Theme: The Alternate Verse

Inconsistencies exist in our detailing or understanding of the human experience. Some arise from opposing but equally logical, or even illogical interpretations of the same observation, while others arise from different observation of the same occurrence. In a way, these differences are what make us human.

The nature versus nurture dichotomy is one of these inconsistencies.

Are we primarily a mass of instincts, predetermined goals and preconceived behaviors reacting to environmental stimuli? Or are we tabula rasa – clean slates, imprinted upon more and more by the society around us? Or are we equal parts of both, with circumstance determining which takes precedence? Whatever the viewpoint, it is clear that society and environment influences our behaviors, beliefs, and actions, to varying degrees.

These spheres of influence have expanded dramatically in the last decade - from families and friends in our neighborhoods, worship centers, workplaces and schools - to an almost limitless universe, spawned by the availability of the internet and egged on by the proliferation of social media.

This “Alternate verse” is gaining an increasing influence over our sense of self & national identity; and accelerated by a sudden upsurge of technology, is shaping our self-identities in ways many are unaware of. If environment plays such a big role in our humanity or its experience, doesn’t the change in this sphere of influence and its effects matter? Shouldn’t we spend more time exploring it?

And so, we present TEDxPortHarcourt 2017, where we explore this ALTERNATE VERSE – a possibly real and possibly fictional version of our current world, brought about by technological and other advancements. Our invited speakers will attempt to detail where we are, based on available evidence, or forecast where we are going to, judging from current trends. While doing this, they will indicate which variables are applicable, and how we should interact with these variables to be ahead of the curve.

The Hub Event Centre
187 Peter Odili Road
Port Harcourt, Rivers, 500211
Nigeria

Ashley Stewart

Educator + Visual Artist

Ashley Stewart is a lecturer of graphic design and communication at University of Port Harcourt. She has obtained Masters degrees- MSc. and M.A. in multidisciplinary fields and is a distinguished alumnus of Loughborough University, United Kingdom. She has published several scholarly articles with design criticism, value and management at the core. Using education as a platform, she tackles complex challenges associated with design management in the classroom and within organizations.

Chinedu Amah

Linguist+Business Developer+PR Professional

Chinedu Amah is the CEO of Spark Media Ltd, a communications company focused on the Nigerian power sector, he led the communications initiative for the Port Harcourt UNESCO World Book Capital. Chinedu is a graduate of Linguistics from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, an Associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. A serial entrepreneur with interests in agriculture, e-commerce and renewable energy, Chinedu has a career that spans over 5 years in strategic marketing and communications with an interest in business development and core sales growth through practical solutions that engage customers and drive conversions to inform corporate growth.

Chinedu Dim

Entrepreneur

Chinedu Dim is the co-founder of Fillyatank. A smartphone application geared towards saving time & money by providing location and pricing information on the go for Nigerians motorists about stations with available petroleum products before they set out to buy. He also co-founded Boleking, a company whose vision is to globalize our local food. Mr. Dim is the CEO of C.D. Princeton Nigeria, a firm specifically invested in the sales of chemicals used for oil production and also lifting and haulage equipment leasing. Chinedu is a Geology graduate from the University of Port Harcourt.

Dr. Ukwuori-Gisela Kalu

Consultant Clinical Psychologist in Private Practice + Mental Health Advocate

Dr Ukwuori-Gisela Kalu is a Clinical Psychologist who is passionate about Mental Health promotion in Nigeria and globally. With her upbringing influenced by two different cultures (German and Nigerian), she has an understanding an appreciation of cultural differences in health perception and concepts of normality, and how these affect people's daily lives. She has worked in a variety of countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Mexico, Argentina, Tanzania and Nigeria. She currently works as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist in Private Practice in both Lagos and Abuja. Dr Ukwuori-Gisela Kalu obtained a Bachelor (BSc Hons) in Psychology, a Masters (MSc) in Neuropsychology and a Doctorate (DClinPsy) in Clinical Psychology from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), Kings' College London in the United Kingdom. She is a registered member of the United Kingdom Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Emeka Okoye

