Platform to foster cognitive development unveiled
The School of Politics, Policy & Governance (SPPG), in partnership with the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, has announced the 2025 edition of the Big Ideas Platform, a thought leadership initiative dedicated to spotlighting transformative ideas that address Africa’s most pressing challenges. In statement made available to Daily Trust, it stated that this year’s platform will […]
The School of Politics, Policy & Governance (SPPG), in partnership with the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, has announced the 2025 edition of the Big Ideas Platform, a thought leadership initiative dedicated to spotlighting transformative ideas that address Africa’s most pressing challenges.
In statement made available to Daily Trust, it stated that this year’s platform will focus on the theme: “Brain Health and Mental Well-being.”
“This year’s theme turns the spotlight on one of Africa’s most neglected yet foundational challenges.
According to the World Federation of Neurology, low- and middle-income countries bear the greatest burden, accounting for nearly 70% of global brain disorders. A WHO position paper (2022) estimates that 1 in 3 people will develop a neurological disorder at some point in their lives
“Research shows that 43% of children under five in these regions fail to reach their full cognitive development potential due to extreme poverty, leading to a 26% reduction in adult earning potential.
“As mental health gains global attention, Africa still faces significant gaps in awareness, access to care, and cultural stigma. Big Ideas Platform 2025 aims to bridge this gap by showcasing bold, people-centred solutions that are grounded in research, rooted in local realities, and scalable across diverse African contexts,” it explained.
The statement added that the will feature a lineup of dynamic speakers, panellists, and presenters,
Speaking on the importance of this year’s theme, Alero Ayida-Otobo, CEO of SPPG, said: “The mental well-being of African citizens is the foundation of any meaningful, inclusive development. Without a healthy mind, we cannot build a healthy society. That’s why Big Ideas Platform 2025 is focused on making mental health a priority in our nation-building efforts.”
Dr. Amina Salihu, Convener of Big Ideas Platform, added: “Mental well-being is a basic necessity for any society that hopes to thrive. In our schools, our workplaces, and even in our homes, people are silently struggling.
“Yet we continue to treat mental health like an afterthought. It’s time we brought this conversation to the forefront. We need urgent, culturally relevant solutions that not only support our minds but also restore dignity, safety, and hope to everyday life. Because when the mind is unwell, everything else begins to fall apart.”