Lightning Talk: Stories That Surprised Me

Lightning Talkat the Solutions Journalism Africa Summit in Abuja

Reflections from the SoJo Africa Summit 2025

By Simbiat Amzat

The SoJo Africa Summit 2025, which happened in Abuja on November 14 and 15, brought together storytellers, journalists, innovators, and changemakers from across the continent to explore how solutions journalism can reshape narratives about Africa. The summit spanned two days and provided a rich blend of conversations and learning opportunities. On Day One, a session in particular stood out for me: the Lightning Talk titled “Solutions That Surprised You.” I found it very refreshing and deeply insightful as journalists reflected on unexpected ways change emerges within African communities.

SoJo QuickInsights: New Tool Transforming the Future of Solutions Journalism

SoJo QuickInsights Presented by Nigeria Health Watch's Chinwendu Iroegbu (Media Programme Officer) and Ebenezer Olla (IT and Innovations Manager)

By Simbiat Amzat

In today's world, saturated with information but short on clarity, journalists, researchers, policymakers, and advocates often struggle to sift through countless articles to identify what genuinely works in solving social problems. Nigeria Health Watch, through its longstanding commitment to solutions journalism, has introduced a refreshing and much-needed tool to change that reality. 

What Happens When Journalists Choose Solutions

Shades of Us at the Solutions Journalism Africa Summit in Abuja

By Ramatu Ada Ochekliye

(For Long-Winded Writers and Readers Like Me)

Shades of Us was proud to be a media partner of the inaugural Solutions Journalism Africa Summit, which happened in Abuja on November 14 and 15, 2025.

Honoring African Industrial Leaders Moving the Continent Forward

Photo by Chelaxy Designs on Unsplash

By Simbiat Amzat 

The industrial landscape in Africa is experiencing a paradigm shift. For decades, the continent has been viewed primarily as a source of raw materials for global markets, but this narrative is shifting. Across countries, local manufacturers are expanding production, building supply chains, and proving that Africa can compete and lead. 

My Experience at the Africa Films for Impact Festival

Ramatu Ada Ochekliye at the 2025 Africa Films for Impact Festival, which happened in Abuja from October 29–31. 2025 

by Ramatu Ada Ochekliye

This year, I was a fellow of the Africa Films for Impact Festival (AFFIF) through its Films for Impact Fellowship.

Sips of Goodness

Yecenu Sasetu at the Nigerian International Tea Festival

By Yecenu Sasetu

I love Tea. Sorry, I have to say it again. I. love. Tea.

Investing in Health in a Limited Fiscal Space

By Cynthia Umeh

As Nigeria continues its journey toward achieving Universal Health Coverage, the need for sustainable, domestically driven health financing grows more urgent. On October 29, 2025, Nigeria Health Watch, in partnership with Premium Times and The Punch, hosted a high-level virtual dialogue titled “Investing in Health in a Limited Fiscal Space.” The event brought together government leaders, policymakers, development partners, civil society, media, and private sector stakeholders to sustain momentum from the National Health Financing Dialogue and explore actionable steps to strengthen Nigeria’s health financing system.

The Generation We Are Ushering In

Photo by Lisa Marie Theck on Unsplash

By Ojonugwa Yahaya — Daughter of Africa

I write so that silence can be heard. ✍🏼

____________

In this reflection, I will not be economical with words. I will speak plainly — brutally, if I must — because sometimes the truth must sting before it heals.