Mobile + Open Data +Semantic Web

Emeka Okoye has over 17 years of experience in web, semantic, enterprise, mobile software development and project management. This has seen his creations from Nigeria’s earliest startup, ngex.com in 1996, to the citizen-led OpenDataGA: an open data initiative for Nigeria’s common folk. He has also led the development of continent-wide projects like Ghana’s elections app, Nigeria’s first financial website with IBTC in 1996, Africa’s first mobile app for crowdfunding election data, and a host of others. Recognition for his work have come rolling in his listing by IT News amongst Africa’s 20 Most Influential Technology People in 2013, and earlier in 2012’s Mobile banking and Mobile Money Influencers in Social Media by Obopay. A shelf-full of awards and accolades for excellence is a testament to his achievements. Mr. Okoye is a strong advocate of the use of mobile, open data and semantic web to re-develop Africa social media, and is an avid tweeter.

Engr. Robinson Tombari Sibe MNSE

Development Strategist

Engr. Robinson Tombari Sibe MNSE has almost two decades of professional experience in Engineering, Information Technology, GIS and Remote Sensing, Environment and Sustainable Development. He is a COREN registered Computer Engineer and also a Corporate Member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers. He has consulted in a wide range of projects cutting across several sectors, such as: Government, Environment, Engineering, Oil and Gas, Power, Health and Banking, etc. He is a Development Strategist. In 2007, he founded E-Sense Technologies Ltd, a leading Geospatial and Information Technology company,where he still serves as the Chief Executive. He is a regular contributor to several national dailies and online news portals, such as: The Guardian, Punch, Daily Trust, Business Day Newspaper, Leadership, Blue Print, Sahara Reporters, The Cable, etc. He has presented Technical Papers at several conferences, both locally and internationally, and made several contributions in the Public Space.

Geoffrey Kwale

Hospitality + Tourism + Leadership

Geoffrey Kwale is a graduate of Applied Sciences in Marketing from The State University Of New York, Nassau College, Garden City, Long Island, New York. He has spent the last 33 years as a professional in the Hospitality and Tourism Industries. First as a Sales and Marketing Executive and much longer as a project Design Consultant covering concept development to implementation. Hence a member of FCSI - Food Consultants Society International. Currently as the MD and Chief Design Consultant of Cater Source Nig. Ltd. and Designing Hospitality, he has practiced his craft both in the New York Metro Area and in Nigeria as well for the past couple decades. Mr. Kwale also enjoys working with civil society groups and NGOs for the purpose of developing professionalism & good leadership, especially here in Nigeria. He is a founding member and past Vice President of the Ijaw Professionals Association - IPA. He more recently is a Co-convener of The New Bayelsa Leadership and Governance Initiative

Ibim Semenitari

Information Management Strategy Specialist

amunoibim (Ibim) Semenitari is a dynamic and results-driven administrator successful at leading high-performing teams through all phases of projects, from concept development to implementation. She is an Information Management Strategy specialist, internationally recognized media practitioner, award winning journalist/Publisher, and veteran business/financial intelligence analyst with a rich and active professional engagement profile in national, international and independent sector initiatives or projects. She obtained her Bachelors degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Benin. She was the first Nigerian female journalist to win the CNN African Journalist of the year Awards. She won 2nd place in Print journalism. She also won the Nigeria Media Merit Award twice and the Diamond Award for Media Excellence, on three occasions. She was named most outstanding Commissioner of Information and Communications in the South South.

Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike

Etiquette + Family + Domestic Violence

The Hon. Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike is a member of the International Bar Association (IBA); International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Rivers State Branch (and once the Assistant Financial Secretary); National and International Associations of Women Judges (NAWJ and IAWJ); also an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC) and an Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (ACIArb). She was once a member of the Magistrates’ Association of Nigeria (MAN) Rivers State Branch and a one-time Public Relations Officer of the Association. She is an observer of Judicial Proceedings at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in Amsterdam on an excursion by LL.M students of the University of Sussex, U.K. in 2006 and has attended several seminars and conferences.

