage of eligible people vote. For instance, in 2019, the Independent National Electoral Commission’s record revealed 82.3 million registered voters nationwide; during the presidential election day, only 28.6 million (a mere 35%) voted. The elected President received his mandate for a second term on the strength of votes cast by a paltry 18.5% (15,191,847) votes.
Chechet Benjamin Andrew, Ojoshide Isabel Ugbaje, Okon Glory, Timkat Nanmak Peter, Collins Okeke, Aderemi Yusuf Adewale, Dele David Ogunsoto, Omotola Adeyoju Ilesanmi, Mary Uche Emmanuel-Okorie, Chiezugolum Ijeoma Odilinye, Gold Soni Ugochi and Ode Debra Achugwu, all members of SPPG Pioneer Class Group 7 for their capstone project, launched the perfect 7 Project to increase citizen participation in the electoral process.
This project is designed to change the depressing narrative of voter apathy and galvanise the Nigerian electorates to participate actively in large numbers in the electoral process. Not just to vote but also to hold elected candidates accountable for their stewardship.
According to Group 7, “The primary target group are people aged 18+. They are people within the eligible voters range, directly influencing the outcome of an election. If they do not make informed decisions or participate in the electoral process and governance, we can achieve little or no change. According to Worldometer (October 2021), Nigeria's population of about 211 million people, about 50% are, aged 18 and above. According to INEC, there were about 84 million registered users. However, elections do not reflect these numbers, as less than 20% voted in 2019. this figure has further fallen, as we’ve observed in state and local elections. Nigeria’s population is growing at a rate of 3.2% per annum. It is estimated that the population of Nigeria will be 402 million by 2050, of which the youths make up 60%. Therefore, we are also targeting teenagers who would be turning 18 in the next two election cycles.”
To achieve the goal of the project, the Group produced video skits in different Nigerian languages designed to create a mind reorientation and move Nigerian citizens from political apathy to participation.
Video 1 -> Politics is Life, Get your PVC -> https://youtu.be/9xpL67RL3zk
Video 2 -> Politics is Life, Get your PVC in Yoruba Language version 1 https://youtu.be/6Tm1AvflsFU
Video 3 -> Politics is Life, your PVC in Yoruba Language version Get 2 https://youtu.be/OCM1LdFG2nI
The Group distributed the productions across different media platforms.
The next phase of the project is to track the number of citizens who obtained their Personal Voter Card (PVC) and voted in an election as a result of our messages and to move Nigerians to imbibe, own and act on the Group's slogans: “Politics Is Life”, “Oro Oselu Se Koko”, “Politics Na Life.”
The Group hopes this becomes a life-long project that will go beyond group 7 of SPPG Pioneer Class. According to group 7, the issue of voter apathy and citizen participation will be solved through a marathon, not a sprint. The goal is to take measured and concrete steps that lead us to our goal, and we would evaluate the impact of each step and readjust our strategy.
They have plans to engage like-minded members from subsequent cohorts of the SPPG. These fresh, vibrant members, like fresh logs of wood, will spike the fire and keep it burning into eternity.
The Road to Good Governance in Nigeria & Africa: A Students’ Memoir of the SPPG Pioneer Cohort
SPPG Pioneer Class Group 12, Naija Pillars of Equity, for their SPPG capstone project, published a book: “The Road to Good Governance in Nigeria and Africa” A Students’ Memoir of the SPPG Pioneer Cohort.
The SPPG was formed amidst rightful discontent in the repeated cycles of bad governance seen across the African continent, particularly in Nigeria. The school enrolled its pioneer cohort of students on the 1st of March 2021 and began a mission to #FixPolitics in Nigeria and Africa.
For eight months, the SPPG Pioneer Cohort went through an extraordinary journey of understanding what it takes to fix politics. Through varied lectures, assignments, and group activities, students have been transformed by experiences that are no less than remarkable.
Patience Agbamu, Olaibi Noah Adebayo, Tauheed, Halimah Nene, Uchechukwu Dorothy Anagboso, Samuel Adebayo Adekeye, Ayobami Akinyode Olunloyo, Osanyin Taiwo Oreoluwa
Oluyinka Abiodun Oyeniji, Ikenna Ogbudimkpa, Ebi Juliet Ovie-Binitie, Kenneth Eneojo Uttih
Oyindamola Adenike Olugbile, Victor Uche Obioma, and Charles Ikenna O'Tudor, all members of SPPG Pioneer Class Group 12, Naija Pillars of Equity, agreed that for their SPPG capstone project, they would compile the individual “stories of fellow students and weave it together as a coherent amalgamation of students’ experiences, directly from the frontline of the SPPG journey, are the basis of their project.
