Theme: Bottom Up

“Bottom Up” - There is a latin phrase Per aspera ad astra, which means "through hardships to the stars".
Our theme embodies the essence of sustainable development; as we work toward building a new Nigeria
and indeed the Africa we want. We must spotlight and learn from unique and exceptional solutions by
Nigerians and Africans that have led to significant change and growth at the bottom of the pyramid
(enabling, disrupting and changing ecosystems), that can be scaled for the greater good of all and indeed
sustainable development of our dear country and continent.
This event is organized locally by a team of African professionals devoted to leveraging the power of
stories to build a sustainability mindset. The events are cross-disciplinary and talks focused on changing
attitudes, lives and ultimately the world.
This year will feature an exciting line of enablers, changemakers and disruptors within the society as we
have it today. The event is to be attended by a wide variety of individuals ranging from all sectors of the
Nigerian, African and international community. Our goal is to:

● Bring together people that have found or are seeking innovative approaches of leveraging
sustainability for human capital development
● Inspire a new generation of people who believe in the supremacy of humble beginnings
● To promote accessibility and inclusion across all levels of groups in the society
● To inspire actions for the Africa We Want

TEDxAbuja aims to be the largest gathering of changemakers, enablers and disruptors across the African
continent, catalyzing conversations and actions within a diverse audience of the Africa we want, while
showcasing the true African problem solving ingenuity to the rest of the world.

Signature by Wells Carlton
The Wells Carlton Hotel & Apartments, 8 Gado Nasko St, Asokoro
Abuja, Abuja Federal Capital Territory, 900110
Nigeria

Anna Ekeledo

Executive Director, AfriLabs

Anna Ekeledo is the Executive Director of AfriLabs, a network organization comprising 400+ technology and innovation hubs across 52 African countries and the diaspora. She leads a pan-African team in developing initiatives and partnerships that foster high-potential entrepreneurs, driving economic growth and social development. Anna is an international speaker, trainer, ecosystem builder, and mentor. She serves as an advisor in various roles, including the Africa-Europe Foundation Digital Strategy Task Force, the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on technology policy, and the NESG Strategic Group on Mining and Manufacturing. Anna holds a first-class degree in psychology from Covenant University, Nigeria, and an M.Sc. in International Marketing Management from Leeds University Business School, UK. Her accomplishments have been recognized by esteemed organizations such as Choiseul 100 Africa, Agile 50, Skoll World Forum, Apolitical, and the World Economic Forum.

Ifeoluwa Adebayo

National Coordinator, African Development Bank funded iDICE Programme

Ife Adebayo is a Nigerian technologist and innovation enthusiast. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Ilorin and a Master’s degree from the University of East London. He has over 15 years of experience working in the technology and innovation space in Germany, the United Kingdom and Nigeria, and has initiated and led large projects with development finance institutions like the World Bank and the African Development Bank. He is a proven leader in strategy, policy creation and implementation in digital technology and creativity. He served as the Special Assistant on Innovation to the Nigerian Vice President from 2015 to 2023. He currently leads the African Development Bank’s Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises Programme, an initiative to support the Nigerian technology and creative industry with talent, catalytic infrastructure and access to finance. Ife is an avid believer in Nigerian greatness and works daily towards the betterment of the country.

Kayode Femi

Founder & CEO, Farm Alert

Dr Kayode Femi is a Veterinary Surgeon and a passionate change leader with fifteen years of experience in leading innovative solutions in animal health and disease prevention across Nigeria. In 2020, Dr Kayode was elected to serve on the governing board of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, a government body responsible for regulating the training and practice of all veterinary surgeons in Nigeria. As the youngest member to ever be elected in the history of the governing board, Dr Kayode has led the board in critical aspects of its operation to adopt cutting-edge technology in delivering on its core mandate. He has been an ASHOKA Fellow since 2018 and a Making More Health fellow since 2020. He is the Founder and CEO of Farm Alert, a leading animal healthcare brand in Africa, enabling easy access to affordable animal healthcare in underserved communities in Africa.

Lanre Akomolafe

Chief Product & Innovation Officer, Prunedge

Lanre is a Digital Transformation and User Experience Enthusiast with experience in innovating and proffering solutions to organisational challenges. He has led teams across various regions, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Singapore, amongst others and has contributed to multiple thought leadership publications on topical 21st-century themes such as Digital Transformation, User Experience Transformation, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Fintech, and the Future of work. He is currently a Partner and the Chief Product and Innovation Officer at Prunedge Development Technologies.

Lola Talabi-Oni

Special Adviser, Data Coordination, Lagos Bureau of Statistics

Ms Lola Talabi-Oni has over 20 years of experience in research, policy, and entrepreneurship and has made significant contributions across private and public sectors in Africa, Europe, and North America. She has served as a Technical Adviser to the Statistician General of the Federation at the National Bureau of Statistics. As the MD of Brentt Consulting from 2008 to 2013, she offered comprehensive research services to prominent clients such as Google, Bain Consulting, UNICEF, and Women's World Banking. She was appointed a World Economic Forum Global Shaper in 2012 and held the leadership role of Curator from 2014 to 2015. In 2020, she was nominated as a COVID-19 Heroine for her pivotal role in spearheading Nigeria's data response to the pandemic through the COVID Data Hub. She holds an Executive Master's in Public Policy from the London School of Economics & Political Science and a BCom (Hon) from the University of Ottawa.

Muhammad Sani Dattijo

Development Economist

With over two decades of experience in development policy formulation, public finance and project implementation, Muhammad was the Kaduna Central Senatorial candidate of the APC in the 2023 elections. A development economist, he is a member of the World Bank Expert Advisory Council on citizen engagement and was a Policy Adviser at the Executive Office of the United Nations Secretary-General in New York. Muhammad was Commissioner of Planning and Budget and subsequently served as the Chief of Staff to the Kaduna State Governor.

Olaposi Omotuyi

Professor, ABUAD Drug Research Institute

Born in Ekiti State, Nigeria, Omotuyi was interested in science from a young age. One of his neighbours was a professor whose children were in training for medical lab science. They discussed their work with Omotuyi, kick-starting his fascination with how the world worked. After completing his doctorate in Biochemistry from the University of Benin, Nigeria, Omotuyi applied for a Japanese Government Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology scholarship in 2009. Through the program, scientists from all over the world conduct research in Japan. Omotuyi was one of five applicants chosen for a position at Nagasaki University to work toward his second doctoral degree in pharmaceutical science. Armed with the knowledge and skills gleaned from working in a first-class laboratory and heavy scientific environment, he came back to Nigeria to raise the level of science in Africa. He now serves as a professor at the College of Pharmacy at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti.

Toyosi Etim-Effiong

Founder, That Good Media

Toyosi Etim-Effiong is a distinguished media executive who is bridging the gap between Nollywood and the global film and TV industry. With almost ten years of multifaceted experience in the media industry, she uses her vital exposure and skills to drive media-related and experiential projects, as well as develop communication strategies for personal and corporate brands. She is a go-to personality and brand for anyone seeking to connect with key players in the media and entertainment industry on the African continent.