Kester Oshioreame

Creative Writing + Public Speaking + Social Media

Kester Oshioreame, fondly called Don Kester, has made his name in the creative arts, social media and communications. He studied theatre arts at the University of Port Harcourt, and his vast experience in stage performances, dramas and the arts have seen him feature as script writer and actor in the MNet comedy series "Do Good"; artistic director for Hilda Dokubo's "Asawana" thriller; and author of four published books, including the 2011 classic "Talk to Yourself". Don Kester is currently working as associate producer for Yibo Koko's "Three Tramps and the Law" billed for release in 2018. In his spare time, the Don works hard putting finishing touches to his many unpublished works.

Kolawole Olarewaju

Technology Enthusiast + Visual Effects Artist + Writer

Serial entrepreneur, technology enthusiast, seasoned and versatile computer graphic artist, motion graphic artist, animator, visual effects artist,writer, marketing communications professional and media solutions provider with 14yrs professional and industry experience. Currently the Founder and Managing Director of KOMOTION STUDIOS, which is a versatile Nigerian media content creation company specializing in proving media solutions and creating disruptive content for various industries. He is also the Founder and Creative Director of GIDI VIRTUAL TOURS which is a 360 interactive virtual tour and Virtual reality content production company.

Larte Badom

Entrepreneur + Educator

Larte is an electrical engineer and a management professional. He is a strong advocate of self-sufficiency, human capacity building and job creation. He has been a key part of many start-ups in different industries for over 15 years and he is very passionate about generational socio-cultural paradigms. He is a tech enthusiast, and has been part of teams that has gained national recognition and accolades in the tech and business sphere. He believes in a solution-centric approach in dealing with societal and generational challenges and frowns at magnifying issues. He is an MBA degree holder from the University Of Bradford, School of Management, UK with an additional diploma in Management Consulting from the Institute of Consulting (IC) where he is a fellow member. He is also a fellow member of the chartered institute of marketing in the UK (CIM).

M-Trill Teria

Rapper + Media Entrepreneur

Teria 'M-Trill' Yarhere is the founder and creative director for IngeniousNG, a creative consultancy company based in Lagos, Nigeria. He leads a brilliant team to help artistes and record labels create business plans, identifying the core focus points of the art that can be monetized. He is a performing artist and rapper with several awards including the “Best West African Act” Channel O Awards, South Africa,2008 for his first album “Number One” , “Best New Act” at the African Music Awards, London,2009. He has gained recognition for his contribution to the Odudu Awards in 2012. He worked with NGOs and notable causes like the “Born-Throway Project” - a creative arts project to teach destitute children and youths on the street the basics of the performing arts to help them make a living off their talents. Since 2009, he has been involved with the Sickle Cell Society Ireland & Sickle Cell Awareness Initiative Ireland Nigeria.

Perez Tigidam

Brand Management Consultant + Media Entrepreneur

Perez Tigidam is a brand management consultant and media entrepreneur based in Nigeria. He runs one of Nigeria’s foremost brand consultancy and design firms Arden & Newton Ltd and doubles up as the user experience and content strategy team lead at TheNerve Africa, a global business news magazine reporting on the new economy, culture and innovation on the African Continent. TheNerve Africa was heralded as a refreshing innovation for the digital content and publishing industry in Africa. The digitally native publication is currently operational with teams of business and financial content producers across Nairobi, Rwanda, Lagos and South Africa. The publication kicked off in Lagos with an editorial content licensing arrangement with global media brands like Bloomberg & Reuters.