According to Group 12, “We believe that capturing this journey is necessary for a nation and a continent that need visibility of a new and positive future.” To this end, they published a book that captured various unique perspectives from members of the pioneer cohort of the SPPG.
The book was ideated through the lens of the School’s mission to educate present and future leaders dedicated to the good of the nation and ready to serve as stewards of the wellbeing of all Nigerians and its vision for a Nigeria with competent and responsible public Leadership firmly based on ethical principles and dedicated to serving the common good for the benefit of all.
The book captures how students' lives and thought patterns have significantly changed since joining the School of Politics, Policy and Governance. It is an interlinked compilation of individual SPPG experiences that challenge, excite, and encourage a new class of entrants into the school, but more aptly and ultimately into the political arena.
The book captures the values of accountability, respect and tolerance, stewardship and responsibility, social justice and inclusiveness, and ethical leadership (as a moral compass).
The book has been published on Amazon by members of Group12, while financial proceeds from its sales will be given back to the SPPG, with a percentage going to a charity of the school’s choosing.
The book was launched at the SPPG Pioneer Class graduation ceremony.
There are plans in the future to translate the book into French for audiences in Francophone Africa and promote the book within Nigeria and more widely across Africa and the diaspora.
According to the group, the lessons from the SPPG courses were instrumental in putting the chapters of this book together. Those who contributed to the book’s contents made references to several lectures and faculty members.
Obinna Gabriel’s grassroots advocacy helped fix a dilapidated road in Ayegbami community in Kwara State
Obinna Gabriel, SPPG Pioneer Class 2021, grassroots advocacy, helped fix a dilapidated road in Ayegbami community in Kwara State. He also took up another project designed to keep Ayegbami clean, which he named #CleanUpAyegbami.
While studying at the School of Politics Policy and Governance, Gabriel Obinna was posted to his primary assignment (PPA) place — Iman Hamzat Model College in Ayegbami — in June 2021. After getting to the community, he observed that the major road was dilapidated. As a development-oriented person, he met with some residents to determine whether the road was a top priority to them. During his meetings with residents, including their leaders, he was let in on the effects of the bad road; two children were said to have died in a flood and economic activities crumbled due to inaccessibility to seven neighbouring communities.
Leveraging his education at the SPPG, Gabriel conducted a needs assessment; he knew that this particular problem existed in Ayegbami, but he needed to be very sure; he went around the community and met with people to understand the magnitude of the problem. He met with people who stay at home, people who sell things in shops, people in his PPA and community leaders. After meeting with the residents, they assured him of their support in proffering solutions to the problem. The community leaders also gave him a letter detailing the challenges faced as a result of the road.
In July 2021, Gabriel drafted a project proposal, including the estimated budget.
Gabriel sent letters to several non-governmental organisations and business enterprises to get support for the project. He equally wrote to media organisations to create awareness for the plight of residents of Ayegbami.
His initial plan was to crowdfund, but he changed gears after realising that raising the estimated budget for the road project would be difficult.
In August 2021, a member of the community advised him to reach out to Abdulganiyu Cook Olododo, the federal lawmaker representing the Ilorin East/South constituency. After contacting the lawmaker, Gabriel was invited to visit the constituency office to discuss the project.
Courtesy of Gabriel’s intervention and advocacy, the construction of the road was added to the list of projects for the constituency in 2021.
In September 2021, construction works started on the road, which brought excitement to the residents as their dream of having a good and accessible road was becoming a reality.
In January 2022, the construction was completed — and it was a dream come true for residents of Ayegbami as their biggest challenge was finally in the rearview.
Speaking about his motivation, Gabriel Obinna said he is always looking for problems to solve wherever he finds himself.
He believes he can always mobilise people to proffer solutions to daunting societal challenges. For Gabriel, the slogan is — to seek ways to solve problems instead of complaining. Gabriel did not stop at the advocacy intervention for road construction. He took up another project designed to keep Ayegbami clean, which he named #CleanUpAyegbami.
Gabriel designed the project after observing that Ayegbami was in a “serious environmental mess” as all open spaces were used as dumpsites.
For the project, he sensitised residents of the Kwara community on the importance of cleanliness and waste evacuation.
Although his work in Ayegbami thrust him into the spotlight, Gabriel’s knack for development advocacy did not start there. As a departmental president in UNIBEN, he established the first library in the institution’s department of mass communication and mobilised students to donate books to set up the library.
According to Gabriel, “I’m not the type who would rather complain than look for solutions,”.
2023 Elections in Nigeria: Five SPPG Students won their primaries and have emerged as candidates
SPPG Students Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia (PDP), Khadijah Abdullahi Iya (APGA), Ier Jonathan (ADC), Nonso Nnamani (APGA) and Adeola Azeez(SDP) successfully won their primaries. They emerged as candidates for their respective political parties in Nigeria.
The SPPG is designed to attract, develop and produce a new generation of political leaders who will listen to and serve the new class of citizens that know their rights, as well as produce 21st Century politicians who will be known for their values-driven character, unquestionable competence and undeniable capacity. To achieve its mandate, the School currently runs a ten-month programme for a Certificate in Public Leadership and Policy (CPLP); Since its inception in 2021, the School has trained and graduated 160 Students as part of its Pioneer Class and is training 154 Students in the Class of 2022.
Beyond the lessons in the classroom, of paramount importance to the School is the need for its students to run for office. The SPPG is non-partisan in its modus operandi; the SPPG has students from different political parties. Students can choose any political party or platform to run for office. To support its Students running for office, a roundtable session for political aspirants led by Dr Obiageli "Oby" Ezekwesili, Founder of the School and Alero Ayida-Otobo, CEO of SPPG, was organised to provide support for SPPG Students running for political office.
Leveraging their training at the SPPG, in the 2022 Party primaries, 55 students from the SPPG Pioneer Class and the SPPG Class of 2022 contested in their respective political parties to become candidates. Five students emerged as winners: Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia is the House of Representative candidate Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency for the PDP, Khadijah Abdullahi Iya is the Governorship candidate Niger State for APGA, Nonso Nnamani is the Federal House of Representatives, Enugu North and South Federal Constituency for APGA, Ier Jonathan is the Federal House of Representative Kwande/Ushongo candidate for the ADC, Adeola Azeez is the House of Representative candidate Ijebu Central for the SDP.
Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, SPPG Class of 2022, PDP
Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, an SPPG Class of 2022 Student and House of representative candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency, has pledged to attract development to his constituency and create opportunities for job employment if elected to serve. According to Ibrahim, "I have acquired that knowledge with modesty and built solid relationships with critical individuals and institutions in Nigeria and beyond. If I am entrusted to represent our Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, I will be an active, relevant, and performing representative. I will be part of those who will make things happen in the House of Representatives. Our voice will be heard. Our needs will receive attention, our people will get what is due to us, and many of our youth will be gainfully employed."
Hajiya Khadijat Abdullahi-Iya SPPG Class of 2022, APGA
Hajiya Khadijat Abdullahi-Iya an SPPG Class of 2022 Student, emerged winner at the governorship primary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Niger State for the 2023 general election after defeating a male contender, Alhaji Mohammed Usman, with 121 votes against 20. Abdullahi-Iya brazed the odds to change the narrative of the male-dominated political terrain by contesting and clinching the ticket to fly the flag of APGA. According to Abdullahi-Iya, "I was able to leverage my training at the SPPG, the goodwill and relationship my family has built over the years, my social enterprise and existing party structure to win my primaries".
Nonso Nnamani SPPG Class of 2021, APGA
Nonso Nnamani is contesting for a seat at the Federal House of Representatives, Enugu North and South Federal Constituency in the upcoming 2023 general election on the platform of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), his key agenda above power and political interest is to put the needs of the people first and to ensure that policies and programs accurately reflect the needs of his community. According to Nonso Nnamani “Having observed the Enugu North and South political space over the years, I firmly believe that there is need to renew the political class. Leadership is key! It is time to bring in new young leaders with capacity and competence to foster growth and development in our community. My purpose and agenda is clear - PUTTING YOU FIRST.”
Adeola Azeez, SPPG Pioneer Class Alumni, SDP
Adeola Azeez, the daughter of elder statesman Pa Ayo Adebanjo, an SPPG Pioneer Class Alumna who is running for the House of Representative Ijebu Central under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Is running to ensure regular electricity supply, creation of jobs, agricultural development and education, among others, in Ijebu Central Federal Constituency. According to Adeola Azeez, "I am not satisfied with the number of women in politics. We don't have enough women in government" She frowned at the rejection of the five gender-based bills by members of the House of Representatives, saying that such action was aimed at denying more women the opportunity to participate in politics. She believes the country cannot move forward as expected until more women are allowed in the three tiers and arms of government.
Ier Jonathan-Ichaver SPPG Pioneer Class Alumni, ADC
Ier Jonathan-Ichaver is an SPPG Pioneer Class Alumna, a social justice advocate, and co-founder of Sensor Empowerment Foundation, a disaster relief organisation supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees. Ier Jonathan emerged as the Federal House of Representative Kwande/Ushongo candidate for the ADC.
Beyond the Primaries
The SPPG is focused on building ethical, competent leaders and producing at scale a new genre of public leadership that serves the people and delivers on governance. SPPG has set the goal of raising and preparing 10,000 disruptive thinking, values-based political leaders over the next ten years.