Solutions platform, CDT, berths in Nigeria to solve global challenges

An intellectual think-tank for solving modern social challenges – Critical Discourse and Thinking (CDT) – launched in the United States of America is set to be unveiled in Nigeria, with intent to encourage meaningful conversations about critical, important global issues to foster change. The CDT is founded by Henry Ikenna Ugwu, a communications expert, researcher, […]

An intellectual think-tank for solving modern social challenges – Critical Discourse and Thinking (CDT) – launched in the United States of America is set to be unveiled in Nigeria, with intent to encourage meaningful conversations about critical, important global issues to foster change.

The CDT is founded by Henry Ikenna Ugwu, a communications expert, researcher, and strategic thinker, as well as a Technical Communications Team Lead for the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 project, who has made a significant impact across various communication fields over the past eight years.

Ugwu who spoke to journalists in Abuja on the innovation, described CDT as a space where ideas converge, debate thrives, and intellectual curiosity takes center stage while thought leaders, innovators, and curious minds come together to challenge, explore, and rethink the world.

He said, “CDT hosts a live, interactive environment where the audience doesn’t just listen—they engage, question, and interrogate the ideas presented in ways that offer new solutions to global issues.

“We believe that true intellectual growth happens when ideas are not only shared but rigorously examined. At CDT, we bring together thinkers from all walks of life to present their most compelling ideas and concepts, allowing the audience to engage directly with them in meaningful dialogue.

“I believe the greatest breakthroughs come not from simply sharing ideas, but from critically interrogating them, from pushing the boundaries of our thinking.” said Ugwu.

“Critical Discourse & Thinking is about creating a community where intellectual curiosity is encouraged and expected. We have launched in the United States with students and are planning to have our first live conversation in Abuja, Nigeria.”

Ugwu said he acknowledged the challenges inherent in his practice, particularly in mobilizing high-level stakeholders to support economic or health reforms, and recognized that reform efforts often face resistance from influences that benefit from the status quo.

Despite this, he has successfully navigated these challenges, highlighting his ability to align stakeholders and address project difficulties; stating that “for reforms to work and for citizens to benefit from a reform effort, you must address the vested interests and influences that benefit from the status quo. Strategic communications must be used to address that. So galvanizing support for reform is as challenging as getting people to change a habit.

“But, there are ways to do this thing, especially if you have a government that values knowledge and the importance of having technocrats in the right positions. Experience has taught me innovative ways to align stakeholders for a project to sail. For instance, You can see what’s happening with the oil sector in Nigeria.”