Ross Alabo-George

GeoData Scientist, Sustainability Analyst & Open Data Advocate

Ross Alabo-George is the founder and chief executive officer of Proxy Logics Nigeria. Previously a geospatial systems programmer, he is one the earliest pioneers the digital mapping for mobile in Nigeria. He is a specialist in the development in decision support and modelling systems. He designed and developed the first enterprise geospatial information system on enterprise platform in Nigeria. He has worked on environmental models, big data analytics and geo-information system. His works are tailored to enhance sustainability, pragmatic development and business performance. He is a blogger, a contributor and columnist in several national newspapers and a public policy analyst. In 2010, as Lead Data scientist and developer at his company, he led the team that developed Nigeria’s first Oil and Gas database on interactive geospatial platform. He holds a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Computer Science and Software Engineering respectively from the Colorado University, USA.

Segun Aiyesan

Artist

Segun Aiyesan is a self trained artist, but originally trained as an electronic & electrical engineer (B.Sc Engineering) from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. He started practicing as a professional artist since 1996.He is essentially an experimental artist and have developed numerous and new rendering styles and techniques on various substrates; but majors mostly in painting. Over the years, he has trained and influenced a large number of artist nationally and garnered quite a following. His works have been collected worldwide and featured in major collections both locally and internationally. His works have been featured in major exhibitions around the world, notably France, Netherlands, Italy, South Africa, Lebanon, USA to name a few and he is currently involved in public art monument installations with the Lagos state government.He is represented by Reddoor gallery, Signature gallery, Alexis gallery, Mydrim gallery, Terrakulture gallery & Apart gallery in Nigeria.

Sen. Magnus Ngei Abe

Senator

Was born at Nchia on the 24th day of May, 1965 and is an alumnus of the Rivers State University of Science & Technology and the Nigeria Law School. He has cognate experience spanning over a decade from the Federal Ministry of Justice :, Okocha & Okocha Manuchim Chambers and Etim Inyang & Abe law firms . He cut his teeth in participatory politics in 1999 and got elected on the platform of the All People’s Party into the Rivers State House of Assembly and was elected the minority Leader of the House. On expiration of his term he joined People’s Democratic Party, was appointed Commissioner for InformationHe is currently a member of the 8th Senate as a Ranking Senator. He is currently the Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), and also serves as a member of the Senate Committees on Environment, Niger Delta, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund), Police Affairs, Petroleum (Upstream).

Teinye Isokariari

Medical Doctor + Health Systems Specialist + Entrepreneur.

Teinye Isokariari is a Medical Doctor, Health Systems Specialist and entrepreneur. He believes passionately in the self development and directing the problem solving narrative of each persons focus. He has been involved in the development of business, from scratch and also reviving failing businesses.With over ten years experience in the Health systems Project development and Health Entrepreneurship, both in the Private and Public sector; it gives him a unique perspective in the workings of the value system that ensures everyone has something to bring to the table. He is a strong believer in people development, and the quest for achieving a better you everyday. His approach to entrepreneurship and business development is one that evolved from a need based approach rather than an institutionalized definition of need. He believes in the demystification of the entrepreneurial belief system into its basics, thus allowing for a bespoke solution based on each individual's unique virtues.

Tosin Oshinowo

Architect + Photographer + Product Designer

Tosin Oshinowo is a registered architect in federal republic of Nigeria. She has been lead Architect at cmDesign Atelier (cmD+A) since 2012. CmD+A is an architecture design consultancy practice based in Lagos. The practice has recently completed Maryland Mall, which opened in June 2016. Tosin is an award-winning amateur photographer and has worked in a professional capacity on public art design installation in Lagos. Her written work includes an article on 'the reclamation of public space in Lagos', which was published in October 2012. She took part in the Playable Cities Lagos workshop with the Watershed Art Center, Bristol that was organized by the British Council Lagos in March 2016. She is a founding member of the ‘African Alliance for New Design’ (AAND), a think-tank that explores the value of design for the current generation of creatives on the continent. In 2017, Tosin started her furniture line Ilé-Ilà, translated to House of Lines from her native Yoruba.