Africa can generate 28 trillion dollars worth of investment if we continue to use our brains –Ezekwesili, Emma Sky

By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that one in three people develop a neurological disorder, with low- and middle-income countries bearing 70% of the global burden.

Poor brain health affects not only individuals but also national economies and human capital, with 43% of children under five in low- and middle-income countries failing to reach their full cognitive development potential due to extreme poverty.

“To address this concern, a platform, Big Ideas, organized a conference that brought together experts and participants in Abuja at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre On Saturday, 24th May 2025.

Speaking at the Big Ideas platform, Emma Sky has urged Africans to invest, highlighting the importance of visionary leadership in unlocking Africa; she emphasized the need for a new generation of leaders who can harness the continent’s youthful energy, attract investment, and create dynamic private sectors.

Further, she stated, empowering African leadership for a flourishing future, Emma Sky noted, “Leadership for mental well-being, mental health crisis is a leadership crisis Requiring leaders with emotional intelligence, compassion, and vision.

“Leaders with purpose, Who live their lives with purpose, use their leadership position for the benefit of others, and make their time on Earth meaningful”, Emma Sky states.

Sky concluded that the global implications, emphasizing the future of Africa’s flourishing, depend on supportive leadership worldwide. “Investing in leadership Is crucial for addressing brain health and mental well-being in Africa”, Emma Sky said.

In the same vein, Nigeria’s former Education minister Oby Ezekwesili, while speaking at this year’s Big Ideas conference, held on Saturday, 24th May 2025, at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre, Abuja, said that Africa can generate over 28 trillion dollars worth of investment with the application its brains.

Ezekwesili’s remarks on Africa’s potential and challenges emphasized Africa’s potential for growth and development, citing the possibility of generating 28 trillion dollars in investment by leveraging the continent’s brainpower. Oby highlighted the importance of addressing challenges faced by the younger generation and women

“Africa game changers, young people and women, as drivers of change and innovation in Africa”, Ezekwesili praised.

Looking ahead, Ezekwesili expresses hope that Technology is a key factor in unlocking Africa’s potential. “For Africa’s future, citing the talents and endeavors of young people, she emphasized the need for supporting initiatives like pad banks for girls to address menstruation-related challenges, efficient governance, to provide essential services and support for citizens.

Ezekwesili aligned herself with the earlier speaker, Andrew Nevin, who spoke virtually; Andrew talked about brain health and personal responsibility, highlighting the importance of personal responsibility in maintaining brain health and mental well-being; Ezekwesili noted that awareness and action are needed to address the challenges and promote positive change”, Ezekwesili emphasized.

Earlier, The CEO of the School of Politics, and Governance – SPPG, Mrs. Alero Ayida-Otobo, in her address, welcomed participants to the Big Ideas conference, 2025, themed: Brain Health and mental well-being, stating that The Big Ideas platform which marked its 3rd year’s conference aimed to examine the impact of brain health on mental well-being, decision-making and productivity”, Mrs Alero remarks.

Last year’s success story gave birth to this year’s Big Ideas platform theme. As the keynote speaker noted, big ideas are leveraging on AI to create a future matrix for Africa led to the launch of Africa’s first feature film on artificial intelligence, showcasing the power of innovative thinking”, Mrs Alero remarks.

The big ideas provide a platform for innovators in mental well-being to present transformative ideas, highlighting their impact on the state, engaging policymakers and decision-makers to take action, encouraging collaboration among innovators, and inspiring citizens to launch initiatives that create positive effects across the continent.

“This big Ideas 2025 conference promises to be a thought-provoking and inspiring event, bringing together experts, innovators and policymakers, Ezekwesili twin, Funke-Treasure, among others, to address the critical issues of brain health and mental well-being”, Mrs Alero stated.

The event climax with cultural dances, school presentation and Awards and group photographs.