Enugu, Nigeria: April 2021. In a bid to foster transformative public policies in Nigeria and Africa, African Heritage Institution (AfriHeritage), a not-for-profit, the non-partisan and independent think tank will be holding its April 2021 ‘Big Ideas Podium’ in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The event, which is scheduled to hold on April 29, 2021, will take place virtually and in-person and is themed:‘Trends and dynamics of armed banditry: Making sense of the problem’.
The Big Ideas Podium is a national platform for public policy debates on burning and salient issues that shape development or governance in Nigeria and the African continent. This specific edition is a collaborative effort with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) as both parties are committed to bridging the idea and data gap in the formulation and implementation of transformative public policies in the continent.
The 2021 edition of the Big Ideas Podium will have notable industry players and policymakers as part of the plenary session to ideate and suggest proactively achievable solutions for armed banditry in Nigeria.
The Keynote Address will be delivered by Dr. Chukwuma B. Eze – Executive Director, African Network for Peace Building, Accra, Ghana. The plenary session will also feature Dr. Anthony Odo Agbor – Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State (Impact on families, livelihoods and Human Security); Dr. Kingsley Udeh Esq. — Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Education (Impact on education and human capital development); Also
The Executive Director of AfriHeritage, Professor Ufo Okeke-Uzodike, reiterates the importance and effectiveness of neutral platforms like the “Big Ideas Podium” in providing vital opportunities where all stakeholders (academia, civil society, business, and government can come together to brainstorm on critical issues and suggest policy ideas and workable solutions.
“Truly, informed policy dialogue is vital for effective governance and transformative development, especially when all participants and stakeholders involved can make their contributions on the chosen subject matter freely and without bias.”
Leveraging feedback from experienced and reliable voices — industry captains, academicians, civil society groups, and policymakers – through well-orchestrated events like the Big Ideas Podium, the complexities of issues facing government and the effectiveness of the handling of such issues are more clearly driven home to stakeholders. Government officials can also be better equipped to handle public perceptions or frustrations about policy ineffectiveness and service delivery failures.
Also commenting on the efficacy of the upcoming ‘Big Ideas Podium, the Director-General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution IPCR, Bakut Tswah Bakut PhD. Stated “Overtime, Nigeria has been embroiled with myriads of violent conflicts and the recent surge in armed banditry and kidnappings are further heightening the already saturated climate of insecurity in the country.
However, despite these, IPCR remains optimistic that these challenges are not insurmountable given the capacities and competence of peacebuilding structures that abound in the country. IPCR will continue to maintain good faith in the unity and existence of one purposeful Nigeria, we call on all stakeholders and peace-loving men and women of our dear country to demonstrate the zeal to change the tide and proactively work to overcome this menace”.
Interested participants are expected to click the link https://bit.ly/3sZbyWI to register
