As part of concerted efforts to foster technological solutions for a sustainable and developed Africa, the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG), in partnership with the Yar’Adua Foundation and MacArthur Foundation amongst others, hosted the Big Ideas Platform (BIP2024) on Saturday, May 25 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
Speaking on the event’s theme: ‘Information Technology and Behavior Change’ which centered on leveraging technology and socio-behavioral programming for Africa’s transformation, Alero Ayida-Otobo, SPPG Chief Executive Officer acknowledged that technology is “truly a game changer, playing a pivotal role in addressing significant developmental challenges across sectors”.
She emphasized the opportunities and challenges in the fields of communications, commerce, medicine, education, security, and food production, citing how technology can bolster ongoing development efforts, while speaking in her opening address to attendees.
Heritage Times HT reports that the BIP2024 event had presentations that offered unique perspectives and innovative solutions for the continent’s developmental challenges, as it featured prominent speakers discussing blockchain technology, environmental awareness, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence (AI).
In line with the presentations, panel sessions provided an opportunity to quiz speakers on their ideas, ranging from environmental awareness and waste management by Sian Cuffy Young, blockchain technology by Oluseun Badejo, virtual reality use in journalism by HumAngle, and artificial intelligence by Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji.
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She emphasized that effective environmental change will begin with the individual commitment to sanitize our environment as a personal responsibility.
Her big idea cited the ‘innovative use of educational books and animations targeted at younger generations to underscore the need for teaching practical waste management skills early’ which focuses on proactive methods over interventionist awareness campaigns will drive lasting environmental change.
“Today, I want to discuss how my team of students at SVG, along with Sterling Bank and VX Technologies, implemented the SPPG blockchain,” Oluseun Badejo recanted in a presentation on blockchain technology use in the educational sector.
He provided a comprehensive overview using an engaging animation video to elucidate how blockchain, a tamper-resistant ledger, is crucial to preventing data alteration. Badejo’s big idea demonstrated how blockchain can be used to prevent certificate forgery by creating verifiable, authentic, and searchable certificates stored in a secure layer.
HumAngle, a prominent media platform committed to coverage of Africa’s conflict, humanitarian, and development issues divulged a big idea on the exploration of virtual reality (VR) in journalism.
Offering a glimpse into the future of digital storytelling, the session illustrated VR’s ability to immerse viewers in the lived experiences of others, enhancing empathy and understanding.
Toyosi Akerele’s big idea highlighted the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) for information verification in today’s data-heavy world.
Rounding up the presentation sessions, Akerele emphasized AI’s capacity to identify false reports, a key factor in combating misinformation.
She also stressed the importance of integrating AI courses into educational curricula to prepare Africa’s growing population of AI users. By investing in AI, Africa can enhance its global competitiveness, ensuring that students and professionals are equipped with the necessary skills to utilize AI effectively.
“We’ve heard bold ideas from our curators – but how do we scale these big ideas to transform Africa and build a better future?” Dr. Amina Salihu, Deputy Director on Nigeria quizzed the presenters while opening the panel sessions dubbed “Village Square Conversations”.
The 2024 Big Ideas Platform successfully highlighted the critical intersection of technology and development, leaving attendees eager to take action for social impact across Nigeria and the broader African continent.
“To the children, I hope you have been inspired by our focus on AI, blockchain technology, and environmental awareness. This continent will succeed, especially because of the young generation here today. There is nothing that limits your capacity to solve problems,” Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, SPPG Founder remarked at the end of the sessions.
The 2024 Big Ideas Platform proved to be an enlightening experience that pioneered unique technological solutions. It offered attendees and uptakers a wealth of knowledge on the transformative potential of technology in addressing some of the continent’s most pressing issues.
A sure takeaway was that the big ideas, insights, and innovations presented hold significant promise for driving positive change across the African continent.
