From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, and other dignitaries are set to speak at the 5th annual International Conference on Communication and Development in Africa, organized by the Institute of Strategic and Development Communication (ISDEVCOM), Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
The conference, which has become a hub for participatory approaches to using communication to solve some of Africa’s most intractable problems, is designed to address the impacts of climate change on several sectors of the economy, both in Nigeria and on the continent of Africa.
The Vice President has been selected to unveil some of the policies of the present administration towards tackling climate change and its effects. Director General of the National Council on Climate Change, Dr. Salisu Dahiru, is to deliver the keynote address, while the 12th Emir of Nasarawa Emirate and former Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Jibril, is also expected to attend.
The theme of the conference, ‘Communication, Climate Change, and Resilience in Africa,’ is particularly relevant today as the effects of Climate Change ravage the continent. Strategic communication plays a critical role in achieving resilience in Africa, and the conference will provide a platform for discussing and exploring these roles.
The conference is expected to attract diverse attendees, including policymakers, practitioners, academics, and students.
The conference will provide a unique opportunity for attendees to learn from leading experts in the field, network with their peers, and engage in discussions on the role of strategic communication in achieving sustainable development.
According to the Convener of the conference and the Director of the Institute, Emmanuel Dandaura, “The conference has become a hub for participatory approaches to using communication to solve some of Africa’s most intractable problems. Climate change is one such issue that impacts security, health, education, the economy, and food security.
”Participation always provides an opportunity to meet other practitioners of development and communication, which fosters collaborative problem-solving.
“This year’s conference will feature keynote speeches from Vice President Kashim Shettima, Executive Governor of Nasarawa State Abdullahi Sule, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria Ali M Ali, among